Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes – Easy Homemade Treats

I love food and pastries, so I’m excited to share my Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes recipe. These treats mix flaky Danish pastry with cherry pie filling and cream cheese. They’re perfect for brunch, potlucks, or just a sweet treat.

They’re also super easy to make. You just need store-bought dough and cherry pie filling. This makes them great for busy cooks or baking beginners. With a few simple steps, you can make these tasty pastries to share with loved ones.

Key Takeaways

• Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast or dessert pastry
• The recipe uses store-bought dough and cherry pie filling for convenience
• These mini danishes are perfect for serving at parties, brunch, or as a sweet treat
• The recipe can be customized with different fruit fillings to suit your taste preferences
• The pastries are flaky, buttery, and feature a creamy cream cheese filling and sweet cherry topping

The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Creamy Flavors

Danish pastries are famous for their flaky texture and rich flavors. The mix of sweet cherry filling and creamy cream cheese makes them irresistible. Enjoy them as a brunch treat or a midday snack for a burst of fruity and creamy flavors.

Understanding Danish Pastry Characteristics

Danish pastries are known for their layered texture. The dough is carefully made with thin sheets of butter and flaky pastry. This makes the pastry crisp outside and soft inside, with a rich, buttery taste and golden color.

The Appeal of Cherry and Cheese Combination

The mix of sweet cherry filling and creamy cream cheese is a timeless favorite. The tart cherries contrast beautifully with the smooth cream cheese. This combination is sure to please and leave you wanting more.

Ingredient	Amount
Cream Cheese	8 ounces
Granulated Sugar	2 tablespoons
Almond Extract	1 teaspoon

Essential Ingredients for Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Making mini cherry cheese danishes is all about picking the right ingredients. A few key elements come together to create a perfect mix of sweet and creamy. Here’s what you need to make these tasty pastries:

• 1 package of crescent rolls (I recommend using the Pillsbury brand for best results)
• 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 can of cherry pie filling

For the sweet glaze topping, you’ll need:

1. 1 cup of powdered sugar
2. 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
3. 1 tablespoon of milk

Lastly, having a light dusting of 1-2 tablespoons of flour for rolling out the dough is optional.

Ingredient	Quantity
Crescent Rolls	1 package
Cream Cheese	4 ounces
Powdered Sugar	1/4 cup
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
Cherry Pie Filling	1 can
Powdered Sugar (for glaze)	1 cup
Vanilla Extract (for glaze)	1/2 teaspoon
Milk (for glaze)	1 tablespoon
Flour (optional for dusting)	1-2 tablespoons

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make delicious mini cherry cheese danishes, you need some key kitchen tools and equipment. Let’s look at the must-have items for making these tasty handheld desserts.

Baking Essentials

• A muffin pan is crucial for shaping the individual danish pastries.
• Nonstick cooking spray helps ensure the danishes release easily from the pan.
• Mixing bowls in various sizes are necessary for preparing the cream cheese filling and glaze.
• A wire cooling rack is essential for allowing the baked danishes to cool properly before serving.

Optional Tools for Professional Results

While the essential items listed above are enough to create delicious mini cherry cheese danishes, a few additional tools can help elevate the final presentation:

1. A handheld beater or whisk can make mixing the cream cheese filling and glaze a breeze.
2. Parchment paper can be used to line the muffin pan for effortless removal and cleanup.
3. A small saucer or measuring cup can be helpful in shaping the individual handheld desserts before baking.

With these kitchen tools and equipment on hand, you’ll be well on your way to crafting mouthwatering mini cherry cheese danishes in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Preparing the Perfect Cream Cheese Filling

To make the rich and creamy filling for our mini cherry cheese danishes, we need a few simple ingredients. This luxurious cream cheese mixture will enhance the flavor and make every bite a sweet and tangy delight.

Start by softening 4 ounces of cream cheese in a medium bowl. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat it until it’s smooth. Next, add 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and the filling is silky smooth.

The secret to a perfect cream cheese filling is finding the right balance of flavors. The powdered sugar adds sweetness, while the vanilla extract brings a warm, aromatic touch. This blend makes the filling ready to be the base for our mini cherry cheese danishes.

Ingredient	Amount
Cream Cheese, softened	4 ounces
Powdered Sugar	1/4 cup
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon

With this creamy and flavorful filling, we’re almost ready to make the perfect mini cherry cheese danishes. Get ready for a taste of sweet and tangy goodness in every bite!

Working with Cherry Pie Filling

Creating the perfect mini cherry cheese danishes starts with the right cherry pie filling. It’s important to spread it evenly in the pastries. The cherries’ sweet flavor pairs well with the cream cheese, making each bite a treat.

Selecting Quality Cherry Filling

Choose a high-quality canned cherry pie filling for this recipe. It should be thick and syrupy, full of juicy cherries. Stay away from watery or gelatinous fillings, as they won’t taste as good.

Tips for Even Distribution

• Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cherry pie filling into each pastry shell. Make sure it’s spread out evenly.
• Spread the filling gently. Don’t overfill, as it might leak while baking.
• Any leftover filling can be used as a topping or saved for another dessert.

By carefully choosing and spreading the cherry pie filling, you’ll make danishes that are full of flavor and look great.

Step-by-Step Assembly Process

Making delicious mini pastries like cherry cheese danishes is easy. Just a few steps can turn flaky puff pastry and creamy cheese into tasty snacks.

