Cherry Delight Pastries

Oh, Cherry Delight Pastries, where have you been all my life? Seriously, this recipe has become a staple in our household faster than you can say “delicious dessert.” I stumbled upon it while searching for something sweet and satisfying to bake on a whim, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. The flaky layers of pastry, the burst of sweet and slightly tart cherry filling, the delicate hint of almond – it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. My family? They devoured them. From my picky teenager who usually only eats chocolate desserts to my husband who claims he’s “not a sweets person” (yeah, right!), everyone was reaching for seconds, and even thirds! These pastries are not just a treat; they are an experience, a little pocket of joy that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or anytime you need a little pick-me-up. Trust me, once you bake these Cherry Delight Pastries, you’ll be making them again and again. They’re surprisingly easy to make, impressive to serve, and utterly irresistible to eat. Let’s dive into the magic of making these delightful treats!

Ingredients for Cherry Delight Pastries

Here’s what you’ll need to create these heavenly Cherry Delight Pastries. We’ve kept it simple and accessible, focusing on ingredients you can easily find in most grocery stores. Quality ingredients will elevate the final product, but don’t worry, this recipe is forgiving and delicious even with pantry staples.

• Puff Pastry: (1 package, usually around 14-17 ounces) – The foundation of our flaky masterpiece. Look for all-butter puff pastry for the richest flavor and best texture. Frozen puff pastry is readily available and works wonderfully. Thaw it according to package directions before using.
• Cherry Pie Filling: (1 can, approximately 21 ounces) – The heart of our delight! Choose your favorite brand of cherry pie filling. You can opt for regular or light, depending on your sweetness preference. For an extra touch, you can even use homemade cherry pie filling if you’re feeling ambitious!
• Granulated Sugar: (2 tablespoons) – Adds a touch of sweetness to the pastry itself and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
• Egg: (1 large) – Used to create an egg wash, which gives the pastries a glossy sheen and enhances browning during baking.
• Almond Extract: (1/2 teaspoon) – A secret ingredient that elevates the cherry flavor. Almond extract complements cherries beautifully, adding a warm, nutty note. If you don’t have almond extract, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute, but almond really is the star here.
• Powdered Sugar (optional): For dusting – A final flourish for visual appeal and a touch of extra sweetness.
• Sliced Almonds (optional): For garnish – Adds a bit of crunch and visual interest. Toasted almonds are even better!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Cherry Delight Pastries

Ready to bake up some Cherry Delight Pastries? Follow these easy step-by-step instructions and you’ll be enjoying warm, flaky pastries in no time. Don’t be intimidated; this recipe is simpler than it looks!

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper is your best friend in baking!
2. Thaw Puff Pastry: If using frozen puff pastry, ensure it is properly thawed according to the package instructions. Usually, this involves letting it sit at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes, or until it’s pliable but still cold. You want it to be easy to unfold and work with, but not too warm and sticky.
3. Unfold and Lightly Roll Puff Pastry: Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to lightly roll it out into a slightly larger rectangle, about 12×14 inches. Don’t roll it too thin, you want to maintain those beautiful layers. A gentle roll to even it out is all you need.
4. Cut Pastry into Squares: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry sheet into even squares. You should be able to get about 9-12 squares depending on the size of your pastry sheet. Aim for squares that are roughly 3-4 inches in size.
5. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water (or milk) to create an egg wash. This simple mixture is key to achieving that golden brown color and beautiful shine on your pastries.
6. Assemble the Pastries: Place a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of cherry pie filling in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill them, as the filling might leak out during baking. A generous but controlled spoonful is perfect.
7. Fold and Seal the Pastries: There are a few ways to fold your pastries. You can fold each square into a triangle by bringing two opposite corners together, or you can fold them into rectangles by bringing one side over to meet the other. Press the edges firmly to seal them closed. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they are well sealed.
8. Brush with Egg Wash and Sprinkle with Sugar: Brush the tops of each pastry with the prepared egg wash. This will give them a lovely golden color as they bake. Then, sprinkle the tops evenly with granulated sugar. The sugar will caramelize and add a delightful sweetness and crunch to the crust.
9. Bake in Preheated Oven: Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the assembled pastries to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up, golden brown, and the cherry filling is bubbly around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them beautifully golden, not burnt.
10. Cool and Finish: Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust them with powdered sugar and garnish with sliced almonds while they are still slightly warm or once fully cooled.
11. Enjoy! Serve your Cherry Delight Pastries warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Get ready to be amazed by the flaky, fruity goodness!

Nutrition Facts for Cherry Delight Pastries (per serving)

Please note that these are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used, as well as serving size. This is a general guideline to give you an idea of the nutritional content.

• Serving Size: 1 pastry (assuming recipe makes 9-12 pastries)
• Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per pastry – This is a treat, so enjoy in moderation! The calorie count comes primarily from the puff pastry, sugar, and cherry pie filling.
• Fat: Approximately 12-15 grams per pastry – Puff pastry is known for its buttery richness, which contributes to the fat content. Most of this fat is from the butter in the puff pastry.
• Sugar: Approximately 20-25 grams per pastry – The sweetness comes from both the sugar added and the sugar naturally present in the cherry pie filling. Be mindful of this if you are watching your sugar intake.
• Sodium: Approximately 150-200 mg per pastry – Sodium content can vary depending on the puff pastry and cherry pie filling used. Check the nutrition labels of your specific ingredients for more accurate values.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams per pastry – Carbohydrates come from the puff pastry, sugar, and cherry pie filling. These are primarily simple carbohydrates.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and for informational purposes only. For precise values, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time for Cherry Delight Pastries

From start to finish, these Cherry Delight Pastries are surprisingly quick to prepare, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert craving or a weekend brunch project.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes – This includes thawing the puff pastry, unfolding it, rolling it slightly, cutting the squares, preparing the egg wash, and assembling the pastries with the cherry filling. The assembly is the most hands-on part, but it’s still quite quick.
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes – Baking time will vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your pastries. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color and bubbly filling.
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes – In under an hour, you can have warm, delicious Cherry Delight Pastries ready to enjoy! This is a fantastic recipe for when you want something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

How to Serve Cherry Delight Pastries

Cherry Delight Pastries are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for any occasion.

• Warm from the Oven: There’s nothing quite like enjoying these pastries while they are still warm. The flaky crust is at its peak, and the cherry filling is delightfully gooey.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that complements the warm cherry pastries beautifully. Try other flavors like almond, cinnamon, or even cherry ice cream for an extra cherry boost!
• Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch, balancing the richness of the pastry. You can also use store-bought whipped cream for convenience.
• Alongside Coffee or Tea: These pastries are wonderful for breakfast or brunch paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They make a delightful morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up.
• As a Dessert: Serve them as a simple yet elegant dessert after dinner. They are satisfying without being overly heavy.
• For Brunch or Breakfast: Cherry Delight Pastries are a crowd-pleasing addition to any brunch spread. They are also a special treat for a weekend breakfast.
• At Parties and Gatherings: These pastries are easy to transport and serve, making them ideal for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings.
• Dusted with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving.
• Garnished with Sliced Almonds: Adding a sprinkle of sliced almonds (toasted or untoasted) adds a lovely visual touch and a bit of textural contrast.

Additional Tips for Perfect Cherry Delight Pastries

Want to ensure your Cherry Delight Pastries are bakery-worthy every time? Here are some helpful tips and tricks to elevate your baking game.

1. Don’t Overwork the Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is delicate. Handle it gently and avoid over-rolling it. Overworking can develop the gluten and make the pastry tough instead of flaky. A light touch is key.
2. Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Cold puff pastry is essential for achieving flaky layers. If your pastry becomes too warm while working with it, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up. Work quickly to keep it chilled.
3. Dock the Pastry (Optional): If you prefer flatter pastries, you can lightly dock the pastry squares with a fork before adding the filling. Docking means pricking small holes in the pastry, which prevents it from puffing up too much in the center. For this recipe, a little puff is usually desired, but docking is an option.
4. Don’t Overfill the Pastries: Resist the urge to pile on the cherry pie filling. Overfilling can cause the pastries to burst open during baking and the filling to leak out. A moderate spoonful is perfect.
5. Seal the Edges Well: Ensure you seal the edges of the pastries tightly to prevent the filling from escaping and to help them hold their shape. Crimp the edges with a fork for extra security and a decorative finish.
6. Use Parchment Paper: Always bake on parchment paper. It prevents sticking, makes cleanup incredibly easy, and helps the pastries bake evenly.
7. Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the pastries until they are a beautiful golden brown color. This indicates that the pastry is cooked through and flaky. Don’t underbake them, or they might be doughy in the center.
8. Experiment with Fillings: While cherry is classic, feel free to experiment with other pie fillings! Apple, blueberry, or even a savory filling like spinach and feta would work wonderfully with puff pastry. Get creative and try your favorite flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cherry Delight Pastries

Got questions about making Cherry Delight Pastries? We’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you bake with confidence.

Q1: Can I make Cherry Delight Pastries ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the pastries ahead of time, but they are best enjoyed fresh. You can assemble the pastries (filled and sealed) and keep them unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake them just before serving. Baked pastries are best eaten the same day for optimal flakiness, but can be stored.

Q2: How do I store leftover Cherry Delight Pastries?
A: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Refrigerating may soften the crust slightly, but they will still be delicious.

Q3: Can I freeze Cherry Delight Pastries?
A: Yes, you can freeze both unbaked and baked pastries. To freeze unbaked pastries, assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked pastries can be frozen after cooling completely. Thaw them at room temperature before reheating.

Q4: Can I use homemade cherry pie filling instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Homemade cherry pie filling will elevate the flavor even further. Just make sure it’s not too runny, as excess moisture can make the pastry soggy. Cook and cool your homemade filling before using it in the pastries.

Q5: Can I add other flavors to the pastries?
A: Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cherry filling, a dash of lemon zest to the pastry, or even drizzle melted chocolate over the baked pastries. Nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts can also be added to the filling or as a topping.

Q6: Can I make these pastries vegan?
A: Making them vegan requires substituting the puff pastry and egg wash. Look for vegan puff pastry (many brands are accidentally vegan). For the egg wash, you can use plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) or a mixture of maple syrup and plant milk for browning.

Q7: Can I make these pastries gluten-free?
A: For gluten-free Cherry Delight Pastries, you’ll need to find gluten-free puff pastry. These can be a bit harder to find, but they do exist. Follow the recipe as directed, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free if necessary for dietary restrictions.

Q8: My puff pastry is cracking when I unfold it, what should I do?
A: If your puff pastry is cracking, it might be too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for a few more minutes to soften slightly. If it’s still cracking, lightly dampen the cracks with a little water and gently press them back together before rolling. Handle it with care.

Enjoy baking these delightful Cherry Delight Pastries! They are a treat that’s sure to bring smiles to faces and warm up any occasion. Happy baking!

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