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This flaky raspberry almond Danish transforms your kitchen into a bakery without struggling with traditional dough. The trick? Using ready-made puff pastry sheets for those crispy layers while you put your energy into making the smooth almond-flavored filling and tangy raspberry topping.
I came up with this time-saving version after watching my grandma spend forever making Danish pastry from scratch. The first time I brought these to our holiday breakfast, everyone thought they came from the fancy bakery downtown. They've now become what we always eat on Christmas morning.
Ingredients
- Frozen puff pastry: Let it thaw but keep it cool for the crispiest results
- Cream cheese: Make sure it's soft so your filling turns out smooth
- Raspberry preserves: Give that perfect mix of sweet and tart next to the creamy parts
- Almond extract: Creates that special bakery taste in both the filling and topping
- Toasted sliced almonds: Add a nice crunch and make it look fancy
- Lemon juice: Cuts through the richness and adds freshness
- All purpose flour: Helps the cream cheese filling stay put while baking
Easy Steps to Follow
- Mix your filling:
- Beat that egg till it's totally smooth before adding dry stuff. This starts your cream cheese mixture. Take your time blending in the cream cheese until it looks silky. Don't worry about tiny bumps - they'll disappear in the oven.
- Get the dough ready:
- Make shallow cuts in the rectangles without going all the way through. This makes that pretty raised edge around your filling. Using parchment paper stops sticking and makes moving to the baking tray super easy.
- First time in oven:
- Keep an eye on it during the first bake as it puffs up like crazy. This sets up the base structure. Brushing milk on the edges helps them turn golden brown.
- Put in the fillings:
- Push down the middle carefully to make room for fillings. Don't push too hard - just enough to make a dent. Put the cream cheese mix first, then the raspberry jam on top for the prettiest look.
- Final oven time:
- Cover with foil if it's getting too brown during the second bake. The filling should be set and not wobbly. Let it cool properly so flavors blend and it firms up before adding the glaze.
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The almond extract really makes these pastries pop. My grandma always told me the secret between okay and amazing pastries was a splash of almond flavor. Whenever I catch that smell while they're baking, I'm right back in her kitchen learning all her baking tricks.
Storage Tips
These Danish treats stay nice and crisp for about a day at room temp if kept in a sealed container. If you need longer, pop them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They'll get a bit softer but will still taste great. Want to perk them up? Warm them for 5 minutes in a 300°F oven before eating. I think it's best to add the glaze and nuts after reheating if you can.
Customization Options
Don't be afraid to try different jams based on what's in season or what you like. Apricot, cherry, or blackberry taste amazing with the almond flavor. Got chocolate fans? Swap in hazelnut spread instead of fruit jam. Add some fresh berries on top after baking for a fancy touch. If you want to switch up the flavor, try vanilla or orange extract instead of almond.
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Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these Danish treats a bit warm or room temperature with a nice mug of coffee or tea. For a full brunch spread, add a simple bowl of fruit and an egg dish to balance things out. They'll wow everyone at a holiday breakfast table or weekend get-together with friends. Cut them smaller to serve as fancy treats during afternoon gatherings.
Cultural Context
While real Danish pastries need a complicated process of folding butter between layers of yeast dough, this easier version captures the taste without all the hard work. The mix of almond and raspberry is a classic combo in Scandinavian baking, where tart berries work perfectly with the rich, nutty flavors that northern European bakers love.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What stops puff pastry from turning soggy?
Keep your puff pastry cold as you work. Scoring the edges will also help keep the middle nice and crisp.
- → Can I switch up the jam flavor?
Sure! Try strawberry, apricot, or blackberry jam. Pick a flavor that goes well with the creamy filling.
- → What's the best way to toast almonds?
Spread almonds evenly on a pan and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until they're golden and smell amazing.
- → What if I don't have almond extract?
Vanilla extract works just fine. It'll give a nice flavor twist while still tasting great.
- → Can I make it earlier in the day?
Absolutely! Bake them ahead, then glaze and add almonds right before serving so they stay fresh and tasty.