Here is a recipe that I made up a while ago, for the purpose of having something impressive looking but quick to make for a party. If you find yourself in a similar boat, these cherry pastries are the perfect thing for you!
What makes these cherry pastries so easy to make
This recipe is so beyond simple to make because it’s only 3 ingredients, and all of them can be purchased pre-made (and delicious!) in a pinch. I’m all about making things from scratch, but I do love to have a couple of quick “cheat” recipes in my back pocket to make something fast when I need to – and this is one of them!
An easy cherry danish recipe
Danishes are one of my favourite things, and this recipe is like a quick, cheater’s way to make them. These little dessert diamonds are flaky layers of buttery pastry filled with fruit goodness. I would describe them as a lazy man’s danish, or as a slight variation on a fruit tart.
How is puff pastry different than croissant dough or danish pastry?
Puff pastry, unlike danish pastry or croissant dough, is not made with any leaven. The butter in between layers of dough (when placed in the oven at high heat) are forced to separate and puff up, and the result is a slightly more crispy version of the yeast doughs you can make for other types of laminated (layered with cold butter) pastries (such as croissants and danishes).
How to serve my easy cherry pastries:
I love these as a quick “I need something to bring to that party” option, or honestly just as a fun pick-me-up or last minute tea party dessert.
Fun fact, this recipe is one of the ones in my new tea party e-cookbook, “Make Time for Tea.” If you are interested in a sneak peek of that, you can sign up to get a free sample chapter at the bottom of this post!
Other great filling ideas for this recipe:
Cherry is not the only delicious filling for these little pastry diamonds… In fact, you can pretty much use anything! Use your favourite pie filling or jam as the centre, or even fill them with custard and top with fresh fruit.
If you need a few recipes for filling ideas, I’ve got a bunch on my blog you can check out:
- Blueberry Lemon Pie Filling
- Apple Pie Filling
- Rhubarb Sauce (see recipe notes for how to thicken for pie filling)
- Raspberry Sauce (see recipe notes for how to thicken for pie filling)
- Strawberry Sauce (see recipe notes for how to thicken for pie filling)
- Dark Chocolate Ganache (spread soft ganache in the pastry centres and allow it to set)
- Milk Chocolate Ganache (spread soft ganache in the pastry centres and allow it to set)
- White Chocolate Ganache (spread soft ganache in the pastry centres and allow it to set)
- Cream Cheese Filling
- Sweet Apple Butter
- Cranberry Apple Butter
- Strawberry Orange Marmalade
To make this recipe, you will need:
- Ingredients (see recipe card)
- Rolling pin
- Miniature sieve
- Can opener
- Sharp paring knife
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
- Regular teaspoon
Easy Cherry Pastries
This danish-like 3 ingredient recipe is one of the simplest and most beautiful desserts ever-- perfect to serve as a simple party dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 450 gram box butter puff pastry, thawed and chilled (450g = 2 pre-rolled sheets) or 500g homemade puff pastry (see recipe notes)
- 1 540 mL can cherry pie filling or 1-1/2 cups homemade cherry pie filling
- 1/3 cup Icing sugar
Instructions
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On a lightly floured work surface, roll out one portion of pastry into a 12-inch (30cm) square (if your pastry is pre-made, it will likely be pre-rolled to this size for you). The pastry should be about 1/4-inch (0.5cm) thick, or a little thinner.
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Cut the pastry into 9 equal squares. Repeat with the other portion of pastry so that you have 18 rolled and cut squares.
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Take one of the small squares and cut a 1/4 inch border around the inside, leaving 2 of the 4 corners (opposite each other) attached slightly.
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Using a little bit of water and your finger, moisten the edges of the pastry on the inside of your cut. Carefully fold one corner of the outside rim over to the opposite end of the inside square, and lightly press to fasten the pieces together. Repeat with the opposite corner. Continue with this process until all 18 pastry diamonds are made.
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Set the pastry diamonds onto parchment lined baking sheets, and bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffy. Cool on wire racks.
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Just before serving, spoon 3-4 cherries into the centre of each cooled diamond. Dust with icing sugar, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
If you prefer to make your own, you can check out my easy homemade puff pastry recipe at this link: https://naomicakes.com/simple-puff-pastry-recipe/
1 kg = 1000g, so a half batch of my homemade puff pastry makes enough to double this recipe for cherry pastries (yielding 36).
Note (re: the photo below): I accidentally cut this one all the way around (which is ok), but ideally you want to leave 2 of the 4 corners attached for the inside cut.
If you like this recipe, you will also love:
- Lemon Blueberry Tarts
- Miniature Lemon Meringue Pies
- Miniature Cherry Pies
- Miniature Cherry Turnovers
- Miniature Apple Turnovers
- Eccles Cakes
- Apple Butter Baked Brie
- Cranberry Apple Butter Danishes
As always, if you make this recipe, tag me in your photos on Instagram @naomicakesofficial, or leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you.
Enjoy! Back soon.
–Naomi
This post contains affiliate links.
Where does one buy the pastry sheets? Will they have them at a regular grocery store?
Hi Jocelyn! Yes, you should be able to find them with other frozen pre-made pastry in the grocery store, alongside of phyllo pastry and pre-made pie crust.
All the best, and thank for your comment!
[…] recipe is great for making turnovers, cherry pastries, eccles cakes, baked brie, etc. I have it written out below as “A full batch” or […]