Apple Pie Danishes: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert Recipe

Apple Pie Danishes are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats that bring comfort and joy to any occasion. Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery pastry filled with warm, spiced apples, reminiscent of a classic apple pie but with a modern twist. This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also pays homage to the rich history of Danish pastries, which have been enjoyed for centuries across Europe. The combination of the tender dough and the luscious apple filling creates a texture that is simply irresistible.

People love Apple Pie Danishes for their convenience and versatility; they make for a perfect breakfast, a delightful snack, or a charming dessert. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging in a quiet afternoon treat, these pastries are sure to impress. Join me as we explore the steps to create these scrumptious Apple Pie Danishes that will surely become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:

• 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Preparing the Apple Filling

First things first, let’s get our apple filling ready. This is the heart of our Apple Pie Danishes, and I want to make sure it’s bursting with flavor!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. The lemon juice will help to keep the apples from browning and add a nice tang to the filling.
2. Mix everything together until the apples are well coated. Set this mixture aside to let the flavors meld while we prepare the puff pastry.

Preparing the Puff Pastry

Now that our filling is ready, let’s move on to the puff pastry. This is what will give our danishes that flaky, buttery texture we all love!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that our danishes bake up nice and crispy.
2. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets. If they are too sticky, sprinkle a little flour on top to prevent sticking.
3. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out each sheet to smooth out creases and make it slightly larger. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness.
4. Cut each sheet into 4 squares (you should have a total of 8 squares). You can use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for this. Make sure the squares are even for uniform baking.

Assembling the Danishes

Now comes the fun part—assembling our danishes! This is where we’ll create those beautiful pockets of apple goodness.

1. Take one square of puff pastry and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will help with easy cleanup later.
2. Using a sharp knife, make a small cut in each corner of the pastry square, about 1 inch from the edge. Be careful not to cut all the way through; we want to create flaps that we can fold over the filling.
3. In the center of the square, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling. Make sure to leave some space around the edges for folding.
4. Now, fold the corners of the pastry over the filling towards the center. You can pinch the corners together to seal them, or leave them slightly open for a rustic look.
5. Repeat this process with the remaining pastry squares and apple filling until everything is assembled.

Applying the Egg Wash

To give our danishes a beautiful golden color, we’ll apply an egg wash before baking.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk until well combined.
2. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the egg wash over the tops of each danish. This will help them achieve that lovely golden brown color as they bake.

Baking the Danishes

It’s almost time to enjoy our delicious Apple Pie Danishes! Let’s get them in the oven.

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the danishes are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-browning.
2. Once they are done, remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Finishing Touches

While the danishes are cooling, we can prepare a little something to make them even more special!

<

Conclusion:

In summary, these Apple Pie Danishes are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful treat that perfectly marries the flavors of classic apple pie with the flaky goodness of pastry. The combination of sweet, spiced apples nestled in a buttery, golden crust is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, these danishes are sure to impress your family and friends. For a fun twist, consider adding a drizzle of caramel sauce on top or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. You could also experiment with different fruits, like pears or peaches, to create your own unique variations. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these Apple Pie Danishes in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with! I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. Happy baking!

Print