Towering Cherry Pyramid: A Decadent Layered Dessert with Creamy Vanilla Filling and Cherries Encased in Puff Pastry

This Towering Cherry Pyramid is a visually stunning and delectably layered dessert that features a combination of puff pastry, creamy vanilla pudding, and juicy cherries. This dessert is assembled in a pyramid shape, creating a striking presentation that is as impressive as it is delicious. Each layer of flaky puff pastry encases a generous amount of cherries, topped with a rich, smooth vanilla cream, building up to the peak with moreish indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This:

The blend of textures and flavors in this dessert makes it a true crowd-pleaser. The crisp, buttery layers of puff pastry provide a delightful contrast to the soft, rich vanilla cream and the tartness of the cherries. This dessert is not only a joy to eat but also a fun project to assemble, making it a perfect activity for family gatherings or a special culinary challenge for an enthusiastic baker.

Perfect Occasion:

This Cherry Pyramid is ideal for celebrations and festive occasions where you want a centerpiece dessert that wows your guests. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, significant birthdays, or any event where you aim to impress with both the look and taste of your dessert. The pyramid shape makes it especially fitting for themed parties or as a luxurious treat during the New Year festivities.

Decoration Tips:

To enhance the visual appeal of the Cherry Pyramid, consider dusting the top with powdered sugar to add a snowy effect, ideal for winter celebrations. Garnish with fresh cherries and a few sprigs of mint for a burst of color. If serving during a festive occasion, edible gold leaf or shimmering sugar pearls can add an extra touch of glamour.

Ingredients:

• 500g puff pastry
• 1 liter of milk
• 3 packets of vanilla pudding powder
• 10 tablespoons of sugar
• 125g butter or margarine, at room temperature
• 500 ml of heavy cream, whipped
• 2 jars of cherries or 1 kg of fresh cherries, drained

Vanilla Cream Preparation:

1. In a bowl, mix the vanilla pudding powder, sugar, and 200 ml of milk until smooth.
2. Pour the rest of the milk into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the pudding mixture.
4. Return to heat and cook until thickened.
5. Transfer the pudding to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and cool completely.
6. Once cooled, whip the pudding to smooth out, then incorporate the butter or margarine until well combined.

Puff Pastry Preparation:

1. Dust a work surface with flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 30 x 30 cm square.
2. Cut into 6 cm wide strips.
3. Place drained cherries in the center of each strip and fold the pastry over, sealing the edges by pressing with your fingers.
4. Repeat with remaining pastry to make 10 rolls.
5. Place the cherry-filled rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool.

Assembly:

1. On a serving platter, arrange 4 rolls as the base.
2. Spread a layer of vanilla cream over the base.
3. Continue layering with 3 rolls and more cream, then 2 rolls and more cream.
4. Top with the final roll, and coat the sides with the remaining cream to form a pyramid shape.
5. Decorate with whipped cream and additional cherries on top.

Enjoy crafting and indulging in this Towering Cherry Pyramid, a dessert that is sure to be the pinnacle of any culinary celebration!