If you’ve ever craved a treat that perfectly balances flaky pastry with creamy, fruity filling, then this Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Bites Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. These little bites of heaven bring together buttery crescent roll dough, luscious cream cheese sweetness, and the bright burst of cherry pie filling, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re throwing a brunch, need a quick dessert fix, or just want to spoil yourself with something special, these danish bites are as simple as they are irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Bites Recipe to turn out perfect is all about combining simple, everyday ingredients that each bring an essential element to the final result. From the buttery dough to the tangy-smooth cream cheese and the juicy cherries, every ingredient plays its part in making these bites a standout.
- Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (8 oz can): This flaky dough creates the buttery, tender base that holds all the delicious filling together.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Provides a rich, creamy texture and slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar (4 tbsp): Sweetens the cream cheese with a smooth finish; also used later in the glaze for extra sweetness and shine.
- Cherry Pie Filling (8 tbsp, half can): Adds vibrant color, juicy bursts of fruit, and a classic cherry flavor that makes these danishes so special.
- Milk (splash for glaze): Helps create a light, glossy glaze to finish the danishes with a perfect sweet touch.
How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it heats up, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl. Mix them until the texture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps—this sweet filling is what makes each bite irresistibly rich and luscious.
Step 2: Slice and Shape the Crescent Rolls
Open the cold can of crescent rolls and slice the log into 8 even pieces. Gently press down in the center of each piece to create a little well. These indentations will hold your cream cheese and cherry filling perfectly without spilling over during baking.
Step 3: Fill with Cream Cheese and Cherry Pie Filling
Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture right into each crescent roll well. Then top each with about a tablespoon of cherry pie filling—don’t be shy, the gooey cherries are what seal the deal in flavor and texture here.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your filled danish bites on a baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crescent dough turns a beautiful golden brown. This is when the magic happens as the dough crisps up around the creamy cherry center. Remove them carefully and let them cool slightly before glazing or serving.
How to Serve Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A light drizzle of powdered sugar glaze can elevate these danishes even further. Simply whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk to create a silky drizzle, then artfully pour it over the slightly cooled bites. A few fresh cherries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add a pop of color and texture too.
Side Dishes
These Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Bites Recipe pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch, or alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream can also complement their richness without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these bites on a pretty platter sprinkled with powdered sugar or lined with parchment paper for a casual look. For parties, serve them on a tiered dessert stand with fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a small spoonful of chocolate sauce on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Bites Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the dough tender and filling fresh. Avoid refrigeration as it may dry out the pastry.
Freezing
You can freeze these danish bites either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble them and place on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For after baking, cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Rewarm the chilled or thawed danish bites in a 350°F oven for about 5-8 minutes to refresh their flaky texture and soften the filling. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the dough chewy and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Fresh cherries can work, but since they lack the thick syrup of pie filling, they might make the danish a bit wetter and less sweet. If you use fresh, consider cooking them down with sugar to create a thick compote first.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the crescent rolls with your favorite gluten-free pastry dough. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the cherry cream cheese combination will remain delicious.
Can I prepare these danishes vegan?
For a vegan version, use a plant-based cream cheese and crescent roll dough made without dairy or eggs. Many supermarkets carry vegan crescent dough options, and the cherry filling is typically vegan as well.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Take the cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before making the filling. If you’re short on time, microwave it for 10-15 seconds, checking often to avoid melting it.
How long do these danish bites stay fresh?
They’re best enjoyed within 1-2 days of baking for optimal flavor and texture. After that, they might lose their freshness but still can be used in desserts or warmed up for a nice treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about homemade pastries and the Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Bites Recipe captures that warm feeling in every bite. They’re easy enough to whip up on a whim but special enough to impress anyone you share them with. So next time you want a little sweet escape, go ahead and treat yourself to these delightful bites—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 Cherry Danishes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful Cherry Danish recipe featuring flaky crescent rolls filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with luscious cherry pie filling. Finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze, these pastries are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, kept cold
Filling
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp Powdered Sugar
- 8 tbsp Cherry Pie Filling (half can)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- Splash of Milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Filling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the sweet filling base for your danish.
- Prepare Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough log and slice it into 8 equal pieces. Press each piece down in the center to create a small well or indentation for the filling.
- Fill Danish Centers: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into each crescent roll well, spreading it out a little to cover the center evenly.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Top each cream cheese-filled crescent with about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling, gently spreading it over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the filled crescent rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and puff up nicely.
- Cool and Glaze: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with a splash of milk to create a smooth glaze consistency, then drizzle this glaze over the cooled danishes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Do not overfill the crescent rolls to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Allow pastries to cool fully before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with your favorite fruit preserves.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
