Are you dreaming of that magical Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish? The one that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season with its sweet, spiced plums and flaky pastry? Well, stop dreaming and start baking! This recipe brings the deliciousness of that iconic treat right into your kitchen. It's easier than you think to recreate this festive favorite, and the results are unbelievably rewarding. Get ready for a warm, cozy, and incredibly delicious homemade holiday experience. This recipe is perfect for adding a touch of magic to your holiday baking, whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals (relatively speaking!).
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 pound dried plums, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Pastry:
- Cut in the butter: Whisk together flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the water: Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to stay cold, resulting in a flakier pastry.
Preparing the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped plums, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well to ensure all the plums are coated.
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: Evenly spread the plum filling over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Roll and cut: Tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange and bake: Place the slices cut-side up in a greased baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional).
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Use very cold butter and ice water to ensure a flaky pastry.
- Don't overmix the dough; overmixing develops the gluten and makes the pastry tough.
- If your plums are particularly juicy, you may want to drain some of the excess liquid before adding them to the filling. This prevents a soggy pastry.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of butter and shortening in the pastry.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.
- Use a different type of fruit, such as apples or cranberries, for a unique twist.
- Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice over the baked danishes for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator online after inputting the exact measurements of your ingredients. However, expect a serving to contain a moderate amount of calories, fat, and sugar, typical of a pastry. This recipe provides a delicious treat, but moderation is key as part of a balanced diet.
This recipe is a delightful way to bring the flavors of the holidays to your table. Enjoy the process of creating these beautiful and delicious danishes, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the festive season. They are sure to become a new family favorite!