Apple Danish Two Ways

Name: Apple Danish Two Ways
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For Crescent Roll Danishes:; 2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls (8 total triangles; each tube yields 4 rectangles); 570 g canned apple pie filling; 28 g butter, melted; 50 g granulated sugar; 8 g ground cinnamon; 60 g powdered sugar; 5 ml vanilla extract; 10–15 ml milk; For Puff Pastry Danishes with Cream Cheese:; 1 box (490 g) puff pastry, thawed just until pliable; 1 can (570 g) apple pie filling or homemade apple pie filling; 226 g cream cheese, softened; 67 g granulated sugar; 1 egg yolk, room temperature; 5 ml fresh lemon juice; 5 ml vanilla extract; 1 whole egg, beaten (for egg wash); 30 ml water (for egg wash); 60 g powdered sugar (for glaze); 2.5 ml vanilla extract (for glaze); 15 ml milk (for glaze); For Apple Pie Filling (from scratch):; 5 Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled, diced; 354 ml water; 150 g granulated sugar; 32 g cornstarch; 8 g ground cinnamon; 15 ml fresh lemon juice

Author: Amelia Sinclair

Published: November 22, 2025

Print Recipe

Introduction to Apple Danish Two Ways

Welcome, my fellow home cooks! If you’re like me, the chaos of a busy day often leaves little time for crafting elaborate desserts. That’s where my recipe for Apple Danish Two Ways swoops in like a culinary superhero! These delightful pastries are not only a quick solution for satisfying your sweet tooth, but they also offer a warm hug of comfort with each bite. Whether you opt for the flaky puff pastry or the buttery crescent roll, this treat is sure to impress your loved ones and brighten up your day!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Danish Two Ways

This Apple Danish Two Ways recipe is a game changer for busy moms and professionals. Not only is it quick to whip up, but the taste is simply heavenly! The comforting blend of sweet apple filling, coupled with the flaky pastry, creates a vibrant flavor explosion in your mouth. Plus, each version—whether crescent rolls or puff pastry—is a surefire crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family gatherings or last-minute brunches!

Ingredients for Apple Danish Two Ways

When it comes to creating these delightful pastries, I like to keep things simple with ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:

Crescent Rolls: A convenient starting point for flaky, buttery pastries. You can use refrigerated crescent rolls from the store, making prep a breeze.
Apple Pie Filling: Whether you choose store-bought or whip up a homemade version, this is the sweet star of the show! Look for options that are minimally processed for the best flavor.
Butter: A drizzle of melted butter enhances everything, adding richness to the crusts and helping them crisp beautifully.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the apple filling’s sweetness.
Cinnamon: The warm, cozy spice elevates the filling and adds a delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen.
Powdered Sugar: Used for drizzling a sweet glaze over your pastries, this sugar lends a delightful finish.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of this fragrant liquid adds depth and a hint of warmth to both the filling and the glaze.
Milk: This helps achieve the right consistency for your glaze; almond or oat milk makes great substitutes if you wish.
Puff Pastry: Elevate your pastry game with this light, flaky dough. Thaw it just enough for shaping but not too soft.
Cream Cheese: Perfect for a decadent filling; it makes the puff pastry version richer and creamier.
Egg Yolks: This contributes a custard-like richness to the cream cheese mixture and is also used for an egg wash to provide a golden finish.
Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the cream cheese filling and complements the apple flavor beautifully.
Water: Just enough to help with the egg wash that gives your pastries a nice shine.

For those looking to make it from scratch, I even included a simple recipe for homemade apple pie filling with Granny Smith apples, sugar, cornstarch, and a touch of cinnamon. Get ready for a delicious medley of flavors!

You can find exact quantities and more detailed instructions at the bottom of the article, available for printing!

How to Make Apple Danish Two Ways

Making Apple Danish Two Ways is easier than you might think! With just a few steps for each variation, you’ll be on your way to creating delectable pastries that will make your home smell divine. Let’s dive into the details!

Preparing the Crescent Roll Danish

First, preheat your oven to 180°C. This is the perfect temperature to achieve that lovely golden crust.

Next, open the tubes of refrigerate crescent rolls. Carefully separate them into 4 rectangles per tube. Pinching the seams together will help seal the triangles and give you a nice, sturdy base.

Now, brush each rectangle with melted butter. This step adds richness and flavor that your family will adore!

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Generously sprinkle this delightful mix over the dough to give it a sweet cinnamon kick!

Ready to shape them? Roll each rectangle lengthwise into a log. Then, coil each log into a spiral, tucking the end underneath. This creates the perfect little nest for the apple filling.

