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I discovered this Danish recipe during a brunch crisis when I needed something that looked fancy but didn't require pastry-chef skills. The combination of buttery puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and tart cherries creates something that looks like it came from a high-end bakery but actually takes less time than running to one.
Last Sunday, my mother-in-law asked if I'd been taking pastry classes after trying these. Sometimes the best recipes are just clever shortcuts in disguise.
Essential Ingredients
- Puff pastry: needs to stay cold
- Cream cheese: should be perfectly soft
- Fresh ricotta: adds richness
- Almond extract: brings depth
- Cherry pie filling: saves time
- Fresh lemon zest: brightens flavors
- Good eggs: create shine
- Pinch of salt: enhances everything
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Detailed Instructions
- Pastry Prep:
- Start with cold but pliable puff pastry. Think of it like working with gold - treat it gently and keep it cool.
- Cheese Filling:
- Mix that cream cheese filling until it's silky smooth. The ricotta makes it extra creamy while the lemon zest adds a bright note that balances the sweetness.
- Assembly Art:
- Score those hearts carefully - this creates that perfect pastry border that puffs up around the filling.
- Final Touch:
- That egg wash isn't just for looks - it helps create that bakery-worthy golden shine.
Perfect Pairings
These danishes love a hot cup of coffee or tea alongside them. For brunch spreads, I'll serve them with fresh fruit and crispy bacon. The tartness of the cherries works beautifully with citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit. Sometimes I'll add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra indulgence.
Make It Your Own
The possibilities are endless here. Sometimes I'll swap in blueberry or raspberry pie filling. My daughter loves hers with a chocolate drizzle on top. During fall, apple pie filling with a sprinkle of cinnamon creates the perfect autumn treat. You can even go savory by skipping the fruit and adding herbs to the cheese mixture.
Keep It Fresh
These beauties are best fresh from the oven, but they'll keep for a couple of days in an airtight container. Reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to crisp up the pastry again. You can also freeze them unbaked - just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to use them.
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These danishes have saved countless brunches at my house. They're proof that sometimes the best recipes are just about combining simple ingredients in clever ways. Whether you're hosting a fancy brunch or just want to make breakfast special, these never fail to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different pie filling?
- Yes, any fruit pie filling works well as a topping.
- → Why refrigerate before baking?
- This prevents the filling from running during baking.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Best served fresh, but can prepare filling ahead of time.
- → Why prick the pastry?
- This creates a well for the filling while allowing edges to puff up.
- → Can I use vanilla instead of almond extract?
- Yes, vanilla extract can be substituted for almond extract.