Imagine buttery, flaky puff pastry shells filled with a sweet, creamy cherry filling that’s perfectly balanced between tart and sugary. That, my friend, is exactly what these Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries deliver. They’re elegant enough for a brunch spread, yet simple enough to whip up for a weekday dessert that will have everyone hovering near the kitchen counter, sneakily grabbing bites before they even make it to the table.
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The combination of cream cheese, whipped topping, and cherry pie filling is pure magic—silky, sweet, and just a little tangy. Top it with crushed graham crackers for a bit of crunch, and you’ve got a dessert that’s irresistible in every bite. Trust me, this one’s going to become your go-to when you need a quick but impressive sweet treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes if your puff pastry is thawed and your filling is prepped.
Elegant but Approachable: Looks like a bakery treat, but it’s so easy to make at home.
Kid-Approved: Sweet, creamy, and fun to assemble—kids love helping with these.
Customizable: Swap cherries for strawberries, blueberries, or even peaches.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Brunch, holiday parties, potlucks, or just because.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Spoon for filling
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins (if using pre-baked shells; otherwise follow package directions)
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 8–10 pastries
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake / Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries are an easy and indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion. Flaky puff pastry shells are filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and Cool Whip, then topped with cherry pie filling and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup Cool Whip
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 box puff pastry shells (e.g., Pepperidge Farms)
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup graham crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven according to puff pastry shell package instructions if baking from raw shells.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, Cool Whip, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Prepare the puff pastry shells as directed on the package.
- Fill each pastry shell with the cream cheese mixture.
- Top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- These can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- For a festive touch, garnish with fresh cherries or a drizzle of chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Ingredients in Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries
Here’s what makes these pastries magical:
Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy, and creamy—the base for our decadent filling.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and richness, giving the filling a luscious texture.
Cool Whip: Lightens the filling for a fluffy, airy bite.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors and gives that warm, inviting aroma.
Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Sweeten and balance the tartness of the cherries.
Puff Pastry Shells: Flaky, buttery, golden perfection that holds all the delicious filling.
Cherry Pie Filling: Tart and sweet cherries that make every bite burst with flavor.
Crushed Graham Crackers: Adds a delightful crunchy texture and slight caramelized flavor on top.
(Note: full ingredient list with measurements is included in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Creating these pastries is as satisfying as eating them!
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, Cool Whip, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until creamy and fully combined.
Prep the Pastry Shells: If using frozen puff pastry, thaw according to package directions. Place the pastry shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Fill the Pastries: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into each puff pastry shell. Don’t overfill—leave a little room for the cherry topping.
Top with Cherries: Spoon cherry pie filling over each cream cheese-filled pastry. Be generous, but make sure some cream cheese is still visible around the edges.
Add the Crunch: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the top for texture and a hint of sweetness.
Chill or Serve: You can serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for 30–60 minutes for a firmer filling.
Enjoy: Take a bite and savor the buttery pastry, creamy filling, tart cherries, and crunchy topping. Pure bliss.
How to Serve Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries
- Brunch Spread: Perfect alongside coffee, tea, or mimosas.
- Dessert Platter: Pair with fresh berries or chocolate drizzle for a showstopping tray.
- Snack Time: Serve one or two for a mid-afternoon treat.
- Party Ready: Arrange on a tiered platter for easy serving at gatherings.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep Ahead: Fill the puff pastry shells a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Best served fresh, though—they’re at their peak texture and flavor immediately after assembly.
Variations to Try
- Different Fruit Fillings: Blueberries, peaches, or a mixed berry blend work wonderfully.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a little chocolate and drizzle over the top for extra decadence.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the graham cracker topping.
- Mini Versions: Use mini puff pastry shells for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
Additional Tips
- Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature—it mixes more smoothly.
- Don’t overfill the shells, or the filling may spill over.
- For extra visual appeal, add a mint leaf or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Assemble and chill for 30–60 minutes, or fill the shells and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Q2: Can I use homemade puff pastry?
A2: Absolutely—homemade or store-bought works great.
Q3: Can I swap the cherries for another fruit?
A3: Yes, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or even a mixed berry combo are delicious.
Q4: Can I make these vegan?
A4: Swap cream cheese with a dairy-free version, use non-dairy whipped topping, and choose puff pastry made without butter.
Q5: Can I freeze these pastries?
A5: Not recommended once filled—the puff pastry can get soggy. You can freeze unbaked puff pastry shells, though.
Q6: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A6: Yes, fresh whipped cream works wonderfully for a lighter, fresher filling.
Q7: How long should I chill before serving?
A7: About 30–60 minutes in the fridge is ideal for firm filling.
Q8: Can I make mini versions?
A8: Yes! Mini puff pastry shells are perfect for parties or bite-sized snacks.
Q9: Can I skip the graham cracker topping?
A9: Yes, but the crunch adds a lovely texture and extra sweetness.
Q10: Can I add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel?
A10: Absolutely—feel free to get creative! A little drizzle takes these pastries from delicious to showstopper.
Conclusion
These Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries are the perfect blend of buttery, creamy, tart, and sweet. They’re simple to assemble, elegant enough for entertaining, and downright addictive to eat. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, dessert, or just because, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone around the table.
So go ahead, whip up a batch, and savor the magic of flaky pastry, luscious cream cheese, and vibrant cherries. Trust me—one bite, and you’ll understand why these pastries are a crowd favorite.