Make a well in the center of each spiral with your fingers. This is where the magic happens. Divide the apple pie filling into 8 portions and add 2-3 tablespoons to each well.

To finish, sprinkle any remaining cinnamon sugar over the tops to entice those taste buds! Place the pastries on a lined baking sheet and bake them for about 16-18 minutes. The goal is a beautiful golden brown.

Once baked, let them cool slightly. Drizzle a sweet glaze—just powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla mixed together—over your slightly cooled pastries. Trust me, this final touch takes the Apple Danish to the next level!

Preparing the Puff Pastry Danish with Cream Cheese

For the puff pastry version, begin by preheating your oven to 220°C. A higher temperature helps create that lovely flaky texture.

If you’re going the homemade route for your apple filling, now’s the time to whip it up! Combine water, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring it to boil while whisking continuously. Let it simmer until thick, then stir in your diced apples for about 8-10 minutes.

In a separate medium bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until smooth. Then, incorporate granulated sugar, egg yolk, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until silky—this creamy filling is the heart of your pastry!

Now, unfold your puff pastry and cut each sheet into six squares. For a twisty border effect, fold each square into a triangle and trim it, leaving a 2.5 cm border. Unfold the pastry and twist the opposite corners together to form a lovely pocket. This adds an elegant touch!

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of your cream cheese filling into each pocket, followed by 1-2 tablespoons of apple pie filling. Don’t worry; it can be a bit messy; it just adds character!

Brush the visible pastry with an egg wash made from a beaten egg mixed with a little water. This will give your pastries that golden sheen when baked.

Place these beauties in the oven and bake for around 12-14 minutes until golden and crisp. Once baked, let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

Finally, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, and drizzle this over the cooled pastries. Voila! You now have a stunning Puff Pastry Danish ready to impress!

Tips for Success

Always preheat your oven; it ensures even baking.
Pinching the seams of crescent rolls well prevents spills during baking.
Brush the pastries with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
Don’t overfill the pastries; too much filling can cause them to burst.
Let the pastries cool slightly before glazing for a neater finish.
Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg for a unique twist!

Equipment Needed for Apple Danish Two Ways

Baking Sheet: A trusty baking sheet is essential; any flat, oven-safe tray will do.
Parchment Paper: Lining your sheet with parchment ensures easy cleanup; foil also works in a pinch.
Mixing Bowls: A couple of medium-sized mixing bowls are perfect for your ingredient prep.
Whisk: A simple whisk is great for blending glazes and fillings; a fork is a fine alternative too.
Pastry Brush: Use this for egg wash; a clean, unused paintbrush can work as well!

Variations of Apple Danish Two Ways

Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to your apple filling for a delightful crunch. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples!
Dried Fruits: Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries into the apple filling for an extra layer of flavor and added chewiness.
Spiced Apples: Experiment with different spices! A sprinkle of nutmeg or allspice can add a warm, festive touch to your apple filling.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent rolls or puff pastry to make this dessert friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use a flax egg in place of the egg yolk for a plant-based option.
Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate the pastries even further with a drizzle of melted chocolate over the glaze for a decadent touch.
Flavorful Glazes: Add lemon or almond extract to your glaze for a lovely zing that complements the apple filling.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Danish Two Ways

Pair with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch experience.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
Present on a beautiful platter, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Add sliced fresh apples or a fruit salad on the side for a refreshing contrast.

FAQs about Apple Danish Two Ways

As I journey through the delightful world of baking, I often find myself with questions—just like you might! Here are some frequently asked questions about Apple Danish Two Ways, covering everything from preparation to storage:

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh apples can be a great substitute. Just ensure you sauté them with sugar and cinnamon for that luscious filling!

Can I make Apple Danish Two Ways ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the pastries in advance and store them in the fridge. Bake them right before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

How do I store leftover pastries?

To keep them fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll be good for up to 2 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge.

Is it possible to freeze Apple Danish Two Ways?

Yes! You can freeze unbaked pastries. Just assemble them and then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag and bake directly from the freezer when ready!

Are these pastries suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the Apple Danish Two Ways are vegetarian! Just adjust the egg wash to a vegan alternative if needed.

Final Thoughts

Embracing the whimsical world of baking with my Apple Danish Two Ways has been nothing short of delightful! Each flaky pastry comes packed with comforting flavors that remind me of sunny afternoons in the kitchen, surrounded by my loved ones. Whether you choose the crescent rolls bursting with apple goodness or the rich cream cheese puff pastry, you’re sure to create memorable moments. These pastries are like warm hugs on a plate, perfect for any occasion, big or small. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this baking adventure; you’ll be rewarded with smiles and satisfied taste buds!