Introduction

Easy Apple Danish is a delightful pastry that combines tender, cinnamon-kissed apples with flaky puff pastry. This simple recipe is perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat.

A baked apple pastry sits in the center on a wooden cutting board covered with parchment paper, showing a golden-brown lattice crust with five woven layers, drizzled carefully with white icing. To the lower right, there is a slice of the pastry on a white plate with a smooth surface, showing flaky, light golden layers inside. A silver fork rests on the plate. Nearby, a whole red apple with yellow patches lies atop a red checkered cloth spread across a wooden surface. At the top left, a red ceramic mug filled with dark coffee is placed on a small coaster, and on the top right, a white bowl containing some icing and a spoon is visible. The whole scene is set on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 apples (such as Granny Smith)
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons butter
1 egg (whisked)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Set the tray aside for later.
Step 2: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/2-inch pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in 1/4 cup sugar and cook until it forms a syrupy consistency, about 2 minutes. Add the apple slices and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet on the parchment paper-lined baking tray. Spread the cooked apple mixture along the center third of the pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border at the top and bottom.
Step 4: Cut the top two corners diagonally, then continue cutting strips along each side of the pastry, about 6 to 8 strips in total. Trim any excess pastry at the bottom.
Step 5: Starting from the top left, fold the first strip diagonally over the apple filling, then fold the corresponding right strip. Continue folding alternating strips until all are folded over the filling, creating a braided effect. Press the ends of the pastry together at the top and bottom to seal.
Step 6: Brush the entire pastry with the whisked egg and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
Step 8: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Danish before serving. Enjoy it at room temperature or chilled.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple mixture for extra warmth.
For a richer glaze, substitute milk with cream or a splash of vanilla extract.
Try adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the apple Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Drizzle additional glaze after reheating if desired.

How to Serve

A golden brown braided pastry sits on a piece of light brown parchment paper, which has a shiny glaze and a few drips of white icing on and around it. The pastry has five thick diagonal layers of dough that are twisted over a visible filling, showing a slightly uneven, flaky texture. The top is sprinkled with a light dusting of sugar, adding a sparkly finish. The background is a white marbled surface with red cloth partially visible in the corner and some reddish fruit pieces just out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works well. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before assembling the Danish.

Can I prepare the apple filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can cook the apple filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before assembling your Danish.