I’m thrilled to share this stunning apple Danish recipe that combines buttery puff pastry with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples. What makes this recipe special is its beautiful braided presentation that looks incredibly professional yet is surprisingly simple to achieve.
The Story Behind This Recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from French viennoiserie, where simple ingredients are transformed into elegant pastries through clever folding techniques. I’ve paired it with a complementary spiced tea, creating a complete café-style experience at home.
Why This Recipe Works
The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity: store-bought puff pastry transforms into bakery-worthy pastries, while the apple filling creates pockets of warm, spiced sweetness. The braided technique ensures even distribution of filling and creates a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 17.6 oz (500g) puff pastry
- 2 medium apples (about 10.5 oz/300g)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2½ tablespoons (30g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (5g) ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Sliced almonds for topping
For the Spiced Tea:
- 1 medium apple, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 black tea bag
- Sugar to taste
- 4 cups water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
- Peel and core apples
- Cut into 1cm (⅓ inch) cubes
- Toss with melted butter
- Mix in sugar and cinnamon
- Set aside while preparing pastry
- Prepare the Pastry
- Roll puff pastry on lightly floured surface
- Cut into 4 equal rectangles
- Score diagonal lines on each long side
- Leave center strip uncut for filling
- Assembly Process
- Spoon apple mixture down center of each rectangle
- Starting at one end, fold strips alternately over filling
- Curve into circular shape
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet
- Leave 2 inches between pastries
- Final Touches and Baking
- Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water
- Brush pastries thoroughly with egg wash
- Sprinkle with sliced almonds
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes
- Look for golden brown color and crisp texture
- Prepare Spiced Tea
- Combine fruit, spices, and water in pot
- Bring to gentle boil
- Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes
- Add tea bag
- Steep 3-5 minutes
- Strain and sweeten to taste
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep puff pastry cold until ready to use
- Cut apple pieces uniformly for even cooking
- Don’t overfill pastries – less is more
- Ensure strips are even width for attractive braiding
- Egg wash all surfaces for uniform golden color
Storage Guidelines
- Best served fresh and warm
- Store leftover pastries at room temperature for 1 day
- Reheat in 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes
- Can be frozen unbaked for up to 1 month
Nutritional Information
(Per pastry, without tea)
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
Serves 4
Variations
- Fruit Variations:
- Pear and cardamom
- Mixed berries
- Peach and almond
- Topping Options:
- Coarse sugar
- Chopped pecans
- Drizzle with caramel sauce
- Tea Variations:
- Add fresh ginger
- Use green tea
- Include star anise
Troubleshooting Tips
- If pastry becomes too warm: Chill for 15 minutes before baking
- If filling is too wet: Drain excess liquid
- If braids open during baking: Ensure strips are properly overlapped
- If pastry browns too quickly: Cover with foil
This elegant apple Danish recipe proves that with the right technique, simple ingredients can be transformed into impressive pastries worthy of any café display case. The accompanying spiced tea creates a perfect pairing for a cozy afternoon treat or elegant breakfast.
