Flaky, buttery pastry, sweet cherry filling, and a drizzle of almond glaze—this Cherry Almond Danish is pure indulgence! Whether you’re treating yourself to a slow weekend breakfast or impressing guests with a homemade pastry that looks straight from a bakery, this one’s a winner. Trust me, the combination of cherries and almond is a match made in pastry heaven.
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Why You’ll Love Cherry Almond Danish
Easy Yet Impressive: Looks fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make.
Flaky & Buttery: The pastry is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
Perfectly Sweet & Tart: Cherry filling balances beautifully with the rich almond flavor.
Great for Any Occasion: A fantastic addition to brunch, holidays, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Customizable: Swap cherries for another fruit filling or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Ingredients in Cherry Almond Danish
This bakery-style treat comes together with a few key ingredients:
Puff Pastry: Buttery, flaky, and the perfect base for this danish.
Cherry Pie Filling: A luscious, fruity center that adds the perfect sweetness.
Almond Extract: A little goes a long way in enhancing the cherry flavor.
Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, creamy layer beneath the cherries.
Powdered Sugar: For sweetening both the filling and the glaze.
Egg Wash: Helps the pastry turn golden brown and crisp.
Sliced Almonds: A crunchy, nutty topping that pairs beautifully with cherries.
Vanilla & Almond Glaze: A simple drizzle that brings everything together.
How to Make Cherry Almond Danish
Prepare the Pastry: Roll out your puff pastry on a lined baking sheet. Score the edges to create a border.
Mix the Cream Cheese Layer: Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and almond extract until smooth. Spread onto the pastry.
Add the Cherry Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, keeping it inside the border.
Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake to Perfection: Bake until golden brown and flaky, about 15-20 minutes.
Make the Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, almond extract, and a little milk until smooth.
Finish with Almonds & Glaze: Once cooled, drizzle with the glaze and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Serve & Enjoy: Slice, serve warm, and savor every bite!
How to Serve Cherry Almond Danish
With Coffee or Tea: The perfect pairing for a cozy morning or afternoon break.
For Brunch: Serve alongside eggs, fruit, and mimosas for a complete spread.
As Dessert: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it extra indulgent.
Topped with Whipped Cream: A light, fluffy addition for a bit more richness.
With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a classic, elegant touch.
Additional Tips
Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry: Saves time and still tastes amazing.
Don’t Overload the Filling: Too much can make the pastry soggy.
Let It Cool Before Glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting off.
Make It Mini: Cut the pastry into individual portions before baking for grab-and-go treats.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
A1: Yes! Cook fresh cherries with sugar and cornstarch for a homemade filling.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, but it’s best served fresh. You can prepare the components ahead and assemble before baking.
Q3: How do I keep the pastry crispy?
A3: Avoid covering it while warm—moisture can soften the crust. Store at room temp.
Q4: Can I freeze it?
A4: Yes! Freeze before baking, then bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat?
A5: A few minutes in the oven at 350°F keeps it crisp. Avoid the microwave if possible.
Q6: Can I use a different filling?
A6: Absolutely! Blueberry, apple, or raspberry work great.
Q7: Can I make it dairy-free?
A7: Use dairy-free cream cheese and milk alternatives for the glaze.
Q8: What can I use instead of puff pastry?
A8: Crescent roll dough or homemade danish dough are good substitutes.
Q9: How do I prevent the edges from burning?
A9: If browning too fast, cover the edges with foil while finishing baking.
Q10: Can I add a streusel topping?
A10: Yes! A crumbly brown sugar streusel would be a delicious addition.
This Cherry Almond Danish is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a pro baker with minimal effort. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cherry Almond Danish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Danish is a bakery-style treat made easy with flaky puff pastry, sweet cherry filling, and a creamy almond-infused center. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack! #homemaderecipes
Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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1/8 tsp almond extract
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3 tbsp sugar
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1 tbsp heavy cream
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2 eggs, separated
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1 package puff pastry, thawed
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1/2 cup cherry pie filling
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1/2 cup sliced almonds
For the Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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3 tbsp heavy cream
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat & Prep:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Let puff pastry sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
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Make the Filling:
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In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 1 egg yolk.
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Whip until smooth and fluffy.
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Prepare the Puff Pastry:
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Roll out the puff pastry to smooth any seams.
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Cut into 6 even pieces.
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Using the back of a knife, lightly score a rectangle about ½ inch from the edges (without cutting through).
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Assemble the Danishes:
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Spoon cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry, leaving a ¼-inch border.
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Add 1 tbsp cherry pie filling on top.
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Egg Wash & Topping:
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Whisk 1 egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash.
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Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash.
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Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
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Bake:
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Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Let pastries cool before glazing.
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Make the Glaze & Serve:
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Whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
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Drizzle over cooled danishes.
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Notes
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Puff Pastry Tip: Work quickly so the dough stays cold for maximum flakiness.
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Make-Ahead: These can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Extra Flavor: Sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg