Craving a sweet, flaky treat that’s simple to make and absolutely delicious? This Easy Cherry Almond Danish is the perfect solution. With buttery puff pastry, juicy cherries, and a sprinkle of crunchy almonds, this pastry is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself, this easy-to-make Danish is the perfect choice.

What makes this recipe so special is how easily you can create a bakery-worthy treat at home. The combination of sweet cherries and nutty almonds is the perfect pairing, and with just a few ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes incredible. Plus, with the help of store-bought puff pastry, you can skip all the hard work and still enjoy a mouthwatering result.

This Easy Cherry Almond Danish is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a sweet snack to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. You can customize it with different fruits or even drizzle it with icing for an extra touch of sweetness. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to!

Why This Easy Cherry Almond Danish?

Selling Points:

• Quick and Easy: With store-bought puff pastry, this recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes.
• Sweet and Nutty: The combination of tart cherries and crunchy almonds gives a beautiful contrast in texture and flavor.
• Impressive Presentation: These Danishes look and taste like they came from a bakery, but they’re made right at home.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this treat is sure to please.
• Customizable: You can easily switch out the cherries for other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or even peaches.

What You Need for Easy Cherry Almond Danish

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 1/2 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries, pitted and halved)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

How to Make Easy Cherry Almond Danish

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
   
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unfold the puff pastry sheet and place it on a clean surface. Using a knife, gently score the edges of the pastry to create a border, about 1/2 inch from the edge. This will help the pastry rise evenly when baking. Cut the puff pastry into 4 equal squares or rectangles.
   
3. Add the Cherry Filling: Place about 1-2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries) in the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling could spill out during baking.
   
4. Fold the Pastry: Carefully fold the corners of each square towards the center, overlapping slightly. Press the edges lightly to seal, leaving the center open with the cherry filling exposed.
   
5. Add the Almonds: Drizzle a little melted butter over the top of the pastry and sprinkle sliced almonds on top. This adds a beautiful crunch and flavor to the Danish.
   
6. Egg Wash (Optional): For a golden, shiny finish, beat the egg and brush it over the edges of the puff pastry.
   
7. Bake: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
   
8. Finish and Serve: Once the pastries are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with vanilla extract or a simple glaze if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
   

Tips for the Perfect Cherry Almond Danish

• Use Fresh or Canned Cherries: If you’re using fresh cherries, be sure to pit and halve them before adding them to the pastry. If you prefer a quicker option, canned cherry pie filling works wonderfully.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overload the pastry with too much filling, as it can spill out during baking.
• Make It Your Own: You can swap out the cherries for other fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, or even peaches for a different flavor twist.
• For Extra Sweetness: If you want a sweeter glaze, combine powdered sugar and a little milk to drizzle over the baked pastry.
• Chill the Puff Pastry: If your puff pastry is too warm, it might become difficult to work with. Let it chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before using it.

Substitutions and Variations

• Nuts: If you prefer a different nut, you can substitute sliced almonds with chopped pecans or walnuts for a slightly different flavor.
• Cheese: Adding a dollop of cream cheese to the center of each pastry before filling with cherries gives a rich, creamy texture to balance the sweetness of the fruit.
• Dried Fruit: You could also swap out the cherries for dried fruit such as apricots or figs for a unique twist.

Make It Healthier

• Use Less Sugar: You can cut down on the sweetness by using a lower-sugar cherry pie filling or fresh fruit instead of the canned filling.
• Skip the Almonds: If you prefer a lighter version, feel free to leave out the almonds for a less calorie-dense option.
• Try Whole Wheat Pastry: For a healthier alternative, you could try whole wheat puff pastry for added fiber.

Closing for Easy Cherry Almond Danish

This Easy Cherry Almond Danish is a simple yet irresistible pastry that combines the sweetness of cherries with the crunch of almonds and the buttery goodness of puff pastry. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a dessert, or as an afternoon snack. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Give this easy recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out! Whether you serve it at your next brunch or enjoy it on your own with a cup of coffee, this Easy Cherry Almond Danish will bring joy to your taste buds. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Cherry Almond Danish

Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned or fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries work well! Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Can I make these in advance?
You can prepare the puff pastry and add the filling ahead of time, then bake them just before serving. You can also store the baked Danishes in an airtight container for up to two days.

Can I make this recipe without puff pastry?
If you want a lighter option, you could try using crescent roll dough or even phyllo dough for a flakier texture.

Can I add cream cheese to the filling?
Yes! Adding a small dollop of cream cheese in the center of each pastry before adding the cherry filling will give the Danish a creamy texture and make it even more indulgent.

Can I freeze these Danishes?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pastries before baking. Simply assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What other fruits can I use in this recipe?
You can substitute cherries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or even strawberries for a different flavor profile.

How do I get the perfect golden color on my pastry?
Brush the puff pastry with a beaten egg before baking. This will give the pastry a golden, shiny finish once it’s baked.

Easy Cherry Almond Danish is the perfect blend of flaky pastry, sweet cherries, and crunchy almonds. With minimal prep and delicious results, this pastry will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, it’s sure to impress. Happy baking!

Easy Cherry Almond Danish

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

• 1/2 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries, pitted and halved)

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• 1 tablespoon butter (melted)

• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

Directions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unfold the puff pastry sheet and place it on a clean surface. Using a knife, gently score the edges of the pastry to create a border, about 1/2 inch from the edge. This will help the pastry rise evenly when baking. Cut the puff pastry into 4 equal squares or rectangles.
• Add the Cherry Filling: Place about 1-2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries) in the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling could spill out during baking.
• Fold the Pastry: Carefully fold the corners of each square towards the center, overlapping slightly. Press the edges lightly to seal, leaving the center open with the cherry filling exposed.
• Add the Almonds: Drizzle a little melted butter over the top of the pastry and sprinkle sliced almonds on top. This adds a beautiful crunch and flavor to the Danish.
• Egg Wash (Optional): For a golden, shiny finish, beat the egg and brush it over the edges of the puff pastry.
• Bake: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
• Finish and Serve: Once the pastries are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with vanilla extract or a simple glaze if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!