Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

Ingredients:

• For the Pastry:
  • 1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Cherry Topping:
  • 1 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries if available)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   • Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares.
   • Fold the corners of each square inward to create a circular shape, or form the dough into a heart shape as seen in the image.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Danish:
   • Spoon about a tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry square.
   • Add 3–4 cherries from the cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
   • Brush the edges of the pastry with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
5. Bake:
   • Place the assembled pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
6. Cool & Serve:
   • Let the pastries cool slightly before serving.