Puff Pastry Danishes
There’s something undeniably delightful about biting into a warm, flaky Puff Pastry Danish. These sweet treats, filled with creamy goodness and fruity jams, are perfect for breakfast or as a midday snack. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a beautiful batch of danishes that are sure to impress friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging yourself, these Puff Pastry Danishes are a must-try.
Why It Deserves a Spot
Puff Pastry Danishes deserve a place in your recipe repertoire for several reasons. First, they are incredibly versatile. You can fill them with a variety of fruits or even chocolate, making them suitable for any palate. Second, the combination of flaky pastry and creamy filling creates a delightful texture that’s hard to resist. Lastly, they’re surprisingly easy to make, especially with store-bought puff pastry at your disposal. Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these danishes will elevate your baking game without requiring hours in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need
To whip up these delicious Puff Pastry Danishes, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)
- 1/2 cup Bonne Maman fruit preserves (any flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cook’s Kit
Before you start, make sure you have the following tools:
- Baking sheet – for placing your danishes while they bake.
- Parchment paper – to line your baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- – for combining your cream cheese filling.
- Pastry brush – to apply the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – to cut the puff pastry into squares.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient measurements.
Puff Pastry Danishes: How It’s Done
Creating Puff Pastry Danishes is an enjoyable process, and with these steps, you’ll have beautiful pastries in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial as a hot oven will help the puff pastry rise beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat them together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. This filling will add a rich, velvety texture to your danishes.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of thawed puff pastry to smooth out any creases. Cut each sheet into four equal squares, giving you a total of eight squares.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Take each puff pastry square and place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Then, top it with a tablespoon of your chosen Bonne Maman fruit preserves for a burst of flavor.
Step 5: Shape the Danishes
To create the classic danish shape, fold the corners of each square toward the center, pinching them together gently to seal. This will create a beautiful pocket for the filling.
Step 6: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash over the top of each danish, giving them a lovely golden color when baked.
Step 7: Bake the Danishes
Place the assembled danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the danishes are baking, you can prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
Once the danishes are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes and serve them fresh. Enjoy the delightful combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fruity goodness!
Spring to Winter: Ideas
These Puff Pastry Danishes can be adapted for any season! Here are a few ideas:
- In spring, use lemon curd and fresh berries for a light, fruity flavor.
- In summer, try a combination of peach preserves and sliced almonds for a nutty crunch.
- For autumn, pumpkin spice cream cheese with apple preserves creates a cozy vibe.
- In winter, opt for chocolate hazelnut spread topped with crushed peppermint for a festive treat.
Insider Tips
- Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed for the best results; this allows it to puff properly during baking.
- Experiment with different fruit preserves to find your favorite flavor combinations.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some sliced almonds or chopped nuts on top before baking.
- Make sure not to overfill the danishes to prevent spills during baking.
Save It for Later
If you find yourself with leftover Puff Pastry Danishes (though we doubt that will happen!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their flakiness.
Questions People Ask
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade puff pastry will yield equally delicious results, though it may take more time and effort.
What other fillings can I use for these danishes?
The possibilities are endless! You can use chocolate ganache, almond paste, or even savory fillings like spinach and feta for a unique twist.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Make sure to thoroughly bake the danishes and avoid overfilling them. Also, placing a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on the pastry before adding the filling can help absorb moisture.
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the danishes in advance and refrigerate them. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
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Wrap-Up
Puff Pastry Danishes are a delightful treat that can easily become a staple in your baking routine. With their flaky texture and creamy filling, they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or serving them at a gathering, these danishes are bound to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating these beautiful pastries from the comfort of your home. You’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it is to bake your own Puff Pastry Danishes!
Puff Pastry Danishes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry and cut each sheet into four squares.
- Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square and top with fruit preserves.
- Fold the corners of each square toward the center and pinch to seal.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Apply the egg wash over each danish.
- Place danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over warm danishes and serve.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed for the best results.
- Experiment with different fruit preserves to find your favorite.
- For extra flair, sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
