Cherry Danishes

These Cherry Danishes are a perfect balance of flaky puff pastry and sweet cherry filling, topped with a rich, sugary glaze. Quick and easy to prepare, they make an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delightful pastry that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 cup cherry pie filling
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 6 equal squares.
3. Spoon a generous amount of cherry pie filling into the center of each square.
4. Fold the corners of each square towards the center, creating a danish shape.
5. Brush the edges of the pastries with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish when baked.
6. Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 danishes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Fillings: You can swap the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or apple for a different flavor profile.
• Cream Cheese: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese before the fruit filling for a richer, creamier danish.
• Toppings: Try sprinkling chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, over the top of the danishes before baking for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These Cherry Danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked danishes (before glazing) for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore the crispiness of the puff pastry.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pastry? Yes, you can use phyllo dough or shortcrust pastry if you prefer, though puff pastry gives the best results for a light and flaky texture.
2. What if I don’t have cherry pie filling? You can make your own cherry filling by cooking fresh or frozen cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until thickened, or use any other fruit filling of your choice.
3. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the danishes the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them in the morning for a fresh, warm breakfast.
4. How do I know when the danishes are done? The danishes are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. You can also insert a toothpick to check that the pastry is fully cooked inside.
5. Can I make these danishes without egg wash? Yes, if you prefer an egg-free version, you can brush the pastries with a little milk or cream for a slightly different finish.
6. Can I use store-bought glaze? Yes, store-bought glaze or icing can be used instead of making your own, but homemade glaze is easy to prepare and adds a personal touch.
7. Can I freeze the baked danishes? Yes, you can freeze baked danishes, though the pastry may lose some of its crispiness when reheated. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
8. Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling? Yes, fresh cherries can be used, but you will need to cook them with sugar and a thickening agent (like cornstarch) to create a filling with a similar consistency to pie filling.
9. Can I add cream cheese to the filling? Yes, adding sweetened cream cheese to the center of the danish before the cherry filling makes a delicious and creamy variation.
10. How can I make these danishes more festive? For a holiday touch, you can decorate the glaze with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small holiday-themed decorations.

Conclusion

These Cherry Danishes are a simple yet delicious pastry that brings a touch of elegance and sweetness to any occasion. With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, they’re perfect for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or even a special treat for guests. The buttery, flaky pastry combined with the sweet cherry filling and glaze makes them irresistible!

Print