Braided Cherry Danish
A delightful pastry with warm cherries and creamy goodness, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Danish
- 1 box puff pastry (2 sheets) Flaky, buttery layers that provide a crispy foundation.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Adds a luscious consistency to the filling.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar Balances the tart cherry flavor beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Offers a hint of nuttiness.
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry fruit filling Adds acidity and sweetness.
- 1 large egg For the egg wash.
- 2-3 tablespoons turbinado sugar Adds a crunchy finish.
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar Perfect for a drizzle of glaze.
- 4-5 teaspoons milk Smooths out the glaze to the ideal consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Allow the puff pastry and cream cheese to soften for about 40 minutes at room temperature.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and creamy.
- Place the puff pastry sheets on a floured sheet of parchment paper and roll them out gently.
- Make notches at both ends of the pastry, cutting diagonal strips approximately 1-inch wide, leaving a center strip uncut.
- Carefully move the prepared puff pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture down the center strip, then spoon a layer of cherry filling on top.
- Fold the strips from each side over the filling in a braided fashion.
- Chill the braided pastry in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare an egg wash by beating the egg.
- Brush the pastry with the egg wash and bake for 28-30 minutes until puffed up and golden.
- Allow the Danish to cool slightly, mix the powdered sugar with milk to make the glaze, and drizzle it over the cooled pastries.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is adequately softened for a lump-free mixture. Avoid overworking the dough for flakiness. You can substitute the cherry filling with other fruit fillings such as blueberry or raspberry.