If you’re searching for a fabulously flaky and fruity treat that feels both fancy and utterly comforting, this Apple Danish Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, perfectly spiced apples tucked inside layers of buttery, golden pastry, all topped with a delicate glaze that melts in your mouth. It’s a timeless classic that brings a warm, cozy feeling to any kitchen, whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert. This Apple Danish Recipe is straightforward enough for a home baker but impressive enough to wow guests, making it one of my favorite go-to recipes for special occasions or a weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a balanced combination of textures and flavors. Each component is simple but essential, giving you that perfect mix of buttery dough, sweet and spiced apples, and a shiny glaze that crowns the whole creation.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet tender base for the pastry that will hold all the delicious filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
- 1 cup shortening: Adds flakiness and richness to the pastry crust.
- 1 large egg yolk: Helps bind the dough while adding richness and color.
- 1/2 cup 2% milk: Provides moisture to bring the dough together smoothly.
- 6 cups sliced peeled apples: The star of the show—choose crisp, tart apples for the best flavor and texture contrast.
- 1-1/2 cups sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly without making it too syrupy.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Adds a luscious depth and helps the apples cook tenderly.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the apple filling as it bakes so it holds together nicely.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, fragrant spice to the apple mixture.
- 1 large egg white, lightly beaten: Used to brush over the dough for a beautiful golden sheen.
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar: For the sweet glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.
- 2 to 3 teaspoons water: Mixed with sugar to create a smooth, drizzle-ready glaze.
How to Make Apple Danish Recipe
Step 1: Start the Pastry
Begin by combining the flour and salt in a large bowl, then cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial as it sets the stage for a tender, flaky crust — that’s the hallmark of any truly great Danish.
Step 2: Add the Egg Yolk and Milk
Mix the egg yolk and milk in a small bowl before adding it to the flour and shortening mixture. Stir everything just until the dough clings together. Overmixing can toughen the pastry, so keep it light and gentle here for the best texture.
Step 3: Roll Out the First Layer of Pastry
Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half into a 15 by 10-inch rectangle. Transfer this to a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan and set aside. This forms the base layer that will cradle all your flavorful apple goodness.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, melted butter, flour, and cinnamon. This mixture unites sweetness, spice, and a hint of thickness to perfectly complement the crisp apples. Spoon it evenly over the pastry in the pan for a juicy, flavorful filling.
Step 5: Add the Second Layer of Pastry
Roll out the remaining dough just like before, forming another 15×10-inch rectangle. Place this carefully on top of the apple filling, then brush the entire surface with the lightly beaten egg white. This step gives the top crust a gorgeous, glossy golden finish once baked.
Step 6: Bake the Danish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the assembled Danish for about 40 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack so it sets up nicely before the final touch.
Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
While the Danish bakes, mix confectioners’ sugar with enough water to create a smooth, drizzle-ready glaze. Once your Danish has cooled slightly, drizzle this sweet glaze over the top. It adds a lovely shine and an extra pop of sweetness that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Apple Danish Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the glaze just before serving. A dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can also highlight the warm spices in the apples beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Apple Danish pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot tea for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. For dessert, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for that perfect balance of warm and creamy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Danish into individual squares and serving each on a pretty plate with a sprig of fresh mint or a fresh apple slice. You can also turn this into mini Danishes by rolling out the dough and cutting smaller rectangles, then following the same filling and baking method for charming single-serve pastries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Apple Danish tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps keep the pastry from drying out while preserving the delicious flavors of the apples and spice.
Freezing
Apple Danish Recipe works great for freezing. Simply wrap the cooled pastry well in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you want a slice, thaw overnight in the fridge and refresh in the oven briefly to bring back that flaky texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices of your Apple Danish in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes. This gently warms the pastry while crisping up the exterior, giving you that freshly baked experience all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith give a nice contrast, sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp can be used for a softer, sweeter filling. Mixing types also adds complexity to the flavor.
Is shortening necessary, or can I substitute butter?
Shortening helps create a flaky texture, but you can substitute butter if you prefer a richer, more buttery flavor. Keep in mind that butter may make the dough a bit less tender and more prone to melting while working.
Can I prepare the dough or filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. The apple filling can also be mixed a few hours in advance but keep the apples refrigerated until assembly to prevent browning.
How sweet is the Apple Danish? Can I reduce the sugar?
The sugar balance is designed to complement the tartness of the apples without being overly sweet. Feel free to reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dessert, but keep in mind it will affect the overall flavor and texture.
Can I make mini Apple Danishes with this recipe?
Definitely! Using the same dough and filling, cut smaller rectangles and assemble into individual Danishes. Baking time will be shorter, so keep an eye on them and bake until golden.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to dive into this Apple Danish Recipe and create a delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. It’s a recipe that combines simple ingredients with timeless techniques to deliver that perfect balance of flaky pastry, juicy apples, and sweet glaze. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast or a festive gathering, this Apple Danish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.
Print
Apple Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
This classic Apple Danish recipe features a flaky homemade pastry layered with a sweet cinnamon apple filling, baked to golden perfection and finished with a light confectioners’ sugar glaze. Perfect for brunch or a delightful dessert, this Danish brings together tender baked apples, a buttery crust, and a simple sweet glaze for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Pastry:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
Assembly:
- 6 cups sliced peeled apples
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons water
Instructions
- Start the pastry: In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and milk: Combine the egg yolk and milk, then add this egg mixture to the flour mixture. Stir just until the dough clings together.
- Roll out the pastry: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll half the dough into a 15×10-inch rectangle. Transfer it to a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Make the apple filling: In a bowl, toss together the sliced apples, sugar, melted butter, flour, and ground cinnamon until well incorporated.
- Assemble the Danish: Spoon the apple filling evenly over the pastry in the pan.
- Top with second layer of pastry: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the remaining dough into another 15×10-inch rectangle and place it over the filling. Brush the top with the lightly beaten egg white.
- Bake the Danish: Bake for 40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze: While the Danish bakes, combine confectioners’ sugar with 2 to 3 teaspoons of water until drizzling consistency is achieved.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm Danish. Cut into 24 servings and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure not to overwork the dough to keep the pastry flaky.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and to prevent mushiness.
- You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate to save time.
- Brush the top pastry with egg white to achieve a shiny golden crust.
- Allow the Danish to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting too much.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
