Are you craving a delightful pastry that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This cherry Danish recipe is your answer. Forget those store-bought pastries loaded with preservatives; this homemade version is bursting with fresh, juicy cherries and a flaky, buttery crust that will melt in your mouth. It's the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. This recipe offers a fun, simple approach to homemade cooking, perfect for beginners looking for easy recipes and experienced bakers seeking a delicious twist on a classic.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (if using frozen, thaw and drain well)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tbsp milk or cream
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add the water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier crust.
Preparing the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
Assembling and Baking the Danish:
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling: Spread the cherry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Roll and cut: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
- Arrange and bake: Place the slices cut-side up in a greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Glaze:
- Whisk together: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk or cream until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Drizzle: Once the Danish have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Tips for the Best Cherry Danish:
- Use very cold butter for a flakier crust.
- Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them completely before adding them to the filling to prevent a soggy pastry.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of butter and shortening in the dough.
- Feel free to experiment with other fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.
Variations:
- Almond Cherry Danish: Add sliced almonds to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Spread a layer of cream cheese on the dough before adding the cherry filling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 300-350 Fat: 15-20g Protein: 4-5g Carbohydrates: 40-45g Sugar: 20-25g
This homemade cherry Danish is a perfect example of delicious dishes achievable with easy recipes. Enjoy this quick dinner idea or a satisfying treat anytime! It's a great way to elevate your homemade cooking game and impress your friends and family with a truly delightful, best recipe.