How to make Sourdough Discard Raspberry Cream Cheese Danishes

Have You Ever Wondered What to Do With Leftover Sourdough Discard?🍰

Did you know that your leftover sourdough discard can become something magical? If you’ve been tossing it out, you’re missing out on delicious opportunities! Imagine a flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet-tart raspberry jam and creamy cheese. Sounds like something from a bakery, right? Today, we’re making just that Raspberry Danishes using sourdough discard! 🥐💖

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Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Danish Recipe

This raspberry danish recipe turns basic ingredients into a brunch-worthy treat that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. It takes about an hour from start to finish, with beginner-friendly steps. These danishes are:

• Great for using up sourdough discard 🥄
• Full of fresh berry flavor 🍓
• Freezer-friendly and customizable 🧊

Sourdough Discard Raspberry Cream Cheese Danishes

Perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or a special occasion, these treats will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

🛒 Essential Ingredients & Substitutes

For the Dough:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – forms the base of the pastry.
• 1/2 cup unfed sourdough discard – brings a mild tang and helps minimize kitchen waste.
• 2 tbsp sugar – lightly sweetens the dough.
• 1/2 tsp salt – balances the flavor.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder – gives the dough a slight lift.
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed – makes the pastry tender and flaky.
• 2–3 tbsp cold milk or cream – helps bind the dough.

👉 Substitute: If you’re out of sourdough discard, you can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk instead for a similar tang.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – the creamy, rich center.
• 2 tbsp sugar – adds just enough sweetness.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – adds a warm, sweet aroma to enhance the filling.

For the Raspberry Filling:

• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries – gives that bright fruity punch.
• 1 tbsp sugar – brings out the berries’ natural sweetness.
• 1 tsp cornstarch – thickens the filling.
• 1 tsp lemon juice – brings brightness and helps preserve the berry color.

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten – for a golden egg wash.
• Powdered sugar (optional) – for dusting or making a glaze.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough 🧈

Start by mixing the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Add the chilled butter cubes and blend them in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the sourdough discard, then gradually stir in the milk until a soft dough forms. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let it set.

2. Cook the Raspberry Filling 🍓

In a saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture becomes thick and jammy. Set aside to cool.

3. Mix the Cream Cheese Layer 🍶

In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until the texture is smooth and velvety. You can use a hand mixer for ease.

Cream Cheese Layer @Kitchennest

4. Roll and Shape the Pastries 🔄

Roll the chilled dough into a flat sheet and slice it into 8 even squares. Gently fold each corner inward to shape a loose octagon. This gives that classic Danish shape.

5. Add the Fillings 🎯

Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mix into the center of each square. Top with a small spoonful of raspberry filling and swirl gently with a fork for a marbled look.

6. Brush and Bake 🔥

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the exposed edges of each pastry with beaten egg. Optionally, sprinkle with a bit of sugar. Bake for around 18 minutes or until golden brown and puffy.

🍽️ Final Assembly & Presentation Tips

Allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving. For a bakery-style touch, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. Serve with tea, coffee, or just a happy smile! 😋 These raspberry danishes are sure to impress any guest with their homemade charm and luscious fillings.

Raspberry Danish @Kitchennest

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Keep the cooled danishes in a sealed container and enjoy within 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap each danish individually and freeze for up to a month. Let thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven before serving.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dough and fillings a day ahead and assemble just before baking.

For a quick breakfast or a relaxing afternoon snack, your raspberry danish will taste just as good reheated the next day. 🍵

🌟 Recipe Variations

• Berry Swap: Try substituting raspberries with blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a flavorful twist.
• Chocolate Twist: Add a few chocolate chips with the cream cheese.
• Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds on top before baking.
• Mini Danishes: Cut smaller squares for bite-sized treats – perfect for parties! 🎉

Each variation still holds true to the magic of a classic raspberry danish, adding extra excitement with every bite. For another fruity dessert idea, check out this Vegan Black Forest Cherry Trifle a delicious and plant-based twist on a classic treat! 🍒

🏁 Conclusion

Now you’ve got a bakery-quality treat made from ingredients you likely already have! These raspberry danishes are a beautiful way to use sourdough discard and satisfy any sweet craving. Whether you’re hosting brunch, treating yourself, or impressing guests, these danishes deliver.

So go ahead — roll up your sleeves and give them a try! 💪💗 Your next favorite homemade dessert might just be this sweet, golden raspberry danish.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead of making the dough?
A: Absolutely! Short on time? Using ready-made puff pastry is a quick and convenient alternative.

Q: Can I skip the egg wash?
A: You can, but the pastry won’t be as shiny and golden.

Q: What if I don’t have sourdough discard?
A: Use Greek yogurt or buttermilk to mimic the tangy flavor.

Q: Can these be made gluten-free?
A: Try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–8 minutes to keep the texture crisp.

Q: How do I keep my raspberry danish from getting soggy?
A: Allow the filling to cool before adding, and don’t overfill each pastry.

Happy baking! 🧁✨ Enjoy your homemade raspberry danish — every flaky, fruity bite! If you’re in the mood to try something savory next, check out this delicious Spatchcock Chicken Recipe it’s packed with flavor and perfect for your next dinner! 🍗

If you’re looking to get creative in the kitchen, this raspberry danish recipe is a perfect way to start. It combines the cozy warmth of home baking with the fresh, tart sweetness of raspberries and the smooth richness of cream cheese. Plus, it’s a clever way to use that sourdough discard sitting in your fridge! So next time you’re craving a bakery-style treat without leaving home, remember this recipe — it’s easy, delicious, and 100% worth making. 💕🍓