If you’re looking for a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of the holidays or adds a touch of elegance to a cozy afternoon, look no further than this Cranberry Apple Danish. Flaky puff pastry, tart cranberry sauce, and sweet apples come together to create a delightful pastry that’s both festive and simple to prepare. Whether you’re planning a holiday breakfast or just indulging in a sweet treat, these danishes are a surefire crowd-pleaser. The best part? You can make them using store-bought puff pastry, making it the ideal recipe for those busy days when you want something quick yet impressive.
In this article, we will dive deep into everything you need to know about making the perfect Cranberry Apple Danish, from the origins of the recipe to the step-by-step preparation. Plus, we’ll explore some variations, frequently asked questions, and give you tips to ensure your pastries are nothing short of perfect.
What is a Cranberry Apple Danish?
A Cranberry Apple Danish is a delicious pastry filled with a combination of tart cranberry sauce and sweet, crisp apples, all wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry. The pastry is lightly spiced with cinnamon sugar, giving it a comforting flavor profile that is perfect for the colder months. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just craving a sweet treat, these danishes bring together the perfect balance of flavors and textures—crunchy, soft, sweet, and tart.
The Cranberry Apple Danish is a variation of the traditional Danish pastry, which originated in Denmark, and it’s typically filled with fruits or custards. While Danish pastries are known for their intricate folds and buttery, flaky layers, this version simplifies the process by using store-bought puff pastry, making it more accessible without compromising on taste.
Origin of the Cranberry Apple Danish
The origins of the Danish pastry itself trace back to Denmark in the early 19th century, although the exact history is somewhat debated. One popular story suggests that the pastry was inspired by the Viennese bakers who introduced laminated dough to Denmark. The pastries became an instant hit, and the Danes took their own spin on the recipe, incorporating butter, sugar, and fruit fillings to create various variations.
While the Cranberry Apple Danish is not a traditional recipe from Denmark, it fits perfectly within the rich history of Danish pastries. The sweet and tart combination of cranberry and apple reflects the seasonal ingredients often used in Scandinavian desserts, making this recipe an ideal choice for the fall and winter months.
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Danish (Makes 12 Pastries)
Before we dive into the preparation, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make your Cranberry Apple Danish. You can find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store, and most of them are pantry staples, so you’ll be able to whip up this recipe in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets of store-bought puff pastry, thawed (you’ll want to make sure they are thawed at room temperature for easy handling)
- 1 apple, peeled, quartered, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for this recipe as they provide the right balance of tartness and sweetness)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (you can use homemade or canned cranberry sauce—either will work perfectly)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 egg, lightly beaten with 2 tbsp water (this is for the egg wash, which gives your pastries a golden finish)
Optional Glaze:
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tbsp milk (you can also use heavy cream for a richer glaze)
With the ingredients ready to go, it’s time to get cooking. Here’s how to make the perfect Cranberry Apple Danish.
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your pastries bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Mix Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together 3 tbsp of granulated sugar and ¼ tsp of ground cinnamon. This will be sprinkled over the apples later, adding a sweet, spicy kick to each bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out each sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to make them a bit thinner and easier to work with. Once rolled out, use a sharp knife to cut each sheet into 6 squares (12 total). This will be the base of your Cranberry Apple Danish.
Step 4: Shape the Pastries
To shape the danishes, fold the corners of each puff pastry square inward, so they meet at the center. Gently press down to seal the corners, creating a little indent in the middle for the filling. This step gives the pastry its signature “pocket” look, perfect for holding the cranberry and apple mixture.
Step 5: Add the Filling
Spoon 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce into the center of each pastry square. Then, top the cranberry sauce with about 5-7 slices of apple. You want to be generous with the filling but ensure it’s not overflowing, as this could cause the pastry to tear during baking.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash
Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash (1 egg lightly beaten with 2 tbsp of water). This will help the pastry edges turn a beautiful golden brown as they bake.
Step 7: Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the apples. This will give the danishes a lovely, sweet crunch and a hint of spice.
Step 8: Bake
You need to bake the danishes until they’re puffed up and golden brown. The pastry should be crisp, and the filling should be bubbling slightly around the edges.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
After you bake your Cranberry Apple Danish pastries to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, drizzle them with the optional glaze made from ⅓ cup powdered sugar and ½ tbsp milk to add a touch of sweetness.
Serve warm for the best experience. Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa for a cozy treat.
Variations of the Cranberry Apple Danish
While the classic combination of cranberry and apple is absolutely delicious, there are many ways to get creative with this recipe. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Add Cream Cheese Filling: For a richer, more indulgent Danish, add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese in the center before adding the cranberry and apple. This will add a creamy layer of goodness to each bite.
- Pear and Cinnamon: If you prefer pears to apples, feel free to swap them in. Pears have a similar texture to apples but are slightly sweeter, and they pair beautifully with the tartness of cranberry sauce.
- Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple and cranberry filling. This will add crunch and depth to the flavor.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan-friendly version, swap the puff pastry for a vegan version, use a non-dairy milk for the egg wash, and choose a plant-based cranberry sauce (or make your own from scratch).
FAQs About Cranberry Apple Danish
Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes! Frozen puff pastry works just as well as fresh store-bought puff pastry. Just make sure to thaw it properly before using.
Can I make Cranberry Apple Danish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the danishes and store them in the fridge before baking. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve. You can freeze baked danishes and reheat them in the oven.
Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Yes, you can experiment with different fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. Just be mindful of the fruit’s sweetness and adjust the sugar accordingly.
How can I make the cranberry sauce from scratch?
Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar, water, and cinnamon until the berries burst.
Conclusion: Cranberry Apple Danish
This Cranberry Apple Danish recipe is a simple yet elegant way to add a festive touch to your holiday breakfast or afternoon tea. With its flaky puff pastry, sweet apple slices, and tangy cranberry sauce, each bite is a perfect balance of flavors.
So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing pastry, make sure to try this Cranberry Apple Danish. It’s a beautiful, tasty, and effortless way to celebrate the season. Happy baking!
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Cranberry Apple Danish: A Festive and Flaky Delight for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Cranberry Apple Danish is a delicious pastry filled with a combination of tart cranberry sauce and sweet, crisp apples, all wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry. The pastry is lightly spiced with cinnamon sugar, giving it a comforting flavor profile that is perfect for the colder months. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just craving a sweet treat, these danishes bring together the perfect balance of flavors and textures—crunchy, soft, sweet, and tart.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry, thawed
- 1 apple, peeled, quartered, and thinly sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 egg, lightly beaten with 2 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
- Prepare pastry: Roll out each puff pastry sheet slightly. Cut into six 3-inch squares per sheet (12 total).
- Shape danishes: Fold corners of each square inward to meet at the center. Press lightly to seal and create an indent.
- Add filling: Spoon 1 tbsp cranberry sauce into the center of each pastry. Top with 5–7 apple slices.
- Brush & sprinkle: Brush exposed pastry edges with egg wash. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over apples.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool & serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Optional: drizzle with powdered sugar glaze.
Notes
This Cranberry Apple Danish combines tart cranberries with sweet apples in a buttery pastry—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a festive dessert. Serve warm with a drizzle of icing or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Cranberry Danish, Apple Danish Pastry, Cranberry Apple Pastry, Festive Danish
