Apple Danish

Treat your friends and family to a delicious homemade apple danish! Get the step-by-step recipe with an easy from scratch filling.

Do you love cinnamon and apples? Do you love a freshly-baked Danish pastry with its crispy layers of buttery, flaky dough? Then your search is over.

Today we are going to show you how to make an irresistibly delicious apple danish that will have everyone in your family begging for more.

With a classic from-scratch filling of apples, brown sugar, spices and lemon juice packed inside a rich puff pastry dough crust – this is the perfect sweet breakfast or brunch treat.

Get ready because you don’t want to miss out on this amazing homemade dessert!

Why You will LOVE This Apple Danish Recipe

• Buttery, sweet, tangy, and spicy!
• Delicious way to use up apples
• Homemade apple filling
• They look gorgeous but are so easy to make
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
• A family favourite that will disappear quickly!

Apple Danish Variations

• Drizzle over the baked danishes with a simple powder sugar, vanilla, and cream glaze.
• Top and bake with a brown sugar crumb topping.
• Add in raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for added flavour and texture.
• For a decadent twist, stuff the danishes with a mixture of cream cheese , powdered sugar, and vanilla extract before topping with the apple filling.
• Make mini apple danishes by using crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry.
• Make an apple danish braid instead and skip cutting the puff pastry sheet in quarters.
• These can be made in the air fryer. Pre-heat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Apple Danish Serving Suggestions

• Serve apple danishes warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
• Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy mid-morning or afternoon snack.
• For a special occasion, serve apple danishes with whipped cream and caramel sauce for a tasty treat.

Tips for Making the BEST Apple Danishes

• Use fresh apples for the best flavour. You can also use a combination of different types of apples for added complexity.
• For a flaky and buttery crust, use good quality store-bought puff pastry or make your own from scratch.
• Make sure to allow the puff pastry to fully defrost before working with it.
• The apple filling should be cool before filling the danishes.
• Make sure to seal the edges of the danishes tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
• Brush the tops of the danishes with the egg wash before baking to give them a shiny and golden finish.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique version of apple danishes. The possibilities are endless!

How to Store Apple Danishes

If you have leftover apple danishes or want to make a big batch ahead of time, it’s important to know how to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor.

Once completely cooled, place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag or container. This will help prevent the danishes from drying out.

Store them in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. After this time, the danishes may start to lose their freshness and become stale.

If you need to store apple danishes for a longer period of time, freezing is an option. To freeze them, wrap each danish individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then place them in a resealable freezer bag or container.

Frozen apple danishes can last for up to 3 months. To defrost, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying.

To reheat danishes, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick reheating option.

About the Ingredients for Apple Danishes

Apples – You want to use a tart apple such as Bramley, Granny smith, Empire, Cortland, or Braeburn. Granny smith apples are the most popular variety for pie filling. Try mixing two different apples together for even better flavour! Make sure your apples are room temperature before starting so they cook evenly. Four or five medium apples should get you 3 cups of sliced apples.

Sugar – A mix of brown sugar and white sugar gives both sweetness and a little depth. You can skip the white sugar for a little less sweetness.

Heavy cream – Gives the filling a richer, more caramel flavour. Can be omitted if desired.

Butter – Unsalted butter may be used instead. If used, add ⅛ tsp of salt to the recipe.

Cornstarch – Thickens the filling; you can substitute with tapioca flour if you like.

Lemon juice – Balances out the sweet flavours.

Seasoning – A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt work together to elevate the flavour of the filling.

Egg wash – Combining the milk and egg together gives the pastry a golden brown colour with a nice shine. You can also use just the egg or just the milk, although the results won’t be as beautiful.

Puff pastry – Use store bought pastry for an easy apple danish, or make it homemade.

Looking for More Fall Apple Recipes

Check out more of my favourite recipes made with apples!

Classic German apple cake, Apfelkuchen, is moist and buttery. It’s a simple and rustic cake made with fresh apples – a perfect fall dessert.

Inspired by classic apple pie, these apple filled donuts are fried to golden perfection and tossed in cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish.

A classic, old fashioned apple crisp recipe, made with fresh apples and a crispy oat topping. It’s simple, delicious and sure to please!

How to Make Apple Danishes

Yields: 8 Servings | Prep Time: 45 Minutes | Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 package of puff pastry squares

For the Filling:

• 3 cups baking apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup water
• 3 Tablespoons sugar
• 3 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 3 Tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
• 1 ½ Tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoon milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:

Step 1. To prepare the filling, in a medium saucepan combine apples, brown sugar, water, sugar, heavy whipping cream, salted butter, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg. (Image 1)

Cook over medium heat until the sugar melts. (Image 2) Mix everything well to combine, then simmer for 3 minutes. (Image 3) Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Step 2. Prepare the egg wash in a small bowl. Combine the egg, milk and salt. Whisk well to combine, then set aside. (Images 4 & 5)

Step 3. Preheat the oven to 400° Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then set aside.

Step 4. Remove the 2 sheets of puff pastry from the packaging, then place them onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Lightly dust the top of each sheet with flour, then gently roll with a rolling pinuntil smooth. (Image 6)

Use a pizza cutter to cut each sheet of puff pastry into 4 equal pieces. (Image 7)

Step 5. Take each piece of puff pastry and cut a square in the center, leaving 2 opposing corners uncut. (Image 8)

Fold each cut edge over to the opposite side, then push down the inside edges to seal. (image 9)

Step 6. Place a spoonful of filling onto the center of the pastry.

Repeat the folding and filling process with each puff pastry square, then place them onto the
prepared baking sheet. (Images 10 & 11)

Brush each pastry over with the egg wash. (Image 12)

Step 7. Place into the preheated oven on the center rack and bake for 20 minutes, turning the baking sheet halfway through. Bake until the pastries are golden brown and puffy. (Image 13)

Once baked, remove from the oven and place onto a wire cooling rack.

Once the pastries are cool, dust with powdered sugar.