Apple Danish Braid

This Apple Danish Braid is a show-stopping pastry featuring a sweet filling of caramelized apples and cranberries wrapped in a buttery, flaky puff pastry shell. It’s topped with a delightful glaze that takes this treat to the next level. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s bound to disappear fast once it’s out of the oven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Danish Braid combines everything you love about autumn flavors with the rich, flaky goodness of puff pastry. The warm, caramelized apples paired with the tart cranberries make for a perfect balance of sweet and sour, while the golden-brown pastry offers the ultimate crunch. It’s an incredibly versatile dish, great for any occasion—from cozy mornings to festive gatherings. The pastry glaze is a sweet finishing touch that makes each bite even more irresistible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 lb (2 large) Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2″ thick slices

• 1/2 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry (1/2 lb), thawed according to package instructions

• 1 egg + 1 Tbsp water (for egg wash, beaten together with a fork)

• 1/2 Tbsp coarse sugar

For the Pastry Glaze:

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 Tbsp milk

Directions

1. Place a large pot or deep skillet over high heat. Melt the butter and stir in the sugar. Add the sliced apples and stir to coat evenly. Add the cranberries and allow the mixture to sit for about 3 minutes to caramelize, stirring occasionally. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring 3 times, until the apples are lightly caramelized. Transfer the apple-cranberry mixture to a plate and let it cool until just warm.

2. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it in one direction to make it about 2 inches longer, following the natural folds in the pastry as a guide.

3. Place the apple-cranberry filling down the center of the pastry, making sure it’s in the middle third, leaving about 1 inch of space at both the top and bottom.

4. Cut away the top corners from the left and right thirds of the pastry. Then, cut 8 equal 1-inch strips along each side, leaving a 1/2-inch border on both sides of the filling. Cut away any excess dough at the bottom corners.

5. Fold down the top flap of dough, pinch the corners to seal, then fold in the side strips, alternating left to right. Finally, fold up the bottom flap and pinch the corners to seal. Finish folding in the last two side strips and pinch to seal them.

6. Transfer the pastry to a baking sheet lined with silicone or parchment paper. Brush the top with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse sugar, and bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, or until the top is golden brown (mine was perfect at 20 minutes).

7. While the Danish is cooling, make the glaze by stirring together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.

8. Once the braided Apple Danish is at room temperature (or just warm), drizzle the glaze over the top. Slice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1 braid or 4 slices

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Nut Add-ins: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for a crunchy contrast.

• Different Fruit: You can substitute cranberries with raisins, blueberries, or a mix of your favorite berries for a different twist.

• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

• Homemade Pastry: If you have time, use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought for a flakier and more authentic result.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Apple Danish Braid in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds, though the pastry may lose some of its crispness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use other types of apples such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and texture of the apples may vary.

2. Is it necessary to use Granny Smith apples?

Granny Smith apples are tart and hold up well during cooking, making them ideal for this recipe. However, if you prefer a sweeter apple, feel free to substitute with another variety.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge for up to a day ahead. You can also assemble the braid and refrigerate it before baking.

4. How can I make the puff pastry crispier?

For an extra crispy result, make sure to bake the pastry on the top rack of your oven and keep an eye on it toward the end of baking to avoid over-baking.

5. Can I freeze the Apple Danish Braid?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled braid before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then follow the baking instructions.

6. What if I don’t have puff pastry?

If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use a crescent roll dough or even phyllo dough as an alternative, though the texture and flavor will differ.

7. Can I use a different fruit filling?

Absolutely! You can replace the apples and cranberries with pears, peaches, or a mixture of berries, depending on your preference and what’s in season.

8. Do I have to use the glaze?

No, the glaze is optional, but it adds a sweet finishing touch to the Apple Danish Braid. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can skip it.

9. What should I serve this Apple Danish Braid with?

This pastry is delicious on its own, but you could serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the puff pastry with a gluten-free version. Be sure to follow the baking instructions provided on the packaging for the best results.

Conclusion

This Apple Danish Braid is the perfect dessert or breakfast treat, combining the sweetness of caramelized apples and cranberries with the buttery flakiness of puff pastry. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it on a cozy morning, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious!