Cherry Cheesecake Pinwheels are a deliciously simple treat, made with a flaky puff pastry with a creamy cheesecake filling and a burst of cherry flavor from homemade cherry pie filling. They are such an irresistible treat that I love as a snack or dessert, perfect for any occasion! If you love these Cherry Cheesecake Pinwheels, then you’ve got to try my Cherry Pie Bombs, too! They’re just as easy and pack an extra burst of cherry flavor wrapped in a golden, flaky crust.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: Before starting this recipe, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature. Then, mix it with unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla. You will use half a block of cream cheese (4 ounces). Save the other half for another treat like my Blackberry Cream Cheese Turnovers!
How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly
If you forgot to take out the cream cheese for this recipe, here are a couple of options to get it to room temperature quickly:
Warm Water Method: Place the wrapped block of cream cheese in a bowl of warm water for about 10-15 minutes. Flip it over every few minutes or so.
Microwave Method: Remove the cream cheese from its packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave it on low power in 15-20-second intervals until it reaches the desired softness. Be careful not to overheat it, as cream cheese can quickly become too runny or even melt.
- Cherry Pie Filling: For the most flavor, make homemade cherry pie filling! It is perfect for recipes like this one, plus more! Canned pie filling would also work.
- Puff Pastry: You will need one sheet of puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions. They usually come in a box of two, so you will have one sheet left over to make my Blueberry Puff Pastry Bake! If you want to make homemade puff pastry, I have a recipe in my Pumpkin Puff Pastry recipe–just leave out the cinnamon.
- Glaze: The sweet glaze is made with confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar) and whole milk. Add more milk (if needed) to reach your desired consistency of the glaze.
Easy Cheesecake Pinwheels Recipe: Customize With Any Pie Filling!
I love that these cream cheese pinwheels are so easy to make and just as easy to try with other kinds of pie filling! Swap out the cherry pie filling for apple pie filling, blueberry pie filling (from my Blueberry Lemon Cream Pie), peach pie filling, or your favorites!
Make Ahead Cherry Cheesecake Pinwheels: Assemble In Advance For Easy Baking
It is easy to get the pinwheels assembled up to a day ahead of time! First, follow the recipe but skip the egg wash and baking. Put the assembled pinwheels on a baking sheet, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, brush them with the egg wash, bake as directed, and add the vanilla glaze after they cool.
How To Store Cherry Cheesecake Pinwheels
To store cherry cheesecake pinwheels, first, let them cool to room temperature. Next, store the cheesecake pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 2-3 days. If you want to enjoy them warm, you can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Cherry Cheesecake Pinwheels?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake pinwheels before or after baking. Here is how:
Before Baking: First, place the assembled pinwheels (without egg wash) on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm. Then, move them to a freezer bag or container and label it with the date. They can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat the oven, brush them with egg wash, and bake them straight from the freezer!
After Baking: To freeze the cheesecake pinwheels, it is best to freeze them without the glaze because the texture can change. Let them cool completely, then wrap each pinwheel in plastic wrap and put them in a container or freezer bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you want to eat them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven. Drizzle with glaze before serving for extra flavor!
Cherry Cheesecake Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (128 g) cherry pie filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
- 1 large egg, beaten
Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a 9-inch oven-safe skillet* with cooking spray. Set aside.
- To a medium bowl, add cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Set aside.
- On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the puff pastry into a 9×12-inch rectangle.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the pastry, leaving about a ½-inch border along one long edge.
- Top the cream cheese mixture with an even layer of cherry pie filling.
- Wet the ½-inch border of the puff pastry with a little water to help seal the dough when rolling.
- Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Gently press the edge to seal.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log into 6 equal-sized pieces.
- Place the pieces into the prepared skillet, cut-side up. Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Then, after 30 minutes, cover the pinwheels with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until done in the middle.
- Let pinwheels cool slightly before adding the glaze.
Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar with milk. Add more milk, if needed, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
- Drizzle glaze over slightly cooled pinwheels.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
I love how easy these are to make! These cherry cheesecake pinwheels are a perfect treat! The cream cheese filling is so creamy, and the cherry pie filling is just the right amount of sweetness
Elizabeth
These are the perfect treats to satisfy a sweet tooth! I love them!
Bella
The puff pastry turns out so flaky and delicious. These are a yummy dessert!
Annabelle
These pinwheels would be great for any occasion and are easy enough for anyone to make.
Selena
These look fancy but are super easy to make! The glaze on top adds just the right touch! I could eat these all day.
