Cherry Danishes

These Cherry Danishes are a quick and delightful pastry that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. With the crisp, flaky texture of puff pastry, a sweet cherry filling, and a light dusting of powdered sugar, they’re an easy way to indulge in a treat that feels elegant and satisfying. Simple to make and wonderfully tasty, these danishes will surely be a hit at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 cup cherry pie filling
• 1 egg, beaten
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a clean surface. Cut it into squares of your preferred size (typically about 3-4 inches each).
3. Add the Cherry Filling: Spoon cherry pie filling onto the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill to avoid spillage during baking.
4. Fold the Pastry: Fold the corners of each square into the center to create a pocket around the filling. You can pinch the edges together gently to seal if needed.
5. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
6. Bake the Danishes: Place the prepared pastries on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
7. Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar: Allow the pastries to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 4 danishes

Variations

• Fruit Fillings: You can easily swap out the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings such as blueberry, apple, or peach.
• Cream Cheese: For a creamier option, add a small spoonful of sweetened cream cheese filling in addition to the fruit before folding the pastry.
• Cinnamon Sugar: After brushing with the egg wash, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top for an extra sweet touch.
• Glaze: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle a simple glaze (made of powdered sugar and milk) over the top of the danishes for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The pastry is best enjoyed fresh, but they will still be tasty.
• Freezing: These danishes can be frozen before baking. Assemble them and freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the danishes in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make these danishes ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the danishes ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. They are best baked fresh, but the prep can be done in advance.
2. Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of canned? Yes, homemade cherry filling works great! Just make sure it’s thick enough to not run out of the pastries when baking.
3. What if I don’t have puff pastry? If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use croissant dough or a simple shortcrust pastry, though the texture will differ.
4. Can I make these without eggs? Yes, you can brush the pastries with milk or a non-dairy milk option instead of egg wash to create a golden finish.
5. Can I use other fruit pie fillings? Absolutely! You can substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, apple, or any other fruit you enjoy.
6. How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy? Be sure not to overfill the pastries, and avoid using too much liquid in the filling. A light brush of egg wash also helps create a protective barrier.
7. Can I add a glaze on top instead of powdered sugar? Yes! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk or water works wonderfully as an alternative to powdered sugar.
8. Are these danishes suitable for freezing? Yes, these danishes freeze well, either before or after baking. Just ensure they are fully cooled before storing them in a freezer-safe container.
9. Can I make the pastries without folding the corners? Yes, you can leave the corners unfolded and simply bake the puff pastry as an open-faced Danish.
10. How do I make these more festive? To make them more festive, you can add a sprinkle of colored sugar, or drizzle them with a holiday-themed glaze (like red and green colors) for a more festive touch.

Conclusion

Cherry Danishes are a quick and delicious treat that brings a little bit of bakery charm right into your kitchen. With their flaky pastry, sweet cherry filling, and light dusting of powdered sugar, they’re the perfect option for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. These little pastries are easy to make and will surely impress your family and guests with both their taste and presentation.

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