Danish pastries are a delicious baked treat that many people enjoy. One popular variety is the cherry Danish, which features a sweet cherry filling inside a flaky pastry. Sam’s Club sells cherry Danishes in their bakery section, making them readily available for members. But with sweet treats, an important consideration is often the calorie count. So how many calories are actually in a cherry Danish from Sam’s Club?
Cherry Danish Description
To determine the calorie count, we first need to understand what a cherry Danish is and what it contains. A cherry Danish is a type of baked breakfast pastry that originated in Denmark. It consists of multiple thin layers of dough that have been laminated with butter to create a flaky, crispy texture when baked.
The dough is rolled into a circular shape, then the center is filled with a cherry pie filling. This sweet cherry filling is made from cherries and thickened with cornstarch. It provides a burst of cherry flavor in each bite.
The filled dough is then topped with an icing or glaze, which gives the cherry Danish its shiny finish. The icing is typically made from confectioners’ sugar and milk or cream. This adds additional sweetness and texture to the pastry.
Cherry Danishes are often consumed for breakfast or as a snack. Their portable size makes them an easy grab-and-go breakfast option. Sam’s Club sells individually packaged cherry Danishes, each containing one pastry.
Nutrition Information
To determine the calorie count of a cherry Danish from Sam’s Club, we need to examine the nutrition label provided on the packaging. This gives complete nutrition information compiled by the bakery per serving size of one cherry Danish pastry.
For reference, here are the key nutrition facts for a Sam’s Club Cherry Danish (1 pastry) :
| Calories: | 260 calories |
| Total Fat: | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat: | 5 g |
| Trans Fat: | 0 g |
| Cholesterol: | 15 mg |
| Sodium: | 160 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates: | 38 g |
| Dietary Fiber: | 1 g |
| Sugar: | 16 g |
| Protein: | 3 g |
So a single cherry Danish from Sam’s Club contains 260 calories.
This calorie count is for the Sam’s Club bakery brand cherry Danish specifically. Other brands or homemade varieties may have slight differences in their nutrition profile. But Sam’s Club provides a consistent commercial product with the exact calorie count indicated.
Calorie Breakdown
Now that we know the total calorie count, let’s break it down further and see which parts of the cherry Danish contribute the most calories:
Pastry Dough
The flaky pastry dough accounts for the majority of calories in a cherry Danish. Flour, butter, milk and eggs are the primary ingredients in the layered dough, and all provide calories.
One serving of pastry dough can range from 150-200 calories. For a large cherry Danish like those from Sam’s Club, estimate around 180 calories are coming from the dough alone.
Cherry Filling
The sweet cherry pie filling adds another source of calories to this pastry. Made with cherries, sugar and cornstarch, the filling likely provides 50-80 calories per serving. The exact amount depends on the ratio of fruit to filling, but expect about 60 calories from the cherry component.
Icing or Glaze
Finally, the icing or glaze on top of the cherry Danish contributes additional calories. As the icing is made primarily of powdered sugar and cream, it can have high calorie density. Estimate 20-40 calories from the icing alone.
Other Minor Ingredients
Small amounts of other ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla extract and salt will provide negligible calories. The total calories from the minor ingredients likely add just a few calories to the overall count.
In total, the pastry dough, cherry filling and icing or glaze make up the around 260 calories in a Sam’s Club cherry Danish. The buttery dough contributes the most, followed by the sweet fruit filling and finally the icing. Different recipes and ratios will change the calorie distribution, but this gives a general breakdown of where the calories come from.
Compared to Other Danishes
Sam’s Club cherry Danishes have slightly fewer calories than some other varieties of Danish pastries. Here’s how they compare:
| Cherry Danish: | 260 calories |
| Cheese Danish: | 270 calories |
| Apple Danish: | 300 calories |
| Blueberry Danish: | 290 calories |
| Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish: | 320 calories |
The cheese, apple, blueberry and strawberry cream cheese Danishes all have 20-60 more calories than the cherry variety.
