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
