Okay, fellow food lovers, gather ’round! Let me tell you how these Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries became a total game-changer in my kitchen. It all started on a night when my sweet tooth was doing the tango, and I needed something fast but also crazy delicious. So, like any good flavor adventurer, I started pulling random ingredients and next thing I knew, BOOM, these Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries were born.
I mean, seriously, who doesn’t love that flaky pastry, creamy filling, and burst of cherry goodness all in one bite? It’s like a little party in your mouth. These babies are so simple, but they turn every breakfast, brunch, or dessert into something absolutely special. I’m talking happy dances around the kitchen island, my friends. 💃
Trust me, once you try this Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries recipe, you’ll be hooked. It’s one of those things that people rave about, and you’ll be the hero of every potluck! Get ready to unleash your inner pastry chef and let’s dive into the delicious magic together! 🔥
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! And guess what? Everything you need can be grabbed during your normal shopping trip. No fancy, hard-to-find stuff here!
- 1 sheet (14.1 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed: Puff pastry is the star of the show! It gives us that flaky, buttery goodness.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s softened, or you’ll have lumpy filling. No one wants that!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is a must!
- 1 large egg: This binds the cream cheese filling together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract brings warmth and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: This is my secret ingredient that elevates the flavor. Don’t skip it!
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling: You can use store-bought or homemade, whatever your heart desires.
- 2 tablespoons milk: For brushing the pastries before baking.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: Because everything is better with a little sparkle! ✨
No worries if you don’t have almond extract, you can use a little more vanilla – though I really think the almond is a flavor booster! I love adding extra cherry pie filling to my Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries for that extra juicy burst! If you’re looking for another way to use cherry pie filling, this Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is a great option!
Here’s my Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries secret that takes it from good to incredible: a pinch of salt in the cream cheese filling. It balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop. Also, if you forget to thaw your puff pastry, don’t panic! Just carefully unfold it while it’s still slightly frozen – it’s easier to work with that way anyway.
Let’s Make Some!
Okay, fellow food lovers, let’s get our hands dirty and make some magic happen! This is my favorite part of making Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries – watch the delicious magic happen! These step-by-step instructions are written like we’re cooking together in my kitchen, so let’s have some fun!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In my kitchen, this Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries usually takes about 20 minutes to bake, but ovens can be different, so keep an eye on them!
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps! This is where the magic starts happening! Your cream cheese filling should smell absolutely incredible right now. If you want, you can add a tablespoon of melted butter to give it an even richer flavor.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the puff pastry into 9 equal squares. I use a pizza cutter for this, it’s so easy. Don’t worry if your Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries aren’t perfect squares, they’ll still taste amazing!
- Place the puff pastry squares onto the prepared baking sheet. Now, for each square, spread a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center, leaving a small border around the edges. This border will puff up and create a nice crust.
- Spoon a generous amount of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese mixture. I like to really load mine up with cherries. The more, the merrier! 🍒
- Brush the edges of the puff pastry with milk. This helps them turn golden brown and gives them a beautiful shine. I like to add a sprinkle of sugar on the edges too for extra sweetness.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. While your Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries are doing their thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! Your kitchen will smell heavenly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part – waiting for them to cool! But trust me, it’s worth it.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Because everything is better with powdered sugar! These Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries look so elegant with a dusting of powdered sugar.
And that’s it! You’ve just made some amazing Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries. I’m so proud of you! Now, grab one (or two) and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries hits the table with a warm cup of coffee! I mean, who can resist that flaky, creamy, cherry goodness? This is how I love to enjoy these little treats:
- Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream melting on the warm pastry is pure bliss.
- With a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon: This is my go-to for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
- Alongside a cheese and charcuterie board: The sweetness of the pastries pairs perfectly with savory flavors.
- As a dessert at a potluck or party: They’re always a crowd-pleaser!
- Wrapped up in a cute box as a homemade gift: Everyone loves receiving edible gifts.
This Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! For a bold flavor pairing, try serving them with a balsamic-glazed grilled chicken salad. The sweetness of these yummy pastries is just amazing! You should also try these Cherry Cream Cheese Pastries.
If you have any leftover Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries (which is rare in my house), don’t worry! You can transform them into a delicious bread pudding. Just cube them up, soak them in a mixture of milk, eggs, and sugar, and bake until golden brown. So good!
For a fusion variation, try adding a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the cream cheese filling. It gives the pastries a tropical twist that is unexpected and delicious. I also love to drizzle them with a little chocolate sauce for an extra decadent treat. My friends went crazy when they first tasted the chocolate version.
FAQs:
Got questions about making these amazing Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get from my fellow food lovers, along with my best tips and tricks:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries?
Absolutely! This recipe is super easy and straightforward. If you can follow simple instructions, you’ll nail it. I promise! Plus, even if they don’t look perfect, they’ll still taste incredible. If you can make these, you will have no issues with these Herb and Cheese Stuffed Puff Pastry Bites!
What if I mess up my Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Don’t sweat it! Even if your pastries are a little wonky or the filling spills out, they’ll still be delicious. Imperfection is part of the fun! Just embrace the chaos and enjoy the process. I once accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted, and they were still amazing!
How can I prep this Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries for busy weeknights?
You can definitely prep these ahead of time! Mix the cream cheese filling and store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the pastries and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time. Your family will love this quick, easy treat!
Can I use a different kind of fruit filling?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings like apple, blueberry, or raspberry. You can even use a combination of fruits. Get creative and have fun! My taste testers gave the apple version a thumbs up!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can! Use vegan puff pastry, vegan cream cheese, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How do I store leftover Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave, but they’re also delicious cold.
Why did my puff pastry not puff up?
Make sure your puff pastry is cold when you work with it. If it gets too warm, the butter will melt, and it won’t puff up properly. Also, make sure your oven is hot enough.
I hope these FAQs have answered all your questions! If you have any more, feel free to ask me in the comments below. Happy baking!
CONCLUSION:
These Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries bring me so much joy because they’re simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they remind me of those late-night kitchen experiments that turned into something magical.
My Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries Flavor Secrets:
- Almond Extract: Don’t skip it! It adds a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the cherries perfectly.
- Pinch of Salt: It balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- Generous Cherry Filling: Load them up with cherries! The more, the merrier! 🍒
Delicious Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries Variations I’ve Tested:
- Chocolate Cherry: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling and drizzle with chocolate sauce after baking. Perfect for chocolate lovers!
- Coconut Cherry: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the cream cheese filling before baking for a tropical twist.
- Lemon Cherry: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
I love the chocolate cherry version for special occasions, while the lemon cherry is perfect for a light and refreshing brunch.
So, fellow food lovers, trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to experiment! I’m so excited for you to try this Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries recipe and make it your own. And if you want more puff pastry inspiration, check out these Herb and Cheese Stuffed Puff Pastry Bites.
For more delicious cherry treats, you should definitely check out this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie recipe. It’s the perfect combination of chocolate and cherry flavors, just like this Easy Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry recipe, where you get all the tips and tricks that will help you turn this recipe into a success. If you like easy baking ideas, you should also check out these Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites!
Get ready to wow your friends and family with this Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries. Happy baking! 🔥💕
Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries
These Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries are a delightful combination of flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with a sweet and tangy cream cheese filling and juicy cherries. Perfect for a quick dessert or brunch treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 pastries
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (14.1 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
- Cut the puff pastry sheet into 9 equal squares.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.
- Top the cream cheese mixture with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.
- Fold two opposite corners of each square towards the center, pinching to seal. Alternatively, you can fold the square in half diagonally to form a triangle, pinching the edges to seal.
- Brush the top of each pastry with the beaten egg wash.
- Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
- Let the pastries cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
Serve these pastries warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.