Cherry Cheese Heart Danishes (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Cheese Filling
01 -
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 -
¼ cup granulated sugar
03 -
1 egg yolk
04 -
1 tablespoon ricotta cheese
05 -
½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
06 -
Pinch of salt
07 -
½ tablespoon fresh lemon zest
→ Pastry and Topping
08 -
2 sheets puff pastry (1 box)
09 -
1 can cherry pie filling
10 -
1 large egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
11 -
All-purpose flour for dusting
# Instructions:
01 -
Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 -
Using an electric mixer, blend the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolk, ricotta cheese, almond extract, salt, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined. Refrigerate this mixture while you prepare the pastry.
03 -
On a lightly floured surface, roll each sheet of puff pastry into a 10×10 inch square. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as possible. Transfer these hearts to your prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly apart.
04 -
Using a fork, prick the center of each pastry heart to create a depression, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges. This will help contain your filling.
05 -
Spoon a portion of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, spreading it evenly within the pricked area. Top each with about a tablespoon of cherry pie filling (approximately 4-5 cherries per danish). Brush the pastry edges with the egg wash.
06 -
Refrigerate the assembled danishes for 15 minutes to help prevent the filling from running during baking. Then bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
07 -
Allow the danishes to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
# Notes:
01 -
Can be made up to one day ahead and stored in an airtight container
02 -
Perfect for Valentine's Day or other special occasions
03 -
Other fruit fillings can be substituted for the cherry