There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm apple danish on a lazy Sunday morning—those buttery, flaky layers giving way to a sweet-tart apple filling that just melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of pastry that makes you close your eyes and sigh, you know? I’ve been baking these for years, ever since I stumbled upon my grandma’s old recipe box and found her handwritten notes for the perfect danish. She swore by cold butter and a touch of lemon juice to brighten the apples, and honestly? She was absolutely right.
This apple danish isn’t just another pastry—it’s a little masterpiece of textures and flavors. The crust shatters delicately with each bite, while the cinnamon-spiced apples stay tender and juicy. And let me tell you, the smell? Heavenly. It fills the whole kitchen, making everyone hover nearby, stealing bites the second it’s cool enough to handle. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast treat or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee, this recipe never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s been a staple in my kitchen for so long.
Ingredients for Apple Danish
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this heavenly apple danish:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 large egg
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 large egg yolk (for glaze)
How to Make Apple Danish
Ready to make the most delicious apple danish? Let’s break it down step by step. It’s easier than you think, and I’ll walk you through every part of the process. Trust me, the effort is so worth it when you take that first bite!
Preparing the Dough
Start by mixing the flour and cold, cubed butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend them until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is where the magic happens—cold butter is the secret to those flaky layers! Next, whisk together the cold water and egg, then add it to the flour mixture. Knead it gently until it comes together into a dough. Don’t overwork it! Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. This step is crucial—it makes the dough easier to roll and keeps the butter cold for that perfect texture.
Making the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, let’s make the filling. Peel and dice the apples, then toss them into a saucepan with the sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens slightly. If your apples are super sweet, you can reduce the sugar a bit—taste as you go! The lemon juice adds a lovely brightness that balances the sweetness. Set the filling aside to cool while you work on the dough.
Assembling and Baking
Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the edges inward to create a rustic, enclosed pastry. Transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg yolk with a splash of water and brush it over the dough—this gives it that gorgeous golden shine. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky. Let it cool slightly before slicing—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for Perfect Apple Danish
Want your apple danish to turn out just right every time? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:
First, keep that butter cold—I mean fridge-cold. It’s what creates those dreamy, flaky layers. If the dough starts warming up while you’re working, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes. And don’t skip the chilling step—that 30-minute rest makes the dough so much easier to roll without sticking.
When making the filling, taste your apples first. Some are sweeter than others, so adjust the sugar accordingly. A splash more lemon juice can brighten overly sweet apples beautifully.
Finally, resist cutting into it right away! Letting it cool for 10 minutes lets the filling set so it doesn’t ooze everywhere. Though I won’t judge if you sneak a warm bite—I always do!
Variations for Apple Danish
Want to mix things up? Try tossing chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for a crunchy twist—Grandma always said they add “happy little surprises.” Puff pastry works in a pinch if you’re short on time (just roll and fill!). Or swap apples for pears or peaches when they’re in season—so good with a sprinkle of cardamom instead of cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Danish
Oh, let me tell you my favorite ways to enjoy this apple danish! Warm from the oven with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar is heavenly, but add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and – wow – it becomes dessert perfection. My Sunday routine? A big slice with strong coffee (the cinnamon in the danish makes the coffee taste even better). Tea drinkers? Try it with chai – the spices play so nicely together. And if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some caramel sauce over top. I won’t tell!
Storing and Reheating Apple Danish
Here’s the good news—this apple danish keeps beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then tuck it into an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days (if it lasts that long). For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for a month. When reheating, skip the microwave—it makes the pastry soggy. Instead, pop it in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes until crisp and warm again. The smell will have everyone running to the kitchen—just like when it first came out of the oven!
Nutritional Information for Apple Danish
One slice of this heavenly apple danish clocks in at about 280 calories—worth every single one! Each serving packs 12g of fat (7g saturated), 38g carbs with 2g fiber, and 4g protein. The sugar content sits around 15g depending on your apples’ natural sweetness. Remember, these are estimates—actual numbers can vary slightly based on your specific ingredients and brands. But let’s be real—when something tastes this good, you’re not counting calories with your first blissful bite!
FAQs About Apple Danish
Can I use store-bought dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! While homemade dough gives the best flaky texture, a good-quality puff pastry works in a pinch. Just roll it out, add your filling, and bake according to package instructions. I won’t tell Grandma—it’ll be our little secret!
How do I store leftovers?
Let the danish cool completely, then tuck it into an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic and freeze—they’ll keep for about a month. The pastry might lose a bit of crispness, but the flavor stays fantastic.
Can I freeze apple danish before baking?
Yes! Assemble the danish up to the point of brushing with egg wash, then freeze it solid on a baking sheet before wrapping tightly. When ready to bake, add the egg wash and pop it straight into a preheated oven—just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
My filling leaked—what did I do wrong?
Don’t worry—it happens to all of us! Next time, make sure your filling isn’t too wet (drain any excess liquid) and leave a good border when spreading it. Chilling the assembled danish for 15 minutes before baking also helps prevent leaks.
Did you make this apple danish? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below—tell me if you added any fun twists or if your kitchen smelled as amazing as mine does when this bakes. Snap a photo and tag me on social media too—nothing makes me happier than seeing your pastry creations! Trust me, your feedback makes these recipes even better for everyone.
Irresistible Apple Danish Recipe – Just Like Grandma’s
A delicious apple danish pastry with flaky layers and sweet apple filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 egg
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 egg yolk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Mix flour and butter until crumbly.
- Add cold water and egg, knead into dough.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Cook apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until soft.
- Roll dough into a rectangle.
- Spread apple filling evenly.
- Fold edges inward.
- Brush with egg yolk.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Use chilled butter for flaky layers.
- Adjust sugar based on apple sweetness.
- Let dough rest for easier rolling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