This is likely because the cherry filling provides slightly fewer calories ounce-for-ounce than cheese, apple pie filling, or strawberry cream cheese filling. It also contains less sugar than the sweeter glazed toppings found on some Danishes.
So while the cherry Danish is by no means a low-calorie food, it does have modestly fewer calories than some other flavors of this baked treat.
Cherry Danish Nutrition Per Serving
Now that we’ve covered the calorie count, here is a more detailed look at the full nutrition profile of a Sam’s Club Cherry Danish:
Total Fat 12g
The 12g of fat amounts to about 18% of the recommended daily value. The majority comes from saturated fat (5g) and monounsaturated fat (3.5g). These fats are derived from the butter used liberally in the pastry dough.
Cholesterol 15mg
The cholesterol is also contributed by the butter in the dough. 15mg accounts for 5% of the recommended daily intake limit.
Sodium 160mg
160mg of sodium is relatively low for a commercial bakery item. It accounts for only 7% of the recommended upper limit per day.
Total Carbohydrate 38g
With 38g of carbs and 16g of sugar, the majority of the calories come from carbohydrates. This is typical for pastries that use flour-based doughs.
Protein 3g
3g of protein is minimal but expected given the wheat flour and eggs in the dough. The cherry Danish is not designed to be a significant source of protein.
Dietary Fiber 1g
The 1g of fiber represents only 4% of the daily target. Low fiber is common for pastries and contributes to slower digestion.
Vitamins and Minerals
Cherry Danishes contain small amounts of iron, potassium and B vitamins. However these would contribute minimally to daily needs. Pastries are not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals overall.
So in summary, a Sam’s Club Cherry Danish is high in calories, fat and carbs while being low in fiber, protein and micronutrients. It can provide a quick energy boost but is best enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
How Many Danishes Are Recommended Per Serving?
Most nutrition experts recommend keeping Danish pastries as an occasional treat rather than everyday breakfast item. Here are some guidelines on healthy portion sizes:
– 1 regular-size Danish is an appropriate single serving. Consuming multiple Danishes in one sitting can quickly go over typical calorie limits.
– Split a large cherry Danish in half to make two smaller servings. This allows two people to enjoy it while better controlling portion size.
– Cut a Danish into small pieces and share it as part of a dessert assortment. A few bites of cherry Danish along with fresh fruit make a more balanced plate.
In general, allow yourself an indulgent cherry Danish once a week or so, but limit it to one serving within your daily calorie allotment. Savor the flavor and texture rather than overindulging. Proper portions can help keep this pastry special without overdoing calories, carbs, fat and sugar.
Ways to Make Your Danish Healthier
Cherry Danishes are notoriously unhealthy – but a few simple tricks can help lighten it up slightly:
– Choose a smaller Danish that’s 3-4 inches rather than jumbo 5-6 inch size. This automatically cuts calories.
– Split your Danish and share it with a friend or loved one. You each get a taste without overdoing portions.
– Opt for a cherry Danish baked with olive oil instead of butter to reduce some saturated fat.
– Pick the plain glazed or iced version instead of cream cheese or caramel topped. Skip the extra high-calorie sauces.
– Eat your Danish alongside fresh fruit or Greek yogurt to add fiber, protein and nutrients.
– Drink water or black coffee with your Danish rather than juice, soda or sugary coffee drinks.
– Substitute a multigrain doughDanish for 1/3 the calories of traditional white flour dough.
– Add a sprinkle of almonds or oats on top for extra fiber that provides satiety.
While a cherry Danish will always be an indulgent choice, these simple adjustments make it a bit more balanced so you can feel good about enjoying a treat.
High Calorie Cherry Danish Alternatives
If you love cherry Danishes but want a lower calorie breakfast pastry, consider these better-for-you alternatives:
Cherry Nutrigrain Bar
A Cherry Nutrigrain Bar has 90 calories compared to 260 calories for a Cherry Danish. It provides light cherry flavor in a portable bar made with whole grains.
