My go-to danish at just about any coffee shop or cafe is a Cherry Cheese Danish. When I’m home, I go to a place called Starry Nights and they have the best Jamaican Me Crazy coffee and Cherry Cheese Danishes. I don’t know how they do it but they are so good so here is my attempt at satisfying my cafe craving.

For these danishes, I chose to use the puff pastry shells for this recipe but you can also use the puff pastry sheets as well. I actually prefer the sheets. Now, I will warn you that your hand will get a little bit of work out as you pit the cherries but the sauce is totally worth it. Speaking of the sauce, you will find yourself eating this by the spoonful! It’s a delicious blend of sweet and warm spices. Enjoy guys!

How to make a Cherry Cheese Danish

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425° and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. If you are using puff pastry sheets, preheat the oven to 400°.In a medium pot, over medium high heat bring the cherries, water, sugar, and lemon juice to a boil. Once it has reached a boil add in the slurry and then reduce the heat to simmer while it thickens. Add in the vanilla extract and cinnamon, stir well and remove from the heat once the sauce has thickened. Set aside.

Step 2

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg and egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla bean paste together until it is light and fluffy.

If using Puff Pastry Shells:

Place the puff pastry shells on your baking sheets and coat with egg wash. Bake for 9 minutes and then at 9 minutes, open the oven and spoon the cheese mixture onto each shell. Bake for another 8-9 minutes until puffy and then remove from the oven to cool on a cooling rack.

If using Puff Pastry Sheets

Unfold the sheets and cut out 6 squares on both sheets. Coat the perimeter of the sheets with egg wash. Spoon the cheese filling into the center of the pastry sheet (about 2 spoonfuls) and bake for 15-17 minutes.

Step 3

Spoon the cherry filling over your cooked danish and enjoy! These are best served warm and straight out the oven.