Easy Cherry Danishes

Ingredients

For the Dough (Shortcut with Puff Pastry):

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

For the Cherry Filling (optional use canned Cherry Pie Filling):

• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)

• ⅓ cup sugar

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract (optional, but recommended)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze (Optional sprinkle powdered sugar):

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tbsp milk

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.

• Stir and cook until the cherries release their juices (about 5 minutes).

• In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp of water to create a slurry.

• Add the slurry to the cherry mixture, stirring constantly until thickened (2-3 minutes).

• Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and almond extract, and let cool.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

• In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Pastry:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut into 6 squares.

• Lightly score a smaller square inside each piece, about ½ inch from the edge, without cutting through.

• Brush the edges with egg wash.

4. Assemble the Danishes:

• Spread a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.

• Top with a spoonful of the cherry filling.

• Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.

• Let cool on a wire rack.

5. Make the Glaze & Finish:

• Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

• Drizzle over the cooled danishes and serve.

Enjoy your homemade cherry danishes! Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.