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I am thrilled to share this amazing 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 easy to achieve.
The story behind this recipe
This recipe is inspired by French pastries, 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 is transformed into bakery-worthy pastries, while the apple filling creates little pockets of warm, spiced sweetness. The braiding technique ensures even distribution of the filling and creates a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
For the Danish:
17.6 oz (500 g) puff pastry
2 medium apples (about 10.5 oz/300 g)
2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
2½ tablespoons (30 g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons (5 g) ground cinnamon
1 large egg (for brushing)
Sliced almonds for garnish
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 the apples.
Cut into 1 cm (⅓ inch) cubes.
Toss with melted butter.
Mix in the sugar and cinnamon.
Let it rest while you prepare the dough.
Prepare the Dough
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Cut into 4 equal rectangles
Score diagonal lines on each long side
Leave the center strip uncut for filling.
Assembly Process
Spoon the apple mixture into the center of each rectangle.
Starting at one end, fold the strips alternately over the filling.
Curve into a circular shape
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Leave 2 inches between the pastries.
Finishing Touches and Baking
Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water.
Brush the pastries well with beaten egg.
Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes.
Look for a golden brown color and a crunchy texture.
Make Spiced Tea
Combine the fruit, spices, and water in a pot.
Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add tea bag
Let sit for 3-5 minutes
Strain and sweeten to taste.
Pro Tips for Success
Keep puff pastry cold until ready to use.
Cut apple pieces evenly for even baking.
Don’t overstuff pastries – less is more
Make sure strips are uniform in width for attractive braiding.
Egg wash all surfaces for even golden brown.
Storage Guidelines
Best served fresh and warm.
Store leftover pastries at room temperature for 1 day.
Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Can be frozen unbaked for up to 1 month.
Nutritional Information
(Per cake, without tea)
Calories: 420
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 250mg
Serves 4
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