Irresistible Cherry Almond Danish: Sweet & Flaky Homemade Treat

The Cherry Almond Danish showcases a beautiful blend of European baking traditions and sweet flavors.

With its crisp, buttery layers, this pastry wraps around a delicious filling of ripe cherries and crunchy almonds.

It’s an elegant treat that brings joy to those who enjoy both breakfast and dessert.

Skilled bakers craft these pastries using techniques passed down through generations.

The rich almond cream pairs perfectly with the bright cherry compote, creating a taste that excites your taste buds.

This pastry highlights the art of Scandinavian baking by turning simple ingredients into something truly special.

Tips To Get Cherry Almond Danish Just Right

• Soften Pastry Perfectly: Let puff pastry thaw at room temperature for exactly 30 minutes to ensure easy handling and prevent cracking during shaping.
• Create Silky Filling: Whip cream cheese mixture thoroughly until completely smooth and fluffy, eliminating any lumps for a luxurious texture.
• Master Egg Wash Technique: Brush pastry edges gently with egg wash using light, even strokes to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish and help almonds stick.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Place danish on a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure crisp, flaky bottoms and easy removal after baking.
• Control Cherry Distribution: Add cherry pie filling sparingly to prevent overwhelming the delicate cream cheese base, creating a balanced flavor profile.

Keeping Cherry Almond Danish Fresh And Warm

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cherry almond danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: Wrap individual danishes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, where they'll keep well for 2-3 weeks without losing quality.
• Reheating Oven Method: Warm pastries at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture and prevent them from becoming tough or dried out.
• Microwave Option: Heat briefly for 15-20 seconds if you're in a hurry, but expect the pastry to lose some of its original crispness.

What To Enjoy With Cherry Almond Danish

• Brew Bright Coffee Match: Select a medium roast coffee with nutty undertones that complements the almond's richness and cuts through the pastry's sweetness. Colombian or Guatemalan beans work perfectly.
• Wine Harmony Suggestion: Choose a light, crisp white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer. These slightly sweet wines beautifully balance the cherry's tartness and cream cheese's smooth texture.
• Breakfast Sidekick Strategy: Create a fresh fruit plate with berries and citrus segments. The bright, tangy flavors will contrast the danish's rich, sweet profile and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Creamy Beverage Option: Serve with a cold glass of almond milk or a vanilla latte. These smooth drinks echo the almond extract's warmth and complement the pastry's delicate layers.

New Twists On Cherry Almond Danish

• Gluten-Free Danish: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based pastry dough. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for cream cheese mixture and cherry filling.
• Vegan Cherry Almond Danish: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace egg wash with plant-based milk. Substitute egg yolk with applesauce or cornstarch mixture.
• Low-Sugar Danish: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Replace cherry pie filling with fresh cherries. Reduce powdered sugar in glaze or use sugar-free alternatives.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream cheese alternative. Replace heavy cream with almond milk. Eliminate egg wash or use plant-based milk. Maintain almond flavor with extra almond extract.

Cherry Almond Danish Questions Answered

• Can I use different fruits instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can swap cherry pie filling with other fruit preserves like raspberry, blueberry, or apricot for a delicious variation.

• Is almond extract necessary for this recipe?

Almond extract adds a unique flavor, but you can omit it if you don’t have it or prefer a different taste. The danish will still be delicious.

• How do I know when the puff pastry is properly thawed?

The puff pastry should be pliable and easy to unfold without cracking. It should feel cool but not frozen, typically after 30 minutes at room temperature.

• Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

You can prepare the danishes up to the point of assembly and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the refrigerator.

Why Cherry Almond Danish Is Worth Making

• Swift Preparation: Minimal ingredients and easy steps make this recipe perfect for busy home bakers seeking delicious results in under an hour.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Versatile pastry impresses guests at brunch, afternoon tea, or as a delightful weekend breakfast that looks professionally crafted.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Mix and match fruit fillings like blueberry or raspberry, allowing creative twists on the classic cherry almond combination while maintaining the recipe's core technique.
• Restaurant-Quality Presentation: Stunning golden-brown pastry with glossy glaze and crunchy almonds creates a bakery-worthy dessert that seems much more complicated than its simple preparation suggests.

Cherry Almond Danish Ingredients You’ll Need

• Puff Pastry: Flaky foundation for the danish, best when slightly thawed and pliable.
• Cream Cheese: Rich, creamy filling base that provides smooth texture and tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and enhances overall taste.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic baking flavor.
• Almond Extract: Brings deep, nutty undertone to the danish.
• Sliced Almonds: Provides crunch and complements almond flavor.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds fruity sweetness and vibrant color.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, rich consistency in cream cheese mixture and glaze.
• Eggs: Used for binding filling and creating golden egg wash.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze for finishing.
• Water: Helps blend egg wash and thin glaze if needed.

Steps To Make Cherry Almond Danish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Take the puff pastry out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Egg yolk

Whip the ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Shape the Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry to smooth any visible seams.

Cut the pastry into 6 even pieces.

Using the back of a knife, gently score a rectangle about ½ inch from the edges without cutting completely through.

Step 4: Build the Danish

Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry piece, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edges.

Add a tablespoon of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese mixture.

Step 5: Add Shine and Crunch

Whisk an egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash.

Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash.

Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of each danish.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the danishes in the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries turn a beautiful golden brown.

Allow the pastries to cool completely before adding the glaze.

Step 7: Finish with a Sweet Drizzle

• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled danishes.

Serve and enjoy your homemade Cherry Almond Danish!

Delightful Cherry Almond Danish Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade Cherry Almond Danish brings European bakery magic to your kitchen with delicate pastry layers and sweet-tart fruit filling. Flaky golden dough embraces luscious cherries and almond cream, creating a delightful breakfast or elegant dessert you can savor with morning coffee.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package puff pastry, thawed
• ½ cup cherry pie filling
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 2 eggs, separated

Dairy and Flavor Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon almond extract

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by warming the puff pastry to room temperature and heating the oven to a crisp 400°F (200°C), ensuring optimal baking conditions.
2. Craft a luxurious cream cheese mixture by vigorously blending cream cheese with sugar, heavy cream, vanilla and almond extracts, and an egg yolk until achieving a silky, indulgent texture.
3. Carefully unfold the pastry sheet, gently smoothing out any visible creases or folds, then methodically slice into six symmetrical portions.
4. Using a delicate scoring technique, outline a refined border on each pastry square, creating a elegant frame for the filling without piercing through the delicate dough.
5. Generously center the whipped cream cheese mixture within each pastry, maintaining a precise border, then crown with a vibrant dollop of cherry pie filling.
6. Enhance the pastries’ appearance by brushing the exposed edges with a glossy egg wash, then artfully scatter sliced almonds across the surface for a delightful crunch.
7. Transfer the adorned danishes into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform into golden, flaky masterpieces over 15-18 minutes.
8. After removing from the oven, permit the pastries to cool completely, then elegantly drizzle with a vanilla-infused powdered sugar glaze, creating a stunning final presentation.

Notes

• Ensure puff pastry is completely thawed but still cool for the best flaky texture.
• Work quickly with the pastry to prevent it from becoming too warm and losing its delicate layers.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free filling that blends easily.
• For a gluten-free version, swap puff pastry with a gluten-free alternative or almond flour-based pastry.
• Fresh cher

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Danish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg