Imagine biting into a warm, flaky pastry, its buttery layers melting in your mouth, while the sweet and tangy flavor of prunes dances on your palate. These Flaky Buttery Prune Danishes are not just a treat; they are a delightful experience that will elevate your breakfast or dessert game to a whole new level. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of love, you can create these irresistible pastries that will impress your family and friends. Ready to discover the secrets to making these delectable danishes? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Pastry
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package of puff pastry
- 1 cup prunes, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Thaw the package of puff pastry according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
- While the puff pastry is thawing, prepare the prune filling. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped prunes, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the prunes are evenly coated with the sugar and vanilla.
- Once the puff pastry is thawed, unfold it carefully on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently with a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and to slightly increase its size.
- Cut the puff pastry into squares, approximately 4x4 inches in size. You should be able to get about 12 squares from one package of puff pastry.
- Take each square of puff pastry and place about 1 tablespoon of the prune filling in the center of the square.
- Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center, creating a pocket for the filling. Pinch the edges to seal them securely.
- Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for puffing during baking.
- Brush the tops of each pastry with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Bake the danishes in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- After the danishes have cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve the flaky buttery prune danishes warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious homemade pastries!
Tips
- Thawing Puff Pastry: Make sure to thaw the puff pastry properly as per the package instructions. Rushing this step can lead to a tough texture, so give it the full 20-30 minutes to reach room temperature.
- Perfectly Cut Squares: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the puff pastry into even squares. This ensures that each Danish bakes uniformly and looks appealing.
- Sealing the Edges: When folding the corners of the pastry, pinch the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. A good seal is key to a perfectly shaped Danish.
- Golden Finish: For an extra golden finish, make sure to brush the tops of the pastries generously with the beaten egg. This not only enhances the color but also adds a lovely sheen.
- Cooling Time: Allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
- Dusting with Sugar: Don’t skip the powdered sugar dusting! It adds a beautiful finish and a touch of sweetness that complements the rich flavors of the pastry and prunes.
- Serving Suggestions: These danishes are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh fruit for a complete treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg