Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! If you’re anything like me, your kitchen is not just a place for cooking but a cozy retreat where delicious dreams come to life. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe that marries two of my favorite ingredients: sourdough discard and luscious raspberries. Get ready to whip up some Sourdough Discard Raspberry Cream Cheese Danishes that will have your friends and family wondering if you secretly took a class in pastry-making! Let’s dive into the joy of baking together.

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Discard Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish

Baking with sourdough discard has become a beloved trend, and for good reason. Rather than tossing out that bubbly discard, you can transform it into something truly exquisite. This recipe captures the essence of that tangy, fermented flavor while combining it with the richness of cream cheese and the sweet-tart brightness of fresh raspberries.

These Danishes are not only visually stunning; they also strike a perfect balance between flaky pastry and creamy filling. Imagine biting into a warm, golden pastry that envelops a luscious cream cheese filling dotted with juicy raspberries. It’s a little taste of heaven! Plus, these treats are surprisingly easy to make, so even if you are a beginner baker, you’ll find joy in the process.

Step-by-Step: Making Sourdough Discard Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish

Let’s get started on this delightful journey! Follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring your homemade Danishes in no time.

Ingredients

1/2 cup sourdough discard
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 tsp salt
4 oz cream cheese
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 cup fresh raspberries
Optional: egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water)

Directions

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly, resembling coarse sand.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that flaky texture!
Create Layers: After chilling, roll out the dough on a floured surface. Fold it into thirds like a letter, roll it out again and repeat the folding process a few times. This layering will give you that flaky pastry effect.
Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Prepare the Pastry: Roll the dough into a large rectangle and cut it into squares, approximately 4×4 inches.
Fill the Squares: Place a dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square and top with a few fresh raspberries.
Shape the Danishes: Fold the corners of the squares toward the center, or twist the edges for an artistic flair.
Proof: Place the Danishes onto a lined baking sheet, covering them lightly with a kitchen towel. Let them proof for 20–30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F.
Egg Wash: For a beautiful golden finish, whisk together the egg and water, and brush it over the tops of the pastries.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let the Danishes cool slightly, then serve warm, possibly with a drizzle of icing if you wish.

Best Ways to Serve Sourdough Discard Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish

These delightful Danishes are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them fresh out of the oven for breakfast alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea. They also make a delightful afternoon snack or a charming addition to any brunch spread. Want to elevate the experience? Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to enhance their charm and flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Storage Tips for Sourdough Discard Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish

If you find yourself with leftovers (though they may disappear quickly), you can store your Danishes! Place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Simply wrap each cooled Danish tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them in an oven at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes to warm them up!

Expert Tips for Perfect Sourdough Discard Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish

Keep Butter Cold: To achieve that flaky texture, ensure your butter is very cold when you mix it in. This helps create steam during baking, resulting in a flaky pastry.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: When rolling and folding the dough, take care not to over-mix it. The key to flakiness is to handle it gently.
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh raspberries and high-quality cream cheese in your filling. Their freshness will shine through in the final product.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add lemon zest or a splash of vanilla extract to your cream cheese filling for an extra flavor boost!

Creative Twists on Sourdough Discard Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish

Looking to mix things up? Here are a few variations you can try with this recipe:

Berry Medley: Substitute raspberries with blueberries, blackberries, or a mix for a delightful fruit explosion.
Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a rich and indulgent take.
Herbed Variation: For a savory spin, incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the cream cheese filling, skipping the sugar.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans to the cream cheese mixture for a delightful crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use sourdough starter instead of sourdough discard?
Absolutely! You can use an equal amount of sourdough starter instead of discard. Just ensure that it’s well-fed and active.

2. Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, frozen raspberries can work, but use them directly from the freezer without thawing to avoid excess moisture that can make the filling watery.

3. What if my dough isn’t rolling out easily?
If your dough becomes too warm and sticky, simply chill it again for a few minutes. Working with cold dough is easier and produces better results.

There you have it, my friends! The perfect Sourdough Discard Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe awaits you. So, preheat that oven and prepare to create something wonderful. Let’s get baking!