Craving something sweet, flaky, and oh-so-delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Enter the Shortcut Cherry Danish! Imagine the buttery, golden flakiness of a classic Danish pastry paired with a burst of sweet, tangy cherry filling all ready in no time! With just a few simple ingredients, this quick and easy recipe lets you indulge in the flavors of a homemade Danish without all the fuss. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a quick treat, this Shortcut Cherry Danish will impress you with how simple and satisfying it is.

Why You’ll Love Shortcut Cherry Danish

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re treating yourself, serving guests, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this cherry Danish is the perfect choice. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert. Serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a complete treat.

Budget-Friendly: With store-bought puff pastry and a can of cherry filling, you don’t need to spend much to create something amazing.

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and only 15 minutes in the oven, this recipe is as fast as it is delicious.

Customizable: Swap the cherry filling for blueberry, apple, or any other fruit you love. The possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing: These little pastries are always a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a quiet day, they make everything feel a little more special.

Ingredients in Shortcut Cherry Danish

This shortcut recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create the perfect pastry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Puff Pastry Sheets: The star of the show! The puff pastry gives these Danishes their light, flaky, and buttery texture.

Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet, juicy cherries in a thick syrup are the perfect filling for these pastries. You can also use fresh fruit if you prefer!

Cream Cheese: A rich and tangy addition to give the filling a creamy, smooth texture that complements the cherries.

Powdered Sugar: For a light dusting over the top or to sweeten the cream cheese mixture.

Egg Wash (optional): A simple egg wash will give the Danishes a beautiful golden finish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps for making these easy, cherry-filled delights:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the puff pastry will bake to golden perfection.

Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out your puff pastry sheets and cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size for the Danishes.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This will be your base layer inside the puff pastry.

Assemble the Danish: Spread a layer of cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. Then, top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling. Don’t overfill, or it could spill over while baking!

Create the Pastry Shape: Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the filling, leaving the center exposed. This will create a nice, open pocket for the filling to show through.

Egg Wash (Optional): If you’d like a golden, glossy finish, brush the edges of the pastry with a beaten egg. This step is optional but makes your Danishes look extra special.

Bake: Place the prepared pastries onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.

Serve and Enjoy: Let the Danishes cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm, or store them in an airtight container for later!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Shortcut Cherry Danish

This Shortcut Cherry Danish pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages and sides. Here are a few ideas to enhance your dining experience:

Serve it with a cup of hot coffee or tea for the perfect morning treat.
Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of icing for an extra touch of sweetness.
Pair it with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a smoothie to create a more substantial breakfast or brunch spread.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
If you don’t have puff pastry on hand, you can also use croissant dough for a slightly different texture.
Feel free to use any fruit filling you prefer. Blueberry, apple, or raspberry are all delicious options!
If you want an extra crispy texture, place the pastries on a cooling rack once they’re out of the oven, so the air can circulate around them.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, you can use homemade puff pastry if you prefer, but store-bought is a quick and convenient option for this recipe.

2. Can I make these in advance?
You can prepare the pastries ahead of time, assemble them, and store them in the fridge before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes! If you prefer fresh cherries, cook them down with a little sugar and cornstarch to create your own filling.

4. How do I store leftover pastries?
Store leftover Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days, though they may lose some of their crispness.

5. Can I freeze these Danishes?
Yes! Assemble the pastries and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

6. Can I make these with a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a different flavor, though cream cheese offers the best tanginess.

7. Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Try topping the Danishes with a sprinkle of sliced almonds, or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

8. How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Make sure to bake the pastries until they are golden and crisp. Don’t overfill them with filling, and use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any drips.

9. Can I make these smaller or larger?
Yes! You can adjust the size of the puff pastry squares to create mini versions or larger pastries. Just adjust the baking time slightly.

10. Can I use a different fruit filling?
Of course! You can substitute the cherry filling with any other fruit filling like raspberry, peach, or blueberry, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Shortcut Cherry Danish is a simple, yet elegant treat that anyone can make, even if you’re short on time. With its flaky, buttery layers and sweet cherry filling, it’s the perfect indulgence that’s quick enough to make on a whim but impressive enough for a special occasion. So go ahead, roll out that puff pastry, and treat yourself to this easy, delicious pastry that’s sure to become a household favorite!

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