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How to Make Cherry Danish Pastries
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries (fresh or frozen), sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. If using fresh cherries, you can chop them into smaller pieces for an easier filling.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cherries release their juices and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using fresh cherries, make sure they break down and soften as they cook. If the filling gets too thick, add a little water to loosen it.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool while you prepare the dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry dough into a rectangle or two smaller rectangles, depending on how large you want your Danish pastries to be. If you want individual-sized pastries, cut the dough into 4 squares (or more if you prefer smaller servings).
- Using a knife, score a border about 1/2-inch from the edges of each rectangle (or square). This will help create a raised edge and keep the filling from spilling out during baking.
Step 3: Assemble the Pastries
- Spoon a generous amount of the cherry filling into the center of each puff pastry square, leaving the edges clear to allow the dough to rise and puff during baking.
- Gently fold up the edges of the pastry to form a slightly raised border around the cherry filling. You can leave the corners open for a rustic look, or you can fold them to create a more enclosed shape, depending on your preference.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash to give the pastries a golden, shiny finish once baked.
Step 4: Bake the Danish Pastries
- Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Once the pastries are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before adding the glaze.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
- To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastries, allowing it to drip down the sides and soak into the cracks.
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Danish Pastries
- Use Quality Puff Pastry: If you have the time, making puff pastry from scratch is an option, but using frozen puff pastry makes this recipe super easy and quick, and it still gives you the flaky, buttery texture you want. Just be sure to thaw it properly before using.
- Substitute with Other Fruit: While cherries are the star of this recipe, you can swap them out for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or apricots. Mix and match to create your perfect fruit-filled Danish!
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to add a lot of filling, but be sure to leave enough room around the edges for the pastry to rise. Overfilling can cause the pastries to leak or become soggy.
- Egg Wash for a Golden Finish: The egg wash is key for achieving that golden, shiny look on the pastries. Don’t skip this step!
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: These pastries go wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up!
Why You Should Eat Mouthwatering Cherry Danish Pastries
If you love fruity pastries with a touch of elegance and decadence, Cherry Danish Pastries are a must-try. With their flaky, buttery dough, juicy cherry filling, and sweet glaze, these pastries deliver a burst of flavor with every bite. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast, a sweet afternoon snack, or even as part of a festive brunch spread. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Cherry Danish Pastries are a delightful indulgence you won’t regret.
So, would you eat these mouthwatering treats? Once you try one, we think you’ll be hooked—and you’ll be making them again and again!
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