The moment I bite into a warm Apple Danish, I’m transported to cozy mornings filled with laughter and the scent of fresh pastries wafting through my kitchen. There’s something about the crispy layers of puff pastry paired with sweet, spiced apple filling that feels both indulgent and comforting. Today, I’m excited to share my Apple Danish Two Ways recipe with you—because who can resist a delightful treat that perfectly balances ease and elegance?
Whether you’re swamped with a busy week or simply want to impress family and friends, this recipe offers a delicious shortcut with refrigerated crescent rolls or a more classic twist using puff pastry. Both options promise to deliver that heavenly taste without hours of fuss in the kitchen. So let’s pull on our aprons and have some fun creating these scrumptious danishes that will undoubtedly elevate your dessert game and bring joy to your table!
Why You'll Love This Apple Danish Two Ways
- You’ll love how easy this recipe is, making it perfect for even the busiest of mornings.
- The flavor is absolutely delightful, with the perfect balance of sweet and spiced apple filling nestled in crispy pastry.
- Its versatility shines through with two different methods—choose between quick crescent rolls or a classic puff pastry for added elegance.
- These danishes are visually stunning, making them impressive enough to serve at any gathering or brunch.
- With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can create a crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will adore.
Apple Danish Two Ways Ingredients
For the Crescent Roll Version
- Refrigerated crescent rolls – a time-saving choice that makes flaky danishes in a snap.
- Canned apple pie filling – your secret shortcut for sweet, spiced apple flavor without the extra cooking.
- Butter – melted for brushing onto the dough, lending a rich flavor and helping the cinnamon sugar stick.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens and complements the cinnamon topping beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon – adds a warm, cozy aroma and enhances the apple filling.
- Powdered sugar – perfect for the glaze to finish your danishes with a touch of sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – a flavorful boost in the glaze, adding a comforting scent and taste.
- Milk – used in the glaze to achieve the ideal drizzle consistency.
For the Puff Pastry Version
- Puff pastry – a classic choice that offers flaky, buttery layers that are simply irresistible.
- Cream cheese – softened for a rich filling that balances the sweetness of the apple.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the cream cheese mixture for that irresistible creamy taste.
- Egg yolk – helps bind the filling together, making it silky and smooth.
- Fresh lemon juice – adds brightness, cutting through the sweetness of the cream cheese.
- Whole egg – for the egg wash, providing a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Water – also for the egg wash, helps achieve that shiny finish.
For the Homemade Apple Filling (Optional)
- Granny Smith apples – tart and firm, perfect for a homemade filling that holds its shape well.
- Water – used in the filling to help soften the apples during cooking.
- Granulated sugar – naturally sweetens the filling to enhance the apples’ flavor.
- Cornstarch – thickens the filling, giving it a perfect texture.
- Ground cinnamon – adds depth to the apple mix, making it aromatic and cozy.
- Fresh lemon juice – brightens the flavor of the filling and helps prevent browning.
Now that you have all your ingredients lined up, you’re ready to bring that comforting warmth and delicious aroma of homemade Apple Danish Two Ways into your kitchen!
How to Make Apple Danish Two Ways
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Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. Open cans of crescent rolls and separate them into 4 rectangles per tube. Pinch seams to seal triangles together as rectangles.
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Brush each rectangle with melted butter. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle generously over the dough. Roll each rectangle lengthwise into a log and coil into a spiral shape, tucking the end underneath. Use fingers to make a well in the center of each spiral.
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Fill the wells by dividing apple pie filling into 8 portions and adding 2–3 tablespoons to the center of each well. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar across the tops. Bake for 16–18 minutes until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool.
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Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle glaze over slightly cooled pastries before serving.
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Preheat the oven to 220°C. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, whisking continuously. Reduce to simmer until thick, then stir in diced apples, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender (if making apple filling from scratch).
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Beat cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Incorporate sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla, mixing until silky.
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Cut puff pastry sheets into 6 squares. For a twisted border effect, fold a square into a triangle and trim edges, leaving a 2.5 cm border; unfold, then twist opposite corners to form a pocket.
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Spoon 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into each pocket. Top with 1–2 tablespoons apple pie filling. Brush visible pastry with egg wash. Bake for 12–14 minutes at 220°C until golden and crisp. Cool slightly on a wire rack.
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Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled pastries before serving.
Optional: Serve warm for a delightful experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Danish Two Ways
Room Temperature: Store your Apple Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and delightful for quick snacking!
Fridge: If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their taste while keeping the filling deliciously chilled.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat frozen danishes in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This way, they regain their crispy texture, making every bite magical!
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Danish Two Ways are perfect for meal prep, making your busy mornings a breeze! You can prepare both the dough and the filling up to 24 hours in advance. For the crescent roll version, simply form the spirals, fill them with apple pie filling, and store them tightly covered in the refrigerator. For the puff pastry option, create the filling and cheese mixture, then assemble the pockets without baking. When ready to serve, pop the danishes in the oven straight from the fridge, adjusting the bake time slightly if needed. This way, you’ll enjoy those warm, flaky pastries just as delicious as if you made them fresh!
