Oh my goodness, let me tell you about mini cherry cheese danishes! These little beauties are the perfect sweet treat that somehow manages to combine the flaky goodness of puff pastry with a creamy, dreamy cheese filling and a pop of cherry on top. I absolutely love making them for brunch gatherings or just to brighten up a regular weekday morning. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of pulling a fresh batch out of the oven, the aroma wafting through the kitchen, and knowing you’ll be indulging in a delightful bite-sized pastry. It’s like a little hug for your taste buds!
Ingredients for Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
- 1 package puff pastry, thawed – This flaky pastry is the star of the show! Make sure it’s completely thawed so it rolls out easily and puffs up beautifully.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Softened cream cheese blends perfectly with the sugar, giving that creamy filling a smooth texture. Trust me, you want it soft!
- 1/4 cup sugar – Just the right amount to sweeten the cream cheese filling without overpowering the delicate pastry.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla adds a lovely flavor depth that pairs wonderfully with the cherries.
- 1 can cherry pie filling – This is where the magic happens! The sweet, tangy cherry filling adds a burst of flavor and color on top of the danishes.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) – This helps give your danishes that gorgeous golden finish that makes them look as good as they taste!
How to Prepare Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these mini cherry cheese danishes! It’s honestly easier than you might think and so rewarding when you see them come together. Here’s how you do it:
Preheating and Rolling Out Puff Pastry
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your danishes bake perfectly and puff up nicely! While the oven is warming up, grab your thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a floured surface. You want it to be about 1/8 inch thick. Don’t be shy—get in there and roll it out! This creates those beautiful flaky layers we all love.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
Next, let’s whip up the cream cheese filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. I like to use a hand mixer to get it super smooth, but a fork works too if you’re feeling adventurous. Mix until it’s creamy and well combined—this filling is going to be the star of the show!
Assembling the Danishes
Now for the fun part—assembly! Start by cutting your rolled-out pastry into squares, about 4 inches each side. Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture right in the center of each square. Then, add a spoonful of that luscious cherry pie filling on top. Now, fold the corners over the filling and pinch them together to seal. You want to make sure they’re sealed tight so all that deliciousness stays inside! This step should take about 10 minutes.
Baking to Perfection
Finally, place your assembled danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for that lovely golden finish. Bake them in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re gloriously golden brown and puffed up. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells like a bakery and they look like little golden pillows of joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare – With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delightful pastries in no time!
- Delicious flavor – The creamy cheese filling paired with the sweet cherry topping creates a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for gatherings – Whether it’s brunch, a holiday party, or just a cozy get-together, these mini danishes are always a hit with friends and family.
- Versatile filling options – Don’t feel limited to cherry! You can easily switch things up with other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or even a chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Fun to make – Get the kids involved in assembling these little treats! It’s a great way to bond and enjoy some quality kitchen time together.
- Impressive presentation – They look so fancy, but are incredibly easy to make—your guests will think you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen!
- Great for meal prep – Bake a batch and enjoy them throughout the week for a sweet breakfast or snack on the go.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your mini cherry cheese danishes turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips that I’ve learned over the years:
- Keep it cold: When working with puff pastry, make sure to keep it as cold as possible. If it starts to get warm and sticky, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. Cold pastry puffs up better, giving you that delightful flaky texture!
- Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to load up on the cream cheese and cherry filling, but trust me, a generous spoonful is all you need. Overfilling can lead to messy danishes that won’t seal properly—no one wants that!
- Seal them tight: After adding your filling, make sure to pinch the corners securely. A good seal prevents the filling from oozing out during baking, keeping all that deliciousness inside.
- Egg wash magic: Brushing the tops with the beaten egg isn’t just for looks—it helps achieve that gorgeous golden color and shiny finish. It also adds a bit of richness to each bite!
- Watch them closely: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your danishes as they bake. They can go from golden brown to burnt in a matter of minutes. Aim for that perfect golden hue!
- Let them cool: Once they’re out of the oven, allow the danishes to cool on a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps maintain that lovely crispiness. Plus, it’s a good excuse to let the aroma linger just a little longer!
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Try adding a dash of lemon zest to the cream cheese or swap out the cherry filling for your favorite fruits. The possibilities are endless!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to making mini cherry cheese danishes that are not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a delicious batch of mini cherry cheese danishes, and now you have a few leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible:
First, let those danishes cool completely on a wire rack. This step is super important because if you store them while they’re still warm, they can get soggy. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper between each danish to prevent them from sticking together. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Now, when it comes to reheating, you want to bring back that flaky texture without making them too soft. The best method is to pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This way, they’ll warm up nicely and regain that lovely crispiness. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave will work in a pinch, but be careful! Heat them in short bursts of about 15-20 seconds to avoid making them chewy.
And there you go! With these simple tips, you can enjoy your mini cherry cheese danishes even after they’ve cooled down. Happy snacking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the nutritional breakdown of these delightful mini cherry cheese danishes! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Here’s what you can generally expect per danish:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
These mini treats are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them a perfect indulgence. Enjoy them as a sweet snack or a special breakfast treat, and remember, everything in moderation! Happy baking and snacking!
FAQ about Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Can I use different fruit fillings?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is a classic choice, you can easily swap it out for other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or even apple. Just make sure the filling isn’t too runny, or it might make the pastry soggy.
What if I can’t find puff pastry?
Don’t worry if you can’t find puff pastry; you can use phyllo dough instead! Just layer a few sheets together with butter in between, cut into squares, and follow the same assembly steps. The texture will be a bit different, but still tasty!
Can I make these mini cherry cheese danishes ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I recommend assembling them ahead of time and storing them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping them in the oven for better puffing!
What’s the best way to serve them?
These danishes are best served warm right out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, they’re still delicious at room temperature. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness and presentation!
Can I freeze mini cherry cheese danishes?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for about a month. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
To keep your filling from leaking, make sure you seal the danishes tightly by pinching the corners well. Also, don’t overfill them—just a generous spoonful of filling is all you need!
Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes: 7 Irresistible Bites to Love
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 mini danishes 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Mini cherry cheese danishes are sweet pastries filled with creamy cheese and topped with cherry filling.
Składniki
- 1 package puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instrukcje
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Cut pastry into squares.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.
- Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.
- Fold corners of pastry over filling and pinch to seal.
- Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Can substitute cherry filling with other fruit fillings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 danish
- Kalorie: 180
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 180mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: mini cherry cheese danishes, pastry, dessert, baking
