Have you ever wondered what makes a pastry truly unforgettable? At the heart of many bakeries, you’ll find the delectable Cherry Danish, a flaky, sweet pastry that captivates both the eyes and the taste buds. But what sets this treat apart from other desserts? In this post, we’ll not only explore the world of Cherry Danish but also guide you through every step of creating this scrumptious delight right in your kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
To create a Cherry Danish that’s both delicious and visually appealing, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 5 ounces cream cheese (softened): Rich and tangy, cream cheese provides the creamy center of our Danish.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: This aromatic extract elevates the flavor profile, adding warmth and complexity.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetness is essential! Sugar balances the tartness of the cherries.
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling: The star of the show, cherry pie filling brings a burst of fruity flavor.
- 1 egg: This acts as an egg wash to provide a beautiful shine to your pastries.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with the egg for the wash.
- 16 ounces flaky crescent rolls (placed in the freezer for 30 minutes): These rolls are the foundation of your pastry, offering effortless flakiness.
- ¼ cup slivered almonds (optional): For those who enjoy a bit of crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Used for the glaze that adds sweetness on top.
- 3 tablespoons whole milk: To mix with the powdered sugar for a smooth glaze.
Timing
When you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend the whole day baking, this Cherry Danish recipe comes to your rescue. The total time for preparation and cooking is about 90 minutes, which is 20% less time than many traditional pastry recipes. Here’s a breakdown:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Cooling Time: 5 minutes
How to Make Cherry Danish
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside for later.
Step 2: Combine Cream Cheese and Sugar
In a medium bowl, use a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream together 5 ounces of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of almond extract until smooth. This heavenly mixture will be the creamy center of your pastry.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a small mixing bowl, beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create the egg wash. This wash will give your Danish a beautiful, glossy finish.
Step 4: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Open one package of crescent rolls without unrolling them. Instead, keep them in the long cylinder shape and place them on your cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the cylinder into 12 equal pieces.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Using your fingers, flatten each round circle in the middle and place them on the prepared baking sheet with 2 inches apart. Don’t forget to brush the edges and sides with the egg wash!
Step 6: Fill with Cream Cheese and Cherries
Spoon a modest amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each crescent dough circle, then place 2 cherries on top of the filling for that burst of fruity goodness.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Once baked, allow the Danishes to cool for 5 minutes before drizzling them with the glaze.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of whole milk until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over each Danish, and feel free to garnish with a few sliced almonds.
Step 9: Repeat with the Second Tube
Open your second tube of crescent rolls and repeat the process for an extra batch of delicious Cherry Danish.
Nutritional Information
Indulging in a Cherry Danish is not only delightful but also offers nutritional content worth noting. Here’s a rough estimate per serving (1 Danish):
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 6g
This nutritional breakdown allows you to enjoy your treat mindfully!
Healthier Alternatives For Cherry Danish
If you’re looking to maintain flavor while enhancing the health profile of your Cherry Danish, consider these swaps:
- Substitute regular cream cheese with light cream cheese for lower fat content.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for added protein and a tangy twist.
- Opt for sugar alternatives like stevia or erythritol for fewer calories.
- Replace cherry pie filling with fresh cherries mixed with a bit of honey for a fresh take.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Danish isn’t just a standalone treat; it pairs wonderfully with various beverages and sides. Here are some unique serving suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Pair with freshly brewed coffee for a delightful brunch treat.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or additional slivered almonds for an appealing presentation.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
To ensure your Cherry Danish comes out perfect, beware of these common pitfalls:
- Not thawing the crescent rolls: Ensure they’re slightly softened but still cold for an ideal flaky texture.
- Overfilling: Less is more! Too much filling can leak and make a mess.
- Skipping the egg wash: This is crucial for that golden-brown finish you desire.
Storing Tips For Cherry Danish
To keep your Cherry Danish as fresh as possible, follow these storing tips:
- Store uneaten Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate any leftovers to prolong freshness, consuming them within a week.
- For long-term storage, you can freeze the baked Danishes between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Mastering the Cherry Danish is not just about baking; it’s about creating lasting memories with friends and family. With its flaky pastry and rich filling, this treat can turn any occasion special. Ready to dive into the world of baking? Grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and let us know how your Cherry Danish turns out! Be sure to share your creations or explore more delightful recipes on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for cherry pie filling?
You can use fresh cherries mixed with a bit of sugar, raspberry filling, or even blueberry pie filling as delightful alternatives.
How long do the Cherry Danishes last?
When stored properly at room temperature, Cherry Danishes can last about 2 days, and in the fridge, they can last up to a week.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cream cheese filling can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Just assemble your Danishes on the day you plan to bake them.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can skip it or replace it with a hint of vanilla extract for a different yet delightful flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the flaky crescent rolls with gluten-free pastry dough available in stores. Just be sure to check for any starch-based ingredients!
Print
Cherry Danish
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flaky, sweet pastry filled with cream cheese and cherry pie filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ cup sugar
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 16 ounces flaky crescent rolls (placed in the freezer for 30 minutes)
- ¼ cup slivered almonds (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, cream together cream cheese, sugar, and almond extract until smooth.
- Beat the egg with water to create an egg wash.
- Keep the crescent rolls in their long cylinder form and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Flatten each piece and place on baking sheet, brushing edges with egg wash.
- Fill each circle with cream cheese and 2 cherries.
- Bake for 10 to 11 minutes until golden brown, then cool for 5 minutes.
- Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze and drizzle over Danishes.
- Repeat with the second tube of crescent rolls.
Notes
For a healthier version, consider using light cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cherry Danish, pastry, dessert, baking, sweet treat