Shortcut Cherry Danish

There’s something magical about a warm, flaky pastry that’s just bursting with sweet, tart cherry filling. The buttery layers, combined with the juicy cherries and a touch of glaze, make this Shortcut Cherry Danish absolutely irresistible. It’s the kind of treat you’d expect to find in a cozy bakery, but it’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home. If you’re craving a decadent breakfast or a delightful dessert, this cherry Danish has your name written all over it. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions.

Why You’ll Love Shortcut Cherry Danish

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about bringing the comfort of a bakery into your kitchen without spending hours making dough from scratch. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. It’s also a great treat for holidays and gatherings.

Budget-Friendly: Using store-bought puff pastry cuts down on the effort and cost, without compromising on flavor.

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and some time in the oven, this recipe couldn’t be easier to make.

Customizable: You can swap the cherry filling for other fruit or even add a cream cheese layer for a twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Its beautiful presentation and irresistible taste make it a crowd favorite.

Ingredients in Shortcut Cherry Danish

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flaky, sweet masterpiece:

Puff Pastry: The shortcut that makes this Danish so simple yet so delicious. The puff pastry gets golden and crispy as it bakes, creating those beautiful layers we all love.

Cherry Pie Filling: The sweet and tart filling is the star of the show. You can use canned pie filling for convenience or make your own from fresh cherries.

Cream Cheese (Optional): Adds a layer of richness and a bit of tang. It’s optional, but trust me, it makes it even more indulgent.

Sugar: Just a little to enhance the sweetness of the cherries and cream cheese.

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds depth and warmth to the flavor.

Egg Wash: This is what makes the pastry turn a beautiful golden brown as it bakes.

Glaze (Optional): A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk can be drizzled on top to give it that bakery-style finish.

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

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flaky, sweet masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the Danish bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden color.

Prepare Your Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares (around 4-6 squares, depending on your desired size).

Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of cherry pie filling in the center of each pastry square. If you’re using cream cheese, mix it with a little sugar and vanilla, then spoon a small dollop onto the pastry before adding the cherries on top.

Fold and Seal: Gently fold the corners of the puff pastry over the filling, creating a little pocket or envelope shape. Press the edges gently to seal them.

Egg Wash: Brush the top of each pastry with an egg wash (a beaten egg with a little water) to give them a golden, glossy finish.

Bake to Perfection: Place the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.

Finishing Touches: Once baked, allow the pastries to cool for a few minutes before drizzling them with the optional glaze for that extra touch of sweetness.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but leftovers are delicious too.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 220
(put them as notes)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Shortcut Cherry Danish

This treat pairs wonderfully with:

• A hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the perfect breakfast or snack.
• A side of fresh fruit or a fruit salad to balance out the sweetness.
• A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Don’t skip the egg wash—it’s key to that beautiful golden, shiny finish.
• Make sure the puff pastry is cold when you start working with it to keep it from becoming too soft and sticky.
• You can add a touch of cinnamon or almond extract to the cream cheese filling for a flavor twist.
• If you don’t have cherry pie filling, fresh or frozen cherries mixed with sugar work perfectly too.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even apple pie filling would work great.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastries and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just brush with egg wash and bake directly from frozen.

3. How can I make the glaze?
Simply mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla until smooth, and drizzle over the cooled pastries.

4. Do I need to use cream cheese?
Nope! The recipe works perfectly without it, but the cream cheese layer adds extra richness and flavor.

5. Can I make this without puff pastry?
You can use croissant dough or a homemade dough, but puff pastry gives it the best texture.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to get the flakiness back.

7. Can I use homemade pie filling?
Of course! Just make sure to let the filling cool before using it in the pastries.

8. Can I freeze these after baking?
Yes, they freeze well! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month.

9. How do I make the pastries extra flaky?
Use cold puff pastry and avoid overworking the dough to keep those layers intact.

10. Can I make mini Danish pastries?
Definitely! Just cut the puff pastry into smaller squares and adjust the baking time if needed.

Conclusion

This Shortcut Cherry Danish is everything you want in a pastry—flaky, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. With minimal effort and a little love, you’ll have a treat that tastes like it’s straight from a bakery. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a quick snack, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Go ahead and indulge—you’ve earned it!

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