Shortcut Cherry Danish Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) tube crescent dough sheet
• 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk, or as needed

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375F (190C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Without unrolling, slice the crescent dough sheet into 10 equal portions. Place the dough rounds onto the prepared baking sheet. Using the back of a tablespoon, press into the center of each roll to create an indentation.

For the filling, combine cream cheese, white sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Spoon the mixture into the indentations of the dough rounds.

Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, or until the dough is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and top each Danish with a spoonful of cherry pie filling, making sure to include 4 or 5 cherries per Danish.

Return to the oven and bake for another 9 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

While the Danishes bake, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, and enough milk to create a pourable glaze.

Once the Danishes are golden and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the cherry-topped pastries. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cook's Note

For a lighter version, you can use fat-free cream cheese, skim milk, and sugar substitutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 166
• Fat: 7g (9% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 4g (19% DV)
• Cholesterol: 22mg (7% DV)
• Sodium: 135mg (6% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 23g (9% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% DV)
• Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 3g (6% DV)
• Vitamin C: 0mg (1% DV)
• Calcium: 28mg (2% DV)
• Iron: 0mg (3% DV)
• Potassium: 59mg (1% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind the Shortcut Cherry Danish

The Danish pastry, despite its name, has roots that intertwine both Danish and Austrian baking traditions. Originally introduced to Denmark in the 19th century by Austrian bakers, the pastry evolved into a sweet, flaky delight that quickly became a breakfast staple. The cherry Danish, in particular, is a modern adaptation that emphasizes fruit fillings over the traditional almond or custard varieties, offering a bright, tart contrast to the buttery dough. This shortcut version simplifies the classic technique by using ready-made crescent dough, making it accessible to home bakers without compromising on flavor.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

In Denmark, Danishes are often more intricate, featuring laminated dough and elaborate folding patterns. In the United States, regional preferences have shaped the pastry into a sweeter, more approachable version, often filled with cream cheese and fruit. The cherry Danish is particularly popular in the Midwest and East Coast bakeries, where tart cherry preserves are abundant. Some regions even incorporate local cherries, giving each Danish a subtle, unique flavor depending on the origin of the fruit.

How It Differs from Similar Pastries

Unlike other fruit-filled pastries such as strudels or turnovers, the Danish has a distinctive layered, buttery texture achieved through lamination. The shortcut cherry Danish distinguishes itself further by combining a soft, cream cheese base with a sweet cherry topping, rather than using only jam or whole fruit. This dual-texture filling is a signature feature, offering both richness and tartness in every bite. In comparison, croissants with jam or puff pastry tarts do not typically incorporate a creamy filling beneath the fruit.

Typical Settings for Serving

Cherry Danishes are commonly served at breakfast buffets, brunches, or casual coffee shop gatherings. They are also popular during holidays and festive occasions, especially in North America, where they may appear at office parties or weekend family breakfasts. The ease of preparing the shortcut version makes it ideal for home entertaining or quick weekday mornings, where time is limited but a special pastry is desired.

Interesting Facts About Cherry Danishes

The cherry Danish has inspired countless variations, from chocolate-drizzled versions to miniature bite-sized pastries. Interestingly, the shortcut technique using pre-made dough allows bakers to achieve a near-authentic taste and texture without the labor-intensive lamination process. Historically, cherries were considered a luxurious fruit in pastry-making due to their seasonal availability and delicate handling requirements. Modern cherry Danishes celebrate that tradition while being fully adaptable for home kitchens, blending convenience with classic European pastry artistry.

FAQ about Shortcut Cherry Danish Recipe

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