Cherry Danish with Cream Cheese Filling and Almond Topping Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Danish pastries are a delightful treat combining flaky crescent roll dough with a creamy almond-scented filling and sweet cherry topping. These homemade Danishes are easy to assemble and perfect for breakfast or a special snack.

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 (two 8-ounce tubes, chilled in freezer for 30 minutes)
• ¼ cup slivered almonds (optional)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, use a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream together the cream cheese, sugar, and almond extract until smooth. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, beat the egg and water together with a fork to create an egg wash. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Open one package of crescent rolls and remove the tube without unrolling. Place it on a cutting board.
5. Step 5: Using a sharp knife, cut the long cylinder into 12 equal pieces.
6. Step 6: Flatten each piece gently with your fingers to create a circle in the center. Place each circle 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the edges of each circle with the egg wash.
7. Step 7: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each dough circle.
8. Step 8: Top the filling with 2 cherries from the cherry pie filling per Danish.
9. Step 9: Bake for 10 to 11 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Let the Danishes cool for 5 minutes.
10. Step 10: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and whole milk until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over each Danish. Optionally, garnish with slivered almonds.
11. Step 11: Repeat the process with the second tube of crescent rolls.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling.
• Substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry or raspberry for a different fruit twist.
• Use refrigerated crescent rolls chilled for at least 30 minutes to make cutting and shaping easier.
• Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy finish.

Storage

Store leftover Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 4 days and warm briefly in a low oven or microwave before serving. The glaze may soften over time, so drizzle extra if desired before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these Danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Danishes and refrigerate them unbaked for a few hours before baking. Bring them back to room temperature before placing in the oven for best results.

Can I freeze the Danishes?

Yes, bake the Danishes first, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to enjoy a fresh-tasting pastry.

Cherry Danish with Cream Cheese Filling and Almond Topping Recipe

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This Cherry Danish recipe features flaky crescent roll dough filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and topped with sweet cherry pie filling. Finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze and optional slivered almonds, these Danishes are easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert treat.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 24 Cherry Danishes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cream Cheese Filling

• 5 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ¼ cup sugar

Cherry Topping

• 21 ounces cherry pie filling

Dough and Assembly

• 16 ounces flaky crescent rolls (two 8-ounce tubes), chilled in freezer for 30 minutes
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• ¼ cup slivered almonds (optional)

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside to prepare for baking.
2. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, use a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
3. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with water using a fork to create an egg wash. This will help seal and brown the edges of the dough.
4. Cut Crescent Rolls: Open one package of the chilled crescent rolls and keep them in their original tube shape without unrolling. Place the tube on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into 12 equal pieces.
5. Shape Dough Circles: Using your fingers and thumb, gently flatten each dough piece in the middle to form a small circle. Arrange these dough circles on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the edges and sides of each dough circle lightly with the egg wash to help browning and sealing.
6. Add Filling and Cherries: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each dough circle. Then, place 2 cherries from the cherry pie filling atop the cream cheese layer on each Danish.
7. Bake: Bake the Danishes in the preheated oven for 10 to 11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the pastry is cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before adding the glaze.
8. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and whole milk until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps. Drizzle the glaze lightly over each cooled Danish using a spoon or a piping bag.
9. Garnish and Repeat: Optionally, sprinkle slivered almonds over the glazed Danishes for added texture and flavor. Open the second tube of crescent rolls and repeat all the steps to make additional Cherry Danishes.

Notes

• Ensure the crescent rolls are chilled before cutting to maintain their shape during baking.
• The egg wash helps achieve a golden, glossy finish on the pastry edges.
• You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if preferred.
• For a different flavor twist, consider using blueberry or raspberry pie filling instead of cherry.
• Serve these Danishes warm or at room temperature for best taste.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Cherry Danish, cream cheese danish, cherry pastry, crescent roll dessert, easy danish recipe, homemade danish, breakfast pastry