Cherry Cheese Danish Sliders

Imagine a tray of golden, buttery sliders that smell like a cozy bakery morning, their centers gleaming with ruby-red cherries and creamy cheesecake filling. That’s what Cherry Cheese Danish Sliders bring to your kitchen—a mix of flaky sweetness and comforting nostalgia that’s both stunning to serve and impossible to resist.

Behind the Recipe

The inspiration for these sliders came from Sunday mornings when the kitchen was filled with the smell of warm pastries and coffee brewing nearby. Turning the classic cherry cheese danish into bite-sized sliders makes them perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or even a cozy breakfast for two. Every bite carries that same home-baked magic with a little twist of modern convenience.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While traditional Danish pastries trace their roots back to Austria, they became popularized in Denmark and then around the world as buttery, laminated dough creations. Our version borrows that iconic sweet cheese and fruit combination but swaps the laminated dough for soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls—making this recipe approachable for home bakers while keeping that European-inspired charm.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Cheese Danish Sliders

Versatile: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a festive breakfast spread.

Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that deliver bakery-level flavor.

Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes—no yeast or rolling pins required.

Customizable: Try different fruit fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or peach.

Crowd-Pleasing: These sliders disappear faster than you can serve them.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat gently and they taste just as heavenly the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Before we dive in, here are a few insider secrets to make your sliders bakery-worthy every time:

1. Use room temperature cream cheese so it mixes smoothly without lumps.
2. Don’t skip the egg wash—it gives the sliders that irresistible golden sheen.
3. Bake on parchment paper for easy cleanup and even browning.
4. Add a light drizzle of glaze while warm so it seeps beautifully into the bread.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these essentials for a smooth baking experience:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch pan fits one pack of Hawaiian rolls perfectly.
• Mixing Bowls: For blending the cream cheese filling and glaze.
• Hand Mixer or Whisk: To create a fluffy, lump-free filling.
• Spatula: Ideal for spreading filling evenly.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing on the egg wash and melted butter.

Ingredients in Cherry Cheese Danish Sliders

This sweet creation balances creamy, tangy, and fruity elements in perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: 12-count pack, these serve as the soft, buttery base.
2. Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened, for a rich, velvety filling.
3. Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup, adds sweetness to the cheese mixture.
4. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor and aroma.
5. Cherry Pie Filling: 1 cup, gives the dessert its signature fruity charm.
6. Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted, for brushing the tops.
7. Egg: 1, beaten, for an optional shiny egg wash.
8. Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup, for the glaze.
9. Milk: 1–2 tablespoons, to thin the glaze to drizzle consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Because sometimes you need a swap:

Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Substitute with brioche or dinner rolls.
Cherry Pie Filling: Try blueberry, apple, or raspberry filling.
Cream Cheese: Use mascarpone for a softer, more delicate flavor.
Butter: Margarine or coconut oil can work in a pinch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cream Cheese: This smooth, slightly tangy ingredient provides the luscious body of the filling, balancing the sweetness of the cherries.

Cherry Pie Filling: Bursting with bright red color and tart juiciness, it’s what gives these sliders their signature pop of flavor and color.

Instructions for Making Cherry Cheese Danish Sliders

Before we start, take a deep breath and get ready for the aroma of cherries and warm bread to fill your kitchen.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally (keep them connected), placing the bottom half in your baking dish.
4. Assemble the Dish: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolls, spoon the cherry pie filling on top, and gently place the top layer of rolls back on.
5. Cook to Perfection: Brush the tops with melted butter and, if desired, a light egg wash. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Finishing Touches: Whisk powdered sugar and milk together for a glaze, then drizzle over warm sliders.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice into individual sliders and serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

What makes these sliders truly special is the contrast: the soft, slightly crisped bread on top, the creamy cheesecake center, and the juicy, sweet-tart cherries all layered in one perfect bite. Each mouthful is a dance of buttery warmth and cool, fruity brightness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Let’s make sure your sliders come out flawless every time:

• Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls cleanly.
• Chill the filling slightly if it’s too soft—it spreads easier.
• Let the sliders cool 5 minutes before glazing to prevent soaking.

What to Avoid

Even great bakers can have off days, so here’s what to watch out for:

• Don’t overbake—the rolls should be golden, not brown.
• Avoid overfilling with cherries—they can make the bottoms soggy.
• Don’t skip parchment paper—it helps lift everything out neatly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 sliders
Calories per serving: Approximately 210

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can assemble the sliders the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for best results. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat gently in the oven. They also freeze beautifully—just wrap and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve Cherry Cheese Danish Sliders

Serve them warm, with glaze still slightly melty, alongside whipped cream, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey. Pair with hot coffee for breakfast or sparkling cider for a festive brunch.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn leftovers into:

• A quick dessert sandwich with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• A sweet bread pudding with extra cherries mixed in.
• Mini parfait layers with whipped cream and crushed nuts.

Additional Tips

For a burst of extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of lemon zest into the glaze or filling. And if you love texture, add a few sliced almonds on top before baking for a subtle crunch.

Make It a Showstopper

To impress your guests, dust with powdered sugar before serving and add a few fresh cherries or mint leaves for garnish. Present them on a wooden board or cake stand for that perfect brunch aesthetic.

Variations to Try

• Blueberry Bliss: Swap cherries for blueberry pie filling.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate over the glaze.
• Cinnamon Swirl: Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon into the cream cheese filling.
• Tropical Twist: Use pineapple filling and top with toasted coconut.
• Nutty Delight: Add crushed pecans on top for extra crunch.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat gives a richer, creamier result.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely—assemble the night before and bake when ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q4: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling?
Yes, just cook them briefly with sugar and cornstarch to make a quick compote.

Q5: Do these freeze well?
They do—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q6: Can I skip the glaze?
You can, but it adds that signature bakery sweetness.

Q7: What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
Soft brioche or dinner rolls will work beautifully.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use two packs of rolls and a larger pan.

Q9: How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy?
Don’t overload the filling and bake on parchment for airflow.

Q10: Can I make this dairy-free?
Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter substitutes.

Conclusion

Cherry Cheese Danish Sliders are one of those recipes that feel both nostalgic and new, comforting yet elegant. The moment you pull them from the oven, their aroma fills the room with a promise of sweetness and warmth. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s simple, stunning, and worth every bite

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