Easy Cherry Danish

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet cherries and creamy cheese nestled within layers of golden, flaky puff pastry. Today, I’m excited to share with you a delightful recipe for Easy Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry. This treat is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. With its simple steps and lovely presentation, you’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, using frozen puff pastry takes away the hassle of making dough from scratch, making the process even easier. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious dessert that brings together a rich blend of flavors in each bite. Let’s get started on this delightful journey to create these mouthwatering pastries!

Why This Recipe Works

This Easy Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry is all about contrasts. The layers of crispy, buttery puff pastry provide a perfect backdrop for the creamy sweetness of the rich filling. Fresh cherries add a vibrant pop of color and flavor, creating a delightful balance that dances on the palate. The simplicity of the ingredients enhances their natural taste, ensuring that each bite is as enjoyable as the last.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry

What’s not to love? This recipe is straightforward and requires no advanced baking skills or fancy gadgets. It can easily be enjoyed for breakfast, served as a snack, or presented as a sweet dessert after dinner. Since frozen puff pastry is the star here, you can whip this up anytime cherries are in season or whenever you crave something sweet. It’s versatile and satisfying, making it a go-to recipe in your baking routine.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ ounces powdered sugar, plus extra for garnish
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (8.8 ounces)

Preparing Your Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry

Rinse and Pit Cherries

Start by rinsing the fresh cherries under cold water, ensuring they’re clean and ready to shine. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel, then pit the cherries. You can use a pitter tool for ease, or simply cut them in half with a knife, removing the pits with your fingers.

Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, take your softened cream cheese and add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix them together until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture. At this point, taste the mixture. If your cherries lean a bit on the tart side, feel free to sprinkle in a little more powdered sugar. Balance is key!

Prepare the Egg Wash

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the egg, one tablespoon of cold water, and a pinch of salt. This egg wash will give your pastries that beautiful, golden finish that we all adore. It’s the finishing touch that makes everything look inviting.

Roll Out Puff Pastry

Next, take a moment to flour your work surface — this will ensure your pastry doesn’t stick. Remove the thawed puff pastry from the refrigerator. Gently roll it out into a square, measuring about 10 ½ inches on all sides. Aim for a thickness of roughly ⅛ inch. If you find the dough sticking, you can lightly sprinkle more flour.

Cut the Puff Pastry

Now, let’s cut our rolled pastry into squares. Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, slice the dough into nine squares, each about 3 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches. If at any point the dough becomes too soft, simply place it back in the refrigerator to firm up.

Assemble the Danish

Here comes the fun part! Place about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. Next, take 3-4 cherry halves and position them right on top. To complete this little package, brush a bit of the egg wash onto one corner of the square. Then, fold the opposite corner over the filling and press down tightly to seal. Don’t stress if some edges remain unsealed; as long as the filling is secure, you’re good to go!

Chill the Pastries

To ensure the best texture, chill the assembled pastries in the freezer. If you happen to have a sheet pan that fits, line it with parchment paper and set your pastries on top. Alternatively, you can use a plate lined with parchment paper. Chill them for at least 30 minutes until they firm up nicely.

Preheat the Oven

While the pastries are getting chilly, take this time to preheat your oven to 400°F (210°C). You want it hot and ready to create that perfect golden finish.

Bake the Pastries

Once your pastries are firm, arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet a couple of inches apart. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash using your pastry brush. Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll see the pastries rise beautifully and turn golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

When your pastries are done baking, sprinkle a touch of extra powdered sugar on top for that final flourish. They’re fabulous warm, but taste equally delicious at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

These Easy Cherry Danishes can be paired well with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for breakfast. Or, for a delightful dessert twist, serve them alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrasts in temperature and flavor will make this a memorable treat!

Tips for Success

• Always keep your puff pastry cold while you work with it; this helps maintain that lovely flakiness.
• Adjust the cream cheese filling to match the tartness of your cherries; some may need a little extra sweetness.
• Never skip the chilling step before baking; it ensures your pastries hold their shape as they bake.

Variations

Feel like getting creative? You can substitute the cherries with other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries for different flavor profiles. Adding a hint of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture also brings another layer of delightful taste. For an even sweeter touch, try drizzling a simple glaze made of powdered sugar mixed with milk over the top once they’re baked.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can choose to refrigerate them as well, although for the best flavor and texture, reheating in the oven is recommended.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned cherries for this recipe?
Certainly! Just ensure they are well-drained and dried before using to prevent excess moisture.

2. How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Assemble the pastries and freeze them before baking. You can bake them straight from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

3. What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Mascarpone or ricotta cheese can provide a different flavor and texture; both make for great alternatives!

4. Is it necessary to chill the pastries before baking?
Yes, chilling is essential. It helps maintain the shape and enhances flakiness when baking.

5. Can I make a larger batch?
Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients based on the servings needed. Just ensure your baking sheet can accommodate all pastries without overcrowding.

Baking your Easy Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry not only feels rewarding; it fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma that lingers long after the pastries are gone. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, brunches, or even a cozy night in — it’s bound to become a favorite! The combination of fresh fruit and creamy filling wrapped in that flaky pastry is truly unforgettable, making each bite a small celebration of comfort and joy. Your friends and family will definitely be asking for more!

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