Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe: Sweet, Flaky, and Irresistible
Learn how to make a delicious cherry danish pastry recipe using puff pastry and cream cheese. This is an impressive baking recipe.

A cherry Danish is a delightful pastry combining layers of buttery, flaky puff pastry with a creamy, tangy filling and sweet, luscious cherries. This classic treat, often seen in bakeries, is surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few basic ingredients. The rich cream cheese base perfectly complements the tartness of the cherries, while the drizzle of vanilla glaze adds the finishing touch. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon indulgence, a homemade cherry Danish promises a bakery-quality experience.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why you’ll adore this recipe, how to make it step by step, ingredient details, creative variations, storage tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Danish Recipe
1. Simple Ingredients, Impressive Results
This cherry Danish recipe uses easily accessible ingredients like frozen puff pastry, cream cheese, and cherry pie filling. Despite its simplicity, the result is a show-stopping pastry that rivals anything you’d find in a bakery. With minimal prep and a quick bake time, you can create a gourmet treat that will impress family and friends.
2. Perfectly Customizable
While cherries are the star of this recipe, it’s incredibly versatile. Swap out the filling for blueberries, raspberries, or even apples to suit your preferences or to cater to seasonal ingredients. The cream cheese base provides a neutral canvas that works beautifully with any fruit. This adaptability makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion or craving.

Ingredient List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious cherry Danishes:
- Frozen puff pastry
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Egg
- Water
- Cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream

How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Pastries
Crafting these pastries is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simplified steps:
- Prepare the Pastry Base
Thaw your puff pastry sheets, then cut them into rectangles. Score a small border on each rectangle and prick the center to control how the pastry rises in the oven. - Create the Creamy Sweet Cream Cheese Filling
Whip cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy in a medium bowl. Spread a generous layer of this mixture onto the center of each rectangle, staying within the borders. - Assemble the Pastries
Arrange the prepared pastries on a baking sheet pan. Brush the borders with an egg wash to ensure a golden finish. Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. - Add the Cherry Topping
Once baked, add a spoonful of cherry pie filling to the center of each pastry. Spread it slightly to cover the cream cheese layer. - Finish with a Vanilla Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla to create a sweet drizzle. Once the pastries are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top for an irresistible finish.










Creative Variations
Change up this classic cherry cheese danish recipe made with puff pastry dough by using these simple variations.
- Fruit Swaps
Replace the cherry pie filling with other fruit options like strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, peach or lemon for a new flavor profile. - Chocolate Lovers
Add a layer of chocolate spread under the cream cheese filling for a cherry-chocolate combination. - Nutty Crunch
Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, over the glaze for added texture and flavor. Feel free to swap the vanilla for almond extract too. - Cinnamon-Spiced Glaze
Mix cinnamon into the glaze for a warm, spiced note that complements the cherries beautifully.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing:
Cherry Danishes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. To maintain their freshness, place them in an airtight container.
Reheating:
Reheat individual pastries in the microwave for 10–20 seconds to enjoy them warm.
Make-Ahead:
Prepare the puff pastry, cream cheese mixture, and egg wash in advance. Assemble the pastries and bake when needed. Alternatively, bake them fully and add the cherry filling and glaze just before serving for the best presentation.

Common Questions About Cherry Danish
1. Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade puff pastry works beautifully in this recipe. However, it requires more effort and time.
2. Is it possible to use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Cook fresh cherries with sugar and cornstarch to create a homemade filling.

3. Can I freeze cherry Danishes?
These pastries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze them after baking. Store them in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. Are there gluten-free alternatives for puff pastry?
Yes, look for gluten-free puff pastry in specialty stores or online to make this recipe gluten-free.

5. What if I don’t have heavy cream for the glaze?
Milk or half-and-half can be substituted, though the glaze may be slightly thinner.
Homemade cherry Danishes are the perfect balance of elegance and ease. With their flaky crust, creamy filling, and sweet cherry topping, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy the bakery-fresh experience right at home!
Cherry Danishes
Ingredients
- 1 box 17.3 ounces frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract divided
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Lay the two sheets of thawed puff pastry out flat on a clean work surface. Use a sharp knife to cut each sheet into 6 rectangles, making 12 total rectangles.
- Use the knife to score a ½ inch border around each rectangle (only cut about ½ way down into the dough). This will allow the outside ½ inch border to puff up while baking and the middle to stay flatter.
- Use a fork to prick several areas around the middle of each rectangle of pastry. This helps to keep the center from rising too much while baking.
- Place the pastries onto one large or two medium baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
- In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla extract. Scoop the mixture onto the pastries and spread out evenly over the center area, but not onto the ½ inch border.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the egg wash onto the ½ inch border of each pastry.
- Bake the pastries at 400F for 18-20 minutes until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer the pastries to a wire cooling rack.
- While the pastries are still warm, add a spoonful of the cherry pie filling to the center of each pastry and spread out just enough to mostly cover the cream cheese layer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and remaining ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Drizzle the frosting over the cooled pastries.
Notes
- Any cherry pie filling will work, including the “extra cherry” variety.
- Other pie filling can be substituted for the cherry, such as raspberry, blueberry, lemon, apple, etc.
- The pastries should be stored in the refrigerator and keep fresh for up to five days. They can be reheated in the microwave on high for 10-20 seconds.
Enjoy this easy cherry danish recipe and let us know in the comments if you try any of the variations on this simple but great recipe.
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I'm Emily and I share my ideas to celebrate and create over at The Benson Street.