Description
This Easy Apple Cinnamon Danish Braid combines flaky pastry, creamy filling, and spiced apple topping for a bakery-style treat perfect for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (300g) peeled, diced apples
- 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, combine apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender but not mushy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Roll out one sheet of puff pastry onto your prepared baking sheet. Using a knife or pastry wheel, make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart on both sides, leaving the center uncut for the filling.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the pastry. Top with the cooled apple mixture.
- Fold the cut strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided look.
- Brush the braid with an egg wash made from one egg beaten with water.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Let the Danish braid cool for 10 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
For a rustic look, don’t worry about perfect braiding. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking. Prep the fillings in advance, but assemble the braid just before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250300
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Apple Danish, Cinnamon Danish, Danish Braid, Brunch Recipe, Fall Dessert