Toasted English Muffin with Cherries
Toast an English Muffin for 120 calories, then top with 1⁄2 cup sweet cherries and 1 tsp honey for about 150 total calories. Much lower than a Cherry Danish!
Cherry Oatmeal
Make oatmeal with 1⁄2 cup cherries and 1 tsp brown sugar for about 150 calories. Healthy, satisfying and full of fiber.
Cherry Chia Seed Pudding
Mix chia seeds with almond milk and top with cherries. Provides protein, calcium and only about 140 calories per serving. A nutritional powerhouse.
Grilled Cherry Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is a filling low calorie option, especially with sweet grilled cherries on top. Keeps you full and fueled for just 250-300 calories.
So treat yourself to a lighter cherry-filled breakfast or snack to get your fix for less. Your waistline and nutrition goals will thank you.
Healthier Homemade Cherry Danish
For a lower calorie cherry Danish you can feel good about, try making it at home where you control the ingredients. Here is a healthier homemade recipe:
Ingredients
– 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
– 1/2 tsp almond extract
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– 2 tsp flour
– 1 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix together cherry pie filling, almond extract, lemon juice and flour in a small bowl.
3. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll each puff pastry sheet into a 6×6 inch square. Cut each square diagonally in half to form 4 triangles.
4. Place 2 tbsp of cherry mixture in center of each triangle. Fold pastry over filling to form a triangle. Crimp edges with a fork to seal.
5. Place Danishes on prepared baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
6. Let cool 5 minutes then dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Nutrition
This homemade version has about 150 calories per Danish, over 100 fewer calories than a commercial Cherry Danish. Plus it skips preservatives, artificial ingredients and added sugars.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Cherry Danishes
Cherry Danishes from Sam’s Club come individually packaged, which makes storage simple. Here are some tips for leftovers:
– Store unopened Danish in the refrigerator up to 5-7 days past the use-by date printed on the packaging. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
– An opened but uneaten Danish can be safely stored in the fridge in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Ensure it is promptly refrigerated after opening.
– To restore crispness, unwrap the Danish and place it directly on the oven rack at 300°F for 4-5 minutes. This makes the pastry layers flaky again without over-baking.
– Microwave an unwrapped Danish on a paper towel in 10 second intervals until warmed through without becoming soggy. Take care not to overheat.
– Do not attempt to reheat Danishes in the packaging, as it can lead to trapped steam making the pastry soggy. Always open up the packaging before warming.
Enjoy your leftover cherry Danish within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and texture. Proper storage keeps this treat from going to waste.
Price of Cherry Danishes at Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club offers exceptional value on their bakery items like cherry Danishes. Here are the current prices:
– Classic Cherry Danish: $4.98 for a box of 4
– Jumbo Cherry Danish: $7.98 for a box of 4
This equals just $1.25 per regular cherry Danish and $2 per jumbo size. Given a typical bakery price of $3-5 each for a similar Danish, Sam’s Club provides nearly 50% savings off traditional retail pricing.
Even high-end grocery stores charge $2.50 to $3 per cherry Danish. Sam’s Club beats grocery store prices for a better value on this pastry.
As a bulk retailer, they can purchase large quantities of ingredients at lower cost. Passing those savings directly to members allows enjoying this treat on a budget.
Sam’s Club cherry Danishes provide an affordable way to indulge in a freshly baked cherry pastry any day of the week. The prices can’t be beaten for the convenient, ready-to-eat product delivered right to your door.
Conclusion
A Cherry Danish from Sam’s Club contains approximately 260 calories per 3.5 oz serving. The buttery, flaky pastry dough contributes the majority of calories, followed by the sweet cherry filling and topping glaze or icing.
Cherry Danishes have slightly fewer calories than other flavors of Danish pastries like cheese or apple. But they remain an indulgent breakfast or snack best enjoyed in moderation. Consider sharing a Danish or eating with fresh fruit to lighten it up.
Sam’s Club offers exceptional value on cherry Danishes, with prices up to 50% less than local bakeries for the same product. Overall, these cherry pastries can be an enjoyable treat when portion sizes and frequency is properly controlled.
