Pear & Almond Cream Danish -

Pear & Almond Cream Danish

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Pear & Almond Cream Danish, a perfect pastry for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a rich almond cream filling and sweet, juicy pears, creating a delicious experience. Making pastries from scratch offers a fulfilling connection to your ingredients, making every bite even more special. Elevate your baking skills with this easy guide and impress your guests with a stunning homemade treat.

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Ingredients

For the Danish pastry:

1 sheet of frozen puff pastry (thawed)

1 egg (for egg wash)

For the almond cream:

100g (3.5 oz) almond flour

75g (2.6 oz) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)

75g (2.6 oz) powdered sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the pear topping:

2 ripe pears (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

For garnish:

Sliced almonds

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Prepare the Almond Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add in the almond flour, egg, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour, mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Pears: In a separate mixing bowl, toss the thinly sliced pears with lemon juice, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Leave the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This will allow the pears to soften slightly and absorb the flavors.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry to smooth out any creases and ensure uniform thickness. Cut the pastry into a rectangle measuring approximately 10x12 inches.

Form the Danish Base: Carefully transfer the rolled pastry to the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a border around the edges of the pastry (about 1 inch inward). Be sure not to cut all the way through; this scoring will help the edges puff beautifully during baking.

Spread the Almond Cream: Take the almond cream and spread it evenly within the scored perimeter of the pastry, ensuring a smooth and even layer.

Arrange the Pears: Artfully place the sliced pears over the almond cream. Aim for an aesthetically pleasing arrangement, overlapping the slices slightly to create a visually appealing pattern.

Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg and use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer along the scored edges of the pastry. This will give the Danish a lovely golden finish as it bakes.

Add Almonds: Sprinkle sliced almonds generously over the pears for added texture and crunch, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and beautifully golden brown.

Cool and Dust: Once baked, remove the Danish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Serve: Slice your Danish and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in your Pear & Almond Cream Danish!

Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve your Danish on a rustic wooden board or a decorative plate. Garnish with additional sliced almonds and a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.