Apple Danish Pastry is a delightful treat that combines flaky puff pastry with a sweet and spiced apple filling, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices elevate the tartness of the Granny Smith apples, resulting in an irresistible experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Let me take you through the journey of creating this classic pastry that is sure to impress family and friends alike!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Danish Pastry
This apple pastry is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are several reasons why you’ll adore it:
- Flaky and buttery puff pastry that melts in your mouth.
- A sweet apple filling packed with flavor from Granny Smith apples.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet dessert.
- Easily customizable with various spices or additional fillings.
- Great for sharing at gatherings or special occasions.
- Simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients.
This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a homemade Danish apple pastry that can be tailored to your liking, making it a fantastic addition to your dessert repertoire. Plus, it’s a vegetarian dish, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Apple Danish Pastry
Gather these items:
- 1 (17.3-ounce) box puff pastry dough (two sheets)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- pinch of salt
- 2 large peeled and diced Granny Smith apples
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Apple Danish Pastry Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine unsalted butter, granulated sugar, water, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Melt over medium heat, stirring to dissolve.
- Step 3: Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes while stirring frequently. Add the peeled and diced Granny Smith apples and cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Step 4: Unfold the puff pastry sheets and roll each to about 10×10 inches. Cut into 12 strips. Overlap two strips, twist, and seal the ends.
- Step 5: Place on baking sheets, press down centers to create wells, and fill with cooled apple mixture.
- Step 6: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and flour until crumbly.
- Step 7: Whisk together egg and water, brush over danishes.
- Step 8: Sprinkle crumb mixture over danishes.
- Step 9: Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Step 10: Mix powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract for glaze, drizzle over warm pastries.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Danish Pastry
Keep these in mind:
- Use Granny Smith apples for a nice tartness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a bit of lemon juice to your apple filling.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Danish Pastry
These danishes can be served warm or at room temperature. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon break.
- Consider topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Danish Pastry
After enjoying your homemade pastries, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to restore their flaky texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Danish Pastry
What’s the secret to perfect Apple Danish Pastry?
The secret lies in using high-quality puff pastry and ensuring your apple filling is perfectly spiced. A balance of sweet and tart apples enhances the flavor, making your apple danish unforgettable.
Can I make Apple Danish Pastry ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and pastry in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest taste. This is an excellent way to enjoy an apple-filled pastry without the last-minute rush.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Danish Pastry?
To avoid soggy pastry, ensure the filling is cooled before assembly. Also, don’t skip the egg wash; it gives your cinnamon apple danish that golden-brown finish we all love.
Variations of Apple Danish Pastry You Can Try
Feel free to mix things up with these delicious variations:
- Add cream cheese to the filling for a rich twist in your apple danish pastry with cream cheese.
- Incorporate different fruits like pears or berries for a unique flavor.
- Experiment with nuts for a crunchy texture.
For more delicious recipes, check out last recipes, or try making caramel apple cheesecake bars for a sweet treat. If you’re interested in baking, don’t miss our chocolate oatmeal bars recipe!
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Delicious Apple Danish Pastry Recipe for Sweet Moments
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet and spiced apple filling, topped with a buttery crumb topping and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 (17.3-ounce) box puff pastry dough (two sheets)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- pinch of salt
- 2 large peeled and diced Granny Smith apples
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine unsalted butter, granulated sugar, water, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Melt over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar and cornstarch.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 2 minutes while stirring frequently. Add the peeled and diced Granny Smith apples, return to a boil over medium-high heat, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often until the filling thickens and the apples soften. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Unfold the puff pastry sheets and roll each out to about 10×10 inches. Cut each sheet into 12 even strips. Connect two strips by overlapping and pressing them together, then twist them gently and seal the end.
- Place six danishes on each baking sheet, then gently press down the center of each to create a well. Spoon the cooled apple filling into the center of each danish.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, melted unsalted butter, and all-purpose flour until thick and crumbly.
- In another dish, whisk together the egg and water. Brush this egg wash over each danish.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over each danish.
- Bake in the oven for 16-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes.
- While cooling, combine powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream or milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over each warm apple danish. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Apple Danish, Pastry, Dessert, Breakfast