Cherry Danish is a delicious pastry that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert. It’s a sweet and flaky pastry with a fruity and tangy cherry filling that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. In this article, we will explore the history of cherry Danish, its ingredients, and how to make it at home.
History of Cherry Danish
Danish pastry, also known as viennoiserie, originated in Austria and was brought to Denmark by Austrian bakers in the 1850s. The pastry became popular in Denmark and soon spread throughout Europe and the rest of the world. The first known mention of cherry Danish dates back to the 1930s when it was called “wienerbrød” in Denmark.
Ingredients for Cherry Danish
To make cherry Danish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
How to Make Cherry Danish
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until it comes together in a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into 6 equal-sized rectangles.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling into the center of each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the edges of the dough over the cherry filling and press gently to seal.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of the Danish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
FAQs
Q. Can I use other fruit fillings instead of cherry for the Danish?
A. Yes, you can use any fruit filling of your choice, such as blueberry, strawberry, or apple.
Q. Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight?
A. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap so it doesn’t dry out.
Q. Can I freeze the cherry Danish for later?
A. Yes, you can freeze the cherry Danish for later. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q. Can I use puff pastry instead of making the dough from scratch?
A. Yes, you can use puff pastry instead of making the dough from scratch for a quicker and easier version of cherry Danish.
Q. How many servings does this recipe make?
A. This recipe makes 6 cherry Danish pastries.