Apple Danish Two Ways Variations
Feel free to take your Apple Danish to the next level with these exciting twists that will keep your taste buds dancing!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent rolls or puff pastry for a delightful treat everyone can enjoy. Look for quality brands to ensure they retain that flaky texture.
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Fruit Fillings: Swap apple pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or pear! Each fruit brings its unique sweetness and flavor, making for a delightful experiment in flavor.
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Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese on top of the apple filling before baking for a luscious twist that adds richness. The combination of flavors is simply divine!
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to your apple filling for added texture and a crunchy surprise in every bite. The earthiness perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the glaze for a decadent addition that elevates these danishes from delicious to indulgent. It adds a new level of richness that’s hard to resist!
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Extra Spice: Boost the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This added warmth can create a cozy aroma that evokes sweet memories.
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Bourbon Vanilla: For an adult twist, incorporate a splash of bourbon or whiskey into the glaze. It’ll add complexity and warmth that pairs beautifully with the sweet apple filling.
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Savory Option: Create a savory version by swapping the apple with sautéed spinach and feta cheese. Perfect for brunch, these will tickle your taste buds with a delightful blend of flavors!
What to Serve with Apple Danish Two Ways?
Warm pastries beckon the heart and soul, inviting you to create a complete experience that satisfies every craving.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet danishes, cleansing the palate between bites.
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Coffee: This classic pairing enhances the warm cinnamon notes, creating a perfect morning ritual that comforts the senses and energizes your day.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy ice cream brings a dreamy indulgence when paired with warm danishes—it’s a cozy dessert moment to savor.
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Cinnamon-Infused Tea: A cup of spiced tea offers a gentle warmth and complements the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully, making any gathering feel special.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delightful texture, balancing the sweetness and providing a fluffy finish to each bite of pastry.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup elevates the sweetness and adds a buttery complexity, making each danish even more irresistible.
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Sparkling Cider: This festive drink adds a bubbly touch, perfect for celebrations or brunch, enhancing the experience with its fruity effervescence.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Apple Danish Two Ways, ensure your crescent roll dough is properly sealed to avoid any leaks during baking.
- A common mistake is overfilling the wells with apple filling, which can lead to overflowing; stick to 2–3 tablespoons per well for the best results.
- For a golden finish, don’t skip the egg wash on the puff pastry, as it enhances appearance and flavor.
- Remember to let your pastries cool slightly before glazing to prevent the icing from melting away.
Apple Danish Two Ways Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best apples for the homemade filling?
Absolutely! For a homemade apple filling, I recommend using Granny Smith apples. Their tartness provides a perfect balance to the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon, giving your Danish a delightful depth of flavor. Look for apples that are firm, with no blemishes or dark spots. This ensures your filling will hold its shape well when cooked!
What’s the best way to store my leftover Apple Danish?
For room temperature storage, keep your Apple Danish in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their freshness, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This method keeps the filled danishes deliciously chilled and ready to enjoy anytime!
Can I freeze Apple Danish, and how should I do it?
Certainly! To freeze your Apple Danish, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, making sure there’s no air inside. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be safely frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply reheat them in the oven at 180°C for about 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through and wonderfully crispy again!
What should I do if my cream cheese filling turns out lumpy?
Very! If your cream cheese filling is lumpy, it may not have been softened enough. Make sure to let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing. When beating it, use a hand mixer or stand mixer for a smooth consistency, and ensure you incorporate the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until silky. This will make a heavenly filling for your danishes!
Is there a gluten-free option for Apple Danish?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free crescent rolls or puff pastry available at many grocery stores. Make sure to check the labels to avoid cross-contamination if you have severe gluten allergies. The flavors will remain delicious, and your gluten-free friends can join in on the Apple Danish joy too!
Can I use homemade pie filling instead of canned?
Of course! If you prefer to make your own pie filling, simply cook down diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and a splash of lemon juice until tender. Follow the same steps as you would for the canned filling, and enjoy the extra freshness and flavor. It’s a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your Apple Danish!
Remember, experimenting in the kitchen is part of the fun! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Apple Danish Two Ways
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. Open cans of crescent rolls and separate them into 4 rectangles per tube. Pinch seams to seal triangles together as rectangles.
- Brush each rectangle with melted butter. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle generously over the dough. Roll each rectangle lengthwise into a log and coil into a spiral shape, tucking the end underneath. Use fingers to make a well in the center of each spiral.
- Fill the wells by dividing apple pie filling into 8 portions and adding 2–3 tablespoons to the center of each well. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar across the tops. Bake for 16–18 minutes until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle glaze over slightly cooled pastries before serving.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, whisking continuously. Reduce to simmer until thick, then stir in diced apples, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Beat cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Incorporate sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla, mixing until silky.
- Cut puff pastry sheets into 6 squares. Fold a square into a triangle and trim edges, leaving a 2.5 cm border; unfold, then twist opposite corners to form a pocket.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into each pocket. Top with 1–2 tablespoons apple pie filling. Brush visible pastry with egg wash. Bake for 12–14 minutes at 220°C until golden and crisp. Cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled pastries before serving.
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