Cherry Cinnamon Swirl Danish

Breakfast and brunch just got significantly easier and more delightful! This ingenious 30-minute recipe (including bake time!) for a five-ingredient Cherry Cream Cheese Danish truly checks all the boxes. Imagine juicy fruit, tender pastry, and a sweet, creamy icing—what more could you possibly desire from a morning treat or a spontaneous dessert?

For many, holiday mornings conjure vivid memories of delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen. In our family, Christmas always began with a special breakfast – often more akin to dessert, but nobody was complaining! With everyone eager to unwrap presents at an impossibly early hour, my mom’s breakfast strategy always revolved around speed and simplicity. Year after year, without fail, our festive spread featured canned cinnamon and orange rolls, perfectly paired with her signature homemade Orange Julius smoothie. These treats were a beloved tradition, igniting our taste buds and becoming an integral part of our holiday joy.

The anticipation of those warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and the refreshing tang of the smoothie was palpable. Even today, the mere thought brings a wave of nostalgia and a craving for those cherished flavors. While there’s undeniable magic in a completely scratch-made, fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon roll, the convenient canned varieties often get an unfair rap. When you factor in the significantly reduced effort and time commitment, those store-bought rolls become an incredibly appealing option for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings. They’re far from “bad,” especially when you consider their speed and ease.

Now, here’s where the real game-changer comes in: imagine taking a humble canned cinnamon roll and elevating it to an extraordinary level. If you top that convenient pastry base with a luscious, sweetened cream cheese mixture and a generous dollop of vibrant cherry pie filling, you create something truly spectacular. In fact, I’d confidently choose this “cheater” cherry danish over a completely homemade cinnamon roll any day of the week! This simple upgrade transforms an everyday item into an elegant, indulgent treat that tastes far more complex than its short ingredient list suggests.

And that’s precisely the secret behind these incredible danishes. They are a harmonious blend of tender cinnamon rolls, a rich sugared cream cheese layer, and a burst of sweet-tart cherry pie filling. These “cheater” quick cherry danishes aren’t just good; they are absolutely crazy good. What’s even better? They are astonishingly easy to prepare, making them an ideal solution for anyone seeking maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The fruit filling and topping, more commonly known as canned pie filling, is the star here. A simple tablespoon spooned over each cinnamon roll, and they’re ready for the oven. This cherry topping not only lends a beautiful, festive appearance, perfect for any special occasion, but also completely revolutionizes the flavors and textures in the most delightful way imaginable.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cherry Danishes

This recipe prides itself on its simplicity, requiring just a handful of readily available ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these five components transform into a show-stopping breakfast, a delightful brunch centerpiece, or even a decadent dessert. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls

There’s no need for elaborate homemade dough here! Simply grab a couple of packages of refrigerated cinnamon rolls from your grocery store’s dairy aisle. These typically come in a cardboard tube and are a fantastic shortcut. Most brands also include a small packet of icing, which will be the perfect finishing touch, adding that quintessential sweet glaze to your danishes. Opting for these saves you significant time and effort without sacrificing flavor or texture, providing a soft, flaky base that perfectly complements the creamy filling.

Cream Cheese

For truly impressive results, don’t skimp on quality or fat content. Reach for full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. Its rich, dense texture is crucial for creating a stable and creamy filling that holds its shape beautifully during baking. Whipped cream cheese, while convenient for spreading, won’t work well in this recipe; the air incorporated into it will cause it to flatten and become gooey in the oven. Similarly, reduced-fat versions often compromise on flavor and richness, and for a delightful indulgence like this, you deserve the best. Remember, this decadent treat is meant to be a delicious splurge, so relax and savor every bite!

Cherry Pie Filling

You’ll find canned pie filling nestled in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. While cherry is, in my humble opinion, the quintessential flavor for these danishes, its vibrant color and sweet-tart profile are simply irresistible. However, feel free to explore other fruit fillings if you’re feeling adventurous! Apple, blueberry, peach, or even raspberry pie filling could offer delightful variations and open up a world of customization. The convenience of canned filling ensures consistency and saves you from the intricate process of preparing a fruit compote from scratch.

The Unsung Heroes: Sugar and Vanilla Extract

These two seemingly minor ingredients play a crucial role in balancing and enhancing the overall flavor profile of your Cherry Danishes. Sugar works its magic by softening the inherent tanginess of the cream cheese, creating a perfectly sweet and creamy complement to the fruit. Vanilla extract, on the other hand, adds a subtle yet profound depth, rounding out the flavors and contributing to that irresistible bakery-quality taste. Don’t skip these; they are essential for achieving that balanced, gourmet flavor.

Crafting Your Quick Cherry Danishes: A Simple Guide

One of the most appealing aspects of this Cherry Danish recipe is its utterly straightforward yet spectacularly rewarding process. It’s so simple that it’s an excellent project for older children to assist with, or even take the lead on. Imagine the joy of kids mastering basic baking skills and surprising their parents with a delicious breakfast-in-bed treat! Follow these easy steps to bring these delightful danishes to life:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough and Baking Sheet

First, preheat your oven according to the directions on your cinnamon roll package, which is typically around 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This crucial step will prevent any sticky topping from adhering to the pan, making cleanup an absolute breeze—you’ll thank yourself later! Carefully open the cardboard tube of cinnamon rolls. Gently unroll each cinnamon roll and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring you leave at least an inch of space between each one to allow for expansion during baking. This spacing helps them bake evenly and prevents them from sticking together.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Indentation

Once your cinnamon rolls are arranged, use the back of a tablespoon measuring spoon or a similar utensil to gently press a shallow indent into the center of each roll. This creates a perfect little well that will hold our scrumptious cream cheese and cherry filling, ensuring it stays neatly in place as the danishes bake.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened full-fat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a spoon or a small whisk, stir the ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. This creates the rich, slightly tangy, and sweet foundation for your danishes.

Step 4: Layer on the Delicious Toppings

Now it’s time to fill those indentations! Carefully spoon a dollop (about a tablespoon) of the prepared cream cheese mixture into the center of each cinnamon roll. Next, add a generous tablespoon of the cherry pie filling directly on top of the cream cheese layer. The vibrant red of the cherries against the white cream cheese creates a visually appealing contrast that promises a burst of flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake according to the cinnamon roll package directions, which typically takes about 9 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn a beautiful golden brown around the edges, and the pastry should be puffed and cooked through. The cream cheese filling will set, and the cherry topping will bubble slightly.

Step 6: Cool and Drizzle with Icing

Once baked, carefully remove the danishes from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for just about 1 minute. While still warm, take the icing packet that came with your cinnamon rolls and drizzle it evenly over all the Cherry Danishes. The warmth of the danishes will slightly melt the icing, allowing it to spread beautifully. If your cinnamon rolls didn’t include an icing packet, don’t worry! You can easily make your own by whisking together about 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 teaspoons of milk until you achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency. Add more milk or sugar as needed to reach your desired thickness.

Step 7: Serve Immediately and Enjoy

These Cherry Danish cinnamon rolls are undeniably at their absolute best when served warm and gooey, fresh from the oven. The warm pastry, melted cream cheese, and bubbling fruit filling create an irresistible combination. While leftovers can be stored, they never quite match the exquisite taste of a freshly baked danish. If you do happen to have a few to spare, store them in a covered, airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Please note that these delightful morsels do not freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh!

More Delicious Breakfast and Brunch Treats:

• Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes
• Delicious Greek Yogurt Scones (Strawberry & More)
• Irresistible Pull-Apart Monkey Bread
• Homemade Cronuts: Croissant-Doughnut Hybrid
• Kid-Friendly French Toast Sticks