There’s something magical about biting into a flaky, golden pastry filled with rich cream cheese and vibrant cherry filling. This Cherry Cream Cheese Danish combines the best of both worlds: bakery-quality indulgence and easy homemade goodness.

Whether you’re making a special weekend breakfast, need a quick sweet for brunch, or just want a cozy treat with your coffee, this danish delivers. It’s impressive enough for guests, yet simple enough to whip up with store-bought puff pastry and a handful of ingredients.

Using puff pastry saves time without sacrificing taste. The filling is a dream—smooth cream cheese lightly sweetened and flavored with vanilla, paired with tart-sweet cherries that balance the richness perfectly. If you’re someone who grew up loving bakery danishes but thought they were too complicated to make, this recipe will change your mind.

This Cherry Cream Cheese Danish isn’t just a recipe—it’s a little homemade luxury. And the best part? It takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish. That’s right—golden, buttery pastry without hours of proofing or complicated dough. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back.

Let’s dive into why this danish is so special and how to make it happen in your own kitchen.

What Makes This Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Special?

Quick & Easy with Store-Bought Puff Pastry – No need to knead dough or wait hours.
Bakery-Worthy Texture – Crisp, flaky layers with creamy, tangy-sweet filling.
Versatile & Customizable – Swap in other fruits, adjust sweetness, or change the shape.
Perfect Balance of Flavors – Tangy cream cheese, sweet cherries, buttery pastry.
Impressive but Simple – Great for brunches, holidays, or just treating yourself.

The trick here is letting the puff pastry do the heavy lifting while you whip up a fast cream cheese filling. It’s a great go-to recipe when you want something homemade that looks and tastes fancy without being fussy.

Ingredient Notes

Puff Pastry Sheets
- Store-bought, thawed. You can use homemade if you’re feeling adventurous, but pre-made is perfect for quick results.
- Substitute: Crescent roll dough (texture will vary).
Cream Cheese (8 oz)
- Full-fat for the best richness and structure.
- Let it come to room temperature for smooth mixing.
Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup)
- Adds just enough sweetness to the cheese mixture.
- Can swap in maple syrup or honey for variation.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
- Essential for flavor depth.
- Try almond extract for a twist.
Cherry Pie Filling (1 cup)
- Convenient and flavorful.
- Use homemade cherry compote or swap with blueberries, strawberries, or apples.
Egg (1 large)
- Used for egg wash to get that shiny, golden top.
- Mix with a splash of milk or cream.
Powdered Sugar + Milk (optional)
- For a quick glaze drizzle on top after baking.
- Add a drop of vanilla or lemon juice for flavor.

How To Make Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Prepare the cream cheese filling.
- In a medium bowl, mix 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth. No lumps!
Roll and cut the pastry.
- Roll out one puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into 4 to 6 rectangles (or twist into braids if you want to be fancy).
- Transfer pieces to your lined baking sheet.
Assemble the danishes.
- Score a smaller rectangle inside each piece, about 1/2 inch from the edge (don’t cut all the way through).
- Spread 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling in the center.
- Spoon a tablespoon of cherry pie filling on top.
Brush with egg wash.
- Beat one egg with 1 tablespoon milk and brush the edges of the pastry.
Bake for 17–20 minutes.
- Bake until golden brown and puffed. The centers should be slightly set.
- Cool on a wire rack.
(Optional) Drizzle with glaze.
- Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tsp milk until pourable. Drizzle over cooled danishes.

Storage Options

Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Refrigeration:
Best stored in the fridge for 3–4 days. Let come to room temperature before eating, or warm slightly.
Freezing:
Wrap each danish in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly in a 325°F oven.
Reheating Tips:
Warm in the oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness. Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the pastry.

Variations and Substitutions

Berry Danish: Use blueberry or raspberry filling instead of cherry.
Lemon Cream Cheese Danish: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture and use lemon curd.
Savory Twist: Use herbed cream cheese and sundried tomatoes for a savory brunch version.
Mini Bites: Cut puff pastry smaller for mini danish bites.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free puff pastry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cherry filling?
Yes! Just cook cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.

Why is my cream cheese filling runny?
Make sure your cream cheese is softened, not melted. Don’t overmix once sugar is added.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—assemble the danishes, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next morning.

Why is the pastry soggy underneath?
Use a preheated baking sheet or bake on the lower oven rack. Don’t overfill with cherries.

Can I freeze them after baking?
Absolutely. Cool completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?
Crescent roll dough works in a pinch—just expect a different, softer texture.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a warm, flaky Cherry Cream Cheese Danish to brighten your morning or sweeten your brunch table. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a treat but doesn’t ask too much of you. And when that creamy filling meets tart cherries and buttery pastry? Perfection.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your danish creations—I’d love to hear how yours turn out!

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish: A Buttery, Creamy, Fruity Delight

Author: Sofia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 35 minutes 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup cherry pie filling
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp milk
Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Cut puff pastry into rectangles and place on the sheet.
Score a smaller rectangle inside each piece and add cream cheese filling.
Top with cherry filling. Brush edges with egg wash.
Bake for 17–20 minutes or until golden.
Cool, then drizzle with glaze if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: ~320
Sugar: 12g
Fat: 21g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g