1. Start by unrolling the crescent dough into two rectangles. Pinch the seams to seal them.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough sheets evenly.
3. Add a lot of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
4. Roll up each sheet from the short end, making a swirled pattern.
5. Cut each roll into four pieces and put them in a greased muffin tin.

This easy method makes perfectly sized, beautiful cherry cheese danishes. The swirled design adds to the beauty and flavor of each bite.

Baking Techniques for Golden-Brown Results

Getting your mini cherry cheese danishes to a perfect golden-brown is all about the baking. With the right methods, you can make these treats look like they came from a bakery.

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right for a flaky, golden-brown crust and a fully cooked inside. Bake the danishes for 18-20 minutes, watching them closely to prevent over-browning.

Visual Cues for Perfect Doneness

• Check for a deep golden color on the edges, which means the crust is beautifully caramelized.
• The danishes should look slightly puffed, showing they’re fully cooked and the layers have risen well.
• If the tops get too brown, cover the pan with foil for the rest of the baking time to stop over-browning.

Using the right baking techniques is key to getting those golden-brown pastries everyone loves. Keep an eye on the visual signs and control the oven temperature and time. This way, you’ll always get flaky, delicious mini cherry cheese danishes.

Creating the Sweet Glaze Topping

To give these mini cherry cheese danishes a beautiful, glossy finish, we’ll create a simple yet delectable sweet glaze. This powdered sugar glaze will complement the creamy cheese filling and tart cherries perfectly. It ties all the flavors together in one harmonious bite.

Start by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1-2 teaspoons of milk, and 1/8 teaspoon of almond extract until the mixture is smooth and pourable. The almond extract adds a subtle, aromatic note that pairs wonderfully with the cherry and cream cheese flavors.

Once the danishes have finished baking and have had a chance to cool slightly, drizzle the sweet glaze over the tops. The glaze will seep down the sides, creating a shiny, appetizing coating. Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more milk for a thinner texture or more powdered sugar for a thicker, more opaque finish.

The sweet glaze is the crowning glory of these mini cherry cheese danishes, elevating the pastries with its glossy appearance and sugary taste. It’s the perfect finishing touch to these easy homemade treats.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Freshly baked breakfast pastries and brunch pastries like our Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are best enjoyed fresh. Here are some tips for keeping them fresh and flavorful.

Maintaining Freshness

After cooling, store these danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Wrap each pastry in plastic wrap or put them in a freezer-safe bag before freezing.

Reheating Methods

• To reheat refrigerated danishes, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
• For frozen pastries, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
• Avoid microwaving the danishes, as this can make the texture soggy.

Serve these delightful breakfast pastries and brunch pastries as part of a larger spread, or enjoy them on their own. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Their buttery, flaky crust and creamy filling make them a perfect sweet treat any time.

Recipe Variations and Customization Options

Mini cherry cheese danishes offer endless customization options. The classic mix of creamy cheese and tangy cherries is amazing. But why not try blueberry or apple for a refreshing twist?

Adding sliced almonds or streusel topping before baking can make them even better. A bit of lemon or orange zest in the cream cheese adds a bright, citrusy flavor.

These changes let you make the danishes your own, no matter the season. Enjoy them as a fruity summer treat or a cozy autumn delight.

• Try different fruit fillings like blueberry or apple
• Add a sprinkle of sliced almonds or streusel topping for extra texture
• Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the cream cheese filling for a citrusy twist

The charm of these mini danish pastries is their customizability. Let your creativity shine and try new flavors to make these fruit desserts uniquely yours.

Conclusion

These mini mini cherry cheese danishes are a delightful homemade treat. They bring the bakery experience right to your kitchen. With flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and sweet cherry topping, they’re a winning combination.

They’re perfect for a brunch, a special breakfast, or just because. These homemade treats are customizable and easy to make. You can whip up a batch and enjoy the warm, fresh-baked goodness.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and indulge in the irresistible flavors of these mini mini cherry cheese danishes. Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!

FAQ

What are Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes?

Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are small treats. They mix flaky pastry with sweet cherries and creamy cheese. They’re great for brunch or dessert and are easy to make with store-bought dough and pie filling.

What are the key ingredients in Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes?

You’ll need crescent rolls, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cherry pie filling. For the glaze, use powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.

What kitchen tools and equipment are needed to make Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes?

You’ll need a muffin pan, nonstick spray, mixing bowls, and a wire rack. A beater or whisk is good for mixing. Parchment paper makes cleanup easy. A small saucer helps shape the pastries.

How do you prepare the cream cheese filling for the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes?

Soften the cream cheese and mix it with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until it’s smooth and creamy. This makes a sweet base for the danishes.

How do you work with the cherry pie filling in the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes?

Use one can of cherry pie filling. Add 4-5 cherries to each danish. This adds fruity flavor and color.

What is the step-by-step process for assembling the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes?

Unroll crescent dough and separate it into two rectangles. Spread the cream cheese mixture on the dough. Add the cherry filling. Roll up the dough and cut into four pieces. Place them in a greased muffin pan.

How do you bake the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes to achieve the perfect golden-brown results?

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool before transferring to a wire rack.

How do you make the sweet glaze topping for the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes?

Mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled danishes. Adjust the glaze’s consistency as needed.

How do you store and serve the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. Serve with brunch or as a snack.

Can you customize the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes with different fillings and toppings?

Yes, try different fruit fillings like blueberry or apple. Add sliced almonds or streusel topping for texture. For a citrus twist, add lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese filling.

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