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Lemon Cherry Cheese Danish

Lemon Cherry Cheese Danish

The ultimate comfort food, the Lemon Cherry Cheese Danish blends flaky pastry with a sweet and creamy filling, topped with a refreshing lemon glaze. Perfect for brunch or a delightful dessert, this easy recipe is sure to impress your guests!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tube crescent dough sheet
  • 8 ounce cream cheese room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 3/4 cup cherry pie filling
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375F degrees.
  2. Top a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  3. Add the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon extract to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat until fully combined and smooth. Stop once to scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula to make sure the mixture is fully combined.
  4. Unroll the seamless dough sheet onto the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Spread the lemon cream cheese filling down the middle of the dough sheet.
  6. Spread the cherry filling on top of the lemon cream cheese layer. You can use more or less cherry filling, I like using 1 cup so the danish is bursting with cherry filling.
  7. On each long side of the dough, left and right from the filling, make 2 inch long cuts about 1 inch apart. Check the photo at the end of the recipe.
  8. Starting at one end of the dough sheet, fold the strips over the filling from one side to the other, if you want on an angle.
  9. Bake the danish for 15-20 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Check at 15 minutes as it is probably ready.
  10. Remove the danish from the oven and let it completely cool before icing, around 20 - 30 minutes.
  11. Add the powdered sugar to a medium bowl, add two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and mix until fully combined with no lumps. If the mixture is too thick add one more tablespoon of lemon juice. I like the glaze on the thicker side, yet pourable, so it will look white and shiny on the danish, not transparent.
  12. After the danish has cooled, use a fork or spoon to drizzle the lemon icing over the danish.
  13. Slice the danish and serve!

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to revive its flakiness.
  • Freezing: Can you freeze this? Yes! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month.
  • Pairing: This danish pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect addition to brunch gatherings.
  • Serving Tip: Serve warm for the best flavor experience. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top also adds a nice touch.
  • Variation: Try adding nuts or a different fruit filling to customize your danish to your taste!