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Shortcut Cherry Danish

Shortcut Cherry Danish

This Shortcut Cherry Danish recipe delivers flaky, buttery pastries bursting with juicy cherry filling, perfect for a quick and delightful treat. Ready in under 20 minutes using store-bought puff pastry, it offers an irresistible bakery-quality flavor with minimal effort, ideal for busy mornings or whenever you crave a sweet, elegant pastry.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 cup cherry pie filling
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Thaw the Puff Pastry: Remove the frozen puff pastry sheets from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes until pliable but still cold to maintain flakiness.
  2. Prepare the Cherry Filling: Open the cherry pie filling and gently stir to evenly distribute the syrup and cherries. Optionally, drain some syrup or add a little fresh lemon juice to reduce sweetness and brighten flavor.
  3. Cut and Shape the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry and cut into 4×4 inch squares. Place the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  4. Add the Cherry Filling: Place a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling in the center of each square, leaving room around the edges for folding.
  5. Seal and Shape the Danish: Fold the corners of each square inward, pinching gently to seal the filling inside and create the classic Danish shape. You can fold all four corners toward the center or pinch two opposite corners for simplicity.
  6. Brush with Egg Wash: Beat one egg and lightly brush the tops of each Danish to give a golden shine and help maintain shape during baking.
  7. Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
  8. Drizzle with Icing: Mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a teaspoon of water to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled Danish for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • Keep puff pastry cold while handling to preserve flakiness.
  • Don’t overfill with cherry filling to prevent leakage during baking.
  • Cut pastry squares evenly for uniform baking.
  • Watch baking time closely to avoid over-browning.
  • Use room-temperature cherry filling to avoid soggy dough.

Nutrition

Keywords: Shortcut Cherry Danish, cherry danish, puff pastry dessert, quick pastry recipe, cherry pastry