Easy Cherry Cheese Danish

Indulge in these sweet, creamy, and flaky Cherry Cheese Danishes. Perfect for dessert or even breakfast, they’re quick to make and utterly delicious. With a creamy cream cheese layer and tart cherry topping encased in buttery crescent pastry, they’re bound to become a family favorite.

Chef’s Tips

• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Always ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Use Butter for Homemade Crescent Pastry: If making your own pastry, opt for butter over margarine for the best texture and flavor.
• Cool Before Icing: Allow pastries to cool before drizzling icing to avoid it becoming a soggy mess.
• Spacing is Key: Leave space between pastries on the baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together as they bake.

Ingredients

• 1 Roll Pillsbury Crescent Sheet: For convenience and consistent results.
• 4 oz Cream Cheese, Softened: Ensure it’s at room temperature for a smooth mixture.
• 2 tbsp Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cream cheese filling.
• 10 oz Cherry Pie Filling: Tart and sweet, perfect for a delicious topping.

Substitutions

• Replace cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or blackberry.
• Use vanilla extract for a subtle flavor boost in the cream cheese mixture.
• Try phyllo dough or puff pastry as an alternative to crescent dough.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Crescent Squares: Roll out the crescent sheet and cut into 8 squares. Place squares on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1-2 inches of space between them.
3. Make Cream Cheese Filling: Mix the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
4. Assemble Pastries: Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each square, followed by a heaping spoonful of cherry pie filling (about 3-4 cherries plus jelly).

1. Fold Edges: Fold the corners of each square towards the center but do not fully seal.
2. Bake: Bake for 15 minutes or until the pastry is slightly golden and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool.
3. Make Icing: Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a drizzle-worthy icing.
4. Drizzle & Serve: Drizzle the cooled pastries with icing in a back-and-forth motion using a spoon.

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes for a freshly baked texture.

FAQs

• Can I freeze these pastries? Yes, freeze before adding icing. Thaw and warm, then drizzle with icing before serving.
• Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough? Absolutely! It will yield a flakier texture.
• What other toppings work well? Nutella, lemon curd, or even savory fillings like spinach and feta.

These cherry cheese crescent pastries are the ultimate combination of ease and indulgence. Whip them up for a weekend treat or impress your guests at brunch!