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, these danishes combine the tartness of Granny Smith apples with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Danish:
- 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
Crumb Topping:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Make Apple Filling: 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.
- Cook the Apples: 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.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Strips: Unfold the puff pastry sheets and, using a rolling pin, roll each out to about 10×10 inches. Cut each sheet into 12 even strips using a pizza cutter. Connect two strips by overlapping and pressing them together, then twist them gently and seal the end to form a decorative shell.
- Assemble the Danishes: Place six danishes on each parchment-lined 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.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, melted unsalted butter, and all-purpose flour until thick and crumbly.
- Apply Egg Wash: In another small dish, whisk together the egg and water. Brush this egg wash generously over each danish for a golden finish.
- Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over each danish, covering the filling and edges slightly.
- Bake Danishes: Bake in the preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the pastry is cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze: While the danishes cool, combine powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream or milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Glaze the Danishes: Drizzle the glaze over each warm apple danish evenly for a sweet finishing touch. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the apple filling is completely cool before assembling to prevent soggy pastry.
- You can substitute Granny Smith apples with another tart apple variety if preferred.
- If puff pastry dough is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before use.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives in the filling, crumb topping, and glaze.
- Puff pastry dough can be cut into different shapes if desired to create a custom look.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
