Cherry Pastry with Cream Cheese

Cherry Pastry

This delicious cherry pastry starts with a homemade cherry filling that I make on the stovetop and then cool. Then, I braid pastry sheet strips and roll them up into classic little circular pastries. I top them with homemade cream cheese filling and the cherry filling then bake them until they’re golden brown and flaky. Once they’re done and cooled, I drizzle them with a simple vanilla lemon glaze, and I watch them disappear. It’s an easy, delicious recipe that everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pastry Recipe

• They are made with puff pastry sheets, making this recipe a breeze, and the twisted design adds a fancy flair to the pastries.
• The sweet cream cheese and cherry filling is a flavor combination that is simply irresistible.
• The sweet glaze offers another layer of sweetness and creates the finishing touch.

Cherry Pastry Ingredients

• Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries are the base for the homemade cherry filling.
• Sugar and Lemon Juice: Sugar and lemon juice create a sweet, slightly tart flavor profile for the filling.
• Softened Cream Cheese: You can’t have cream cheese filling without cream cheese!
• Egg Yolk: Egg yolk adds richness to the filling and helps hold it together.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note that balances the sweetness of the filling.
• Powdered Sugar and Lemon Juice: Powdered sugar and lemon juice create the sweet, citrus flavor of the lemon glaze.
• Puff Pastry Sheets: Puff pastry sheets bake up puffy, golden, and flaky – the classic pastry base.

See the recipe card at the end of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts.

How to Make Cherry Pastries

These pastries look fancy, but they’re actually very easy to make. Even the braided pastry base is super easy to make by simply following the steps!

Step 1: Prep

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

Cook the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch over medium heat in a medium saucepan, stirring continuously. Cook until the cherries are soft and a sauce forms. Set the sauce aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy in a medium bowl. Then, add the egg yolk, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice and beat until thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Make the Pastries

Cut each pastry sheet into 8 strips. Take 2 of the strips and pinch the ends together to create 1 long strip. Then, twist the strip until it forms a braided piece. Finally, place 1 end of the braided piece on the parchment paper and wrap it around itself to form a pinwheel. Repeat until all the dough is used.

Step 5: Top

Top the center of each pinwheel with a heaping spoonful of cream cheese mixture followed by a spoonful of the cherry filling.

Step 6: Bake

Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl. Then, brush each pastry with the egg ash. Bake the parties for 23 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

Mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla in a bowl until fully combined. Drizzle over the pastries and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Be sure your cream cheese is fully softened for the lightest, smoothest texture.
• Bring your eggs to room temperature so they can easily be incorporated into the cream cheese mixture.
• Be sure to stir constantly while cooking your cherry filling to prevent sticking and scorching.
• Use a spoon or spatula to smash the cherries a bit if necessary.

Variations

• Use your favorite berries or diced fruits to create all kinds of fruity pastries.
• Omit the lemon juice to make a simple vanilla glaze.
• You can use store-bought pie filling or even jam or preserves if you prefer.

What to Serve with Cherry Cream Cheese Pastries

Serve these pastries with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet breakfast or afternoon snack. You can also pair them with your favorite savory items for a larger breakfast or brunch meal.

Recipe FAQ

How to Store Leftover Cherry Pastries

Refrigerate these pastries in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Place the pastries on the counter an hour or two before you plan to eat them so they come to room temperature.

Try This Delicious Cream Cheese Cherry Pastry Recipe Today

This cream cheese cherry pastry has all the delicious flavors we love about the classic bakery sweets, and you’ll never find them fresher than right from your oven! They look fancy, but they’re so easy even beginners can make them. You can’t beat that! Give this recipe a try, and I know you’ll fall in love with them.

More Delicious Cherry Recipes You’ll Enjoy

This Easy Cherry Crisp is a delicious and simple crisp recipe with cherry filling and topped with a buttery crisp topping made with rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and butter. Easy, delicious, and a family favorite.