Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry: A Deliciously Simple Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert, this Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry is the perfect recipe for you! The buttery, flaky puff pastry combined with a sweet cream cheese filling and fresh cherries creates a delightful treat. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving something sweet, this easy-to-make danish is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry

This Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry is not only simple to prepare but also packs incredible flavor. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a must-try:

• Quick and Easy: Made with store-bought puff pastry, this recipe cuts down on prep time while still delivering a delicious, homemade taste.
• Versatile: You can use any fruit in season, making this recipe adaptable for all year round. Fresh cherries are the star of the show, but feel free to experiment with raspberries or apricots for a fun twist.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s for a holiday breakfast or a brunch gathering, these cherry pastries are sure to shine.

Ingredients for Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry

Here’s what you need to make this easy cherry danish:

• Sweet Cherries: Fresh cherries add a burst of sweetness and color. If fresh cherries are out of season, you can also use frozen or canned cherries, just make sure to dry them thoroughly before use.
• Cream Cheese: The creamy base for the filling. Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling, balancing out the tartness of the cherries.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aroma to the filling.
• Puff Pastry: The flaky, buttery pastry that serves as the perfect base for this treat.
• Egg: Used to create a golden egg wash for a beautiful, shiny finish.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Fruit Substitutes: If cherries aren’t in season, swap them out for berries like raspberries or blackberries, or even sliced peaches for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan Option: You can use vegan cream cheese and puff pastry to make this a dairy-free treat. Simply check the packaging for vegan-friendly options.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry

1. Prepare the Cherries: Rinse 6 ounces of cherries, pat dry, and pit them. Cut the cherries in half for the filling.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 4 ounces of cream cheese, ⅓ cup of powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth, adjusting the sweetness if needed.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash: Whisk together 1 egg with a tablespoon of cold water and a pinch of salt.
4. Roll the Puff Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out 1 sheet of puff pastry into a square (10.5 inches on each side). Cut into 9 equal squares.
5. Assemble the Danish: Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Top with 3–4 cherry halves.
6. Fold and Seal: Brush a small amount of egg wash on one corner of each pastry square, fold it over diagonally to form a triangle, and seal the edges.
7. Chill the Pastries: Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
8. Bake the Danish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (210°C). After the pastries are chilled, brush them with egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
9. Finish and Serve: Let the danishes cool slightly on a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cherry Danish

• Work Quickly with Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is best when it’s cold. If the dough becomes too soft, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing.
• Customize the Filling: If you prefer a sweeter filling, add more powdered sugar. You can also add a dash of lemon juice for a bit of tang.
• Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pastries as they bake. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with:

• A Hot Beverage: Enjoy these danishes with a cup of coffee or a fresh glass of orange juice for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
• Toppings: Try topping with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.

If you’re looking to experiment, try variations like:

• Raspberry Danish: Substitute fresh raspberries for cherries for a slightly tart alternative.
• Apricot Danish: Swap the cherries for fresh apricots for a more subtly sweet option.

Storing and Making Ahead

These danishes can be made ahead and stored:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these pastries before baking. Place them on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy!

Conclusion

This Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry is a delectable treat that combines the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with the sweet and tangy flavors of cream cheese and fresh cherries. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a brunch gathering, or just a treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, these danishes will surely satisfy your cravings. Easy to prepare yet impressive to serve, they bring a touch of homemade goodness to your kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—feel free to experiment with different fruits or fillings to make it your own. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, this Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry is bound to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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