Danish Pastries Filled with Lemon

These Danish Pastries Filled with Lemon are the perfect combination of buttery, flaky puff pastry and tangy, sweet lemon curd. They’re easy to make, and they come together in no time for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert, these pastries offer a burst of lemon flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients, these pastries are a breeze to prepare, even if you’re short on time.
2. Flaky Perfection: The puff pastry gives these pastries their signature light and flaky texture that’s perfectly complemented by the smooth, tangy lemon curd.
3. Elegant Yet Simple: These pastries look sophisticated but are incredibly simple to make, making them great for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought for convenience)
• 1/2 cup lemon curd
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

How to Make the Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the pastry into squares.
3. Add Lemon Curd: Place a spoonful of lemon curd in the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill.
4. Shape the Pastries: Fold the corners of each pastry square over the lemon curd to create a pinwheel or envelope shape. The edges should meet in the center, partially covering the filling.
5. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
6. Bake: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
7. Cool and Dust: Let the pastries cool slightly on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm for the best experience, and enjoy your light, lemony treat!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Store-Bought Puff Pastry: To save time, use store-bought puff pastry. It’s flaky, buttery, and perfect for these pastries.
• Lemon Curd: You can make your own lemon curd or use a store-bought version. If you want to make it from scratch, lemon curd takes just a few minutes to prepare.
• Egg Wash: Brushing the pastries with a beaten egg ensures a golden, shiny finish. If you’re in a pinch, you can use milk as an alternative.
• Add a Twist: Try adding a small piece of cream cheese in the center with the lemon curd for an extra creamy filling!

How to Serve

• Perfect with Coffee or Tea: These pastries are great with your favorite morning coffee or tea. Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful afternoon treat.
• Light Dessert: Serve them at the end of a meal for a light, sweet finish.
• Brunch Table: These pastries can be a showstopper on your brunch table alongside other pastries and fresh fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: To bring back the flakiness, reheat the pastries in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked pastries for up to a month. Just assemble the pastries, brush with egg wash, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different filling instead of lemon curd?
   Yes! You can substitute the lemon curd with other fruit curds (like raspberry or blueberry) or even a chocolate spread for a different flavor.
2. Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare them in advance and refrigerate or freeze them. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I use homemade puff pastry?
   Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will work perfectly if you prefer to make it from scratch.
4. What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
   If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can skip the dusting or use granulated sugar as a substitute.
5. Can I make the lemon curd myself?
   Yes, making lemon curd at home is easy and adds a fresh, homemade touch. Just cook lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter until thickened.

Conclusion

These Danish Pastries Filled with Lemon are a delightful treat that combines the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with the tangy sweetness of lemon curd. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a little indulgence, these pastries are simple to make and full of flavor. Whether served warm or at room temperature, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them!

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