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This classic Danish pastry combines buttery layers of puff pastry with a rich cream cheese filling and sweet-tart cherries. While it looks like a bakery creation, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive breakfast treat without advanced baking skills.
Key Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets: keep chilled
- Cream cheese: softened at room temperature
- Whole milk ricotta: for extra creaminess
- Pure almond extract: enhances flavor
- Cherry filling: provides convenience
- Fresh lemon zest: adds citrus notes
- Large eggs: for golden crust
- Sea salt: balances sweetness
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Step-by-Step Method
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Work with properly chilled puff pastry that's just pliable. Handle gently to maintain layers.
- Make the Filling:
- Blend cream cheese mixture until completely smooth. Ricotta adds richness while lemon zest provides brightness.
- Shape and Fill:
- Score pastry edges carefully to create classic Danish borders.
- Finishing:
- Brush with egg wash for professional golden-brown finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Danish pastries alongside fresh coffee or tea. They pair wonderfully with seasonal fruit and crispy bacon for a complete brunch. The cherry filling complements citrus fruits particularly well. Add fresh whipped cream for special occasions.
Recipe Variations
Adapt the recipe using different fruit fillings like blueberry or raspberry. Add chocolate drizzle for extra decadence. For fall flavors, use apple filling with cinnamon. Create savory versions by omitting fruit and incorporating fresh herbs into the cheese mixture.
Storage Instructions
Serve fresh from the oven for best results. Store in airtight containers for up to two days. Refresh in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving. Freeze unbaked pastries and add extra baking time when ready to use.
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This reliable Danish recipe transforms basic ingredients into an impressive breakfast pastry. Perfect for special occasions or elevating everyday breakfasts, these pastries consistently deliver bakery-quality results.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap the cherry topping for another fruit?
- Absolutely, feel free to use any pie filling flavor you like!
- → Why chill the pastries before they go in the oven?
- It helps everything hold its shape while baking and avoids a runny mess.
- → Are these good to prepare in advance?
- They taste best fresh, but you can make the filling ahead of time to save steps.
- → What’s the purpose of poking holes in the pastry?
- It keeps the filling in place and lets the edges get crispy and puffed.
- → Can almond flavoring be replaced?
- Yes, vanilla works perfectly as a substitute!