Name: Apple Danish Pastry with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (17.3-ounce) box puff pastry dough (two sheets); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup water; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; Pinch of salt; 2 large peeled and diced Granny Smith apples; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water; ½ cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re looking for a show-stopper breakfast or an irresistible afternoon treat, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Apple Danish Pastry with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe is one I absolutely love because it combines flaky, buttery puff pastry with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy crumb topping that’s just the right amount of sweet. When I first tried making this, I was hooked on how quickly it came together and how much joy it brought to my kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for weekends and special occasions alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Assembly: Puff pastry makes this fancy treat surprisingly quick and simple to put together.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: Tart Granny Smith apples mingle beautifully with warming cinnamon and nutmeg spices.
Crispy, Crumbly Topping: The cinnamon crumb adds texture and sweetness that take every bite to the next level.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Great for a cozy brunch, dessert, or a coffee break treat that everyone will love.

Six round pastries are placed on a white marbled surface, each with a flaky, golden-brown base layer. On top of the base is a light brown filling made from small chunks that look soft and caramelized. Over this filling, there is a crumbly topping that is darker brown and textured, adding crunch. Each pastry is drizzled with white icing in irregular thin lines that contrast with the warm colors beneath. The pastries are scattered with some crumbs and a few small drips of dark syrup on the background, giving a fresh-baked feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Danish Pastry with Cinnamon Crumb, flaky apple pastry, cinnamon apple dessert, breakfast Danish pastry, easy apple pastry recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part perfectly here—from the flaky puff pastry that forms the base to the fragrant spices that make the apples sing. When shopping, I recommend using fresh Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture that hold up well during cooking.

Flat lay of a sheet of golden puff pastry dough folded gently, a few peeled and diced bright green Granny Smith apples, a small white bowl of melted golden unsalted butter, a small white bowl of granulated white sugar, a small white bowl of cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of warm cinnamon powder, a small white bowl of nutmeg powder, a pinch of salt in a tiny white dish, a small white bowl with light brown packed brown sugar, a small white bowl of all-purpose white flour, one large smooth whole egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl of fine powdered sugar, a small white bowl of heavy cream with a creamy texture, and a small white bowl of vanilla extract placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Apple Danish Pastry with Cinnamon Crumb, flaky apple pastry, cinnamon apple dessert, breakfast Danish pastry, easy apple pastry recipe

Puff pastry dough: Using pre-made puff pastry is a total game-changer for quick Danish pastries without sacrificing flakiness.
Unsalted butter: Butter enriches both the apple filling and crumb topping with creamy, golden flavor.
Granulated sugar: Helps sweeten the apple mixture just right without overpowering the natural fruit taste.
Water: Needed to create a smooth filling and helps dissolve cornstarch for thickening.
Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling so it’s luscious and not runny inside your pastry.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warming spices that highlight the apple’s natural flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
Granny Smith apples: Firm and tart apples that shine in cooked desserts.
Brown sugar: Deep, molasses notes perfect for crumb topping sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Binds the crumb topping together for that ideal crumbly texture.
Large egg and water: Make the egg wash that gives your pastry a beautiful golden glow.
Powdered sugar, heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract: Whisk these up into a silky glaze that’s the cherry on top of every danish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Apple Danish Pastry with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve played around with a few tweaks that keep it fresh and exciting depending on the season or what’s in my pantry.

Variation: Swap Granny Smith apples for Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer something sweeter and a bit less tart—perfect if you like your pastries on the sweeter side.
Variation: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for an extra crunch and nutty flavor—my family goes crazy for this twist.
Variation: For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter and substitute the heavy cream for coconut milk in the glaze—it’s surprisingly good and keeps that lovely sheen.
Variation: Mix in a tablespoon of rum or apple brandy into the apple filling to amp up the flavor if you want to make this a bit more festive.

How to Make Apple Danish Pastry with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by melting butter and combining it with granulated sugar, water, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium heat. It’s crucial to stir frequently here to prevent burning and ensure everything melts smoothly. Once it comes to a boil, let it bubble gently for 2 minutes to thicken. Add your peeled and diced Granny Smith apples, then raise the heat slightly and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. You’ll notice the apples soften while absorbing that comforting spice aroma. Take the pan off the heat and let this mixture cool before assembling the pastries—trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Step 2: Shape the Puff Pastry

Unfold your puff pastry sheets and roll each out gently to about 10×10 inches. I like to use a pizza cutter here because it gives me super clean, even strips. Cut each sheet into 12 strips, then overlap two strips by half an inch and press them together firmly. Now, twist each long strip around itself and press the end down to keep it from unraveling. This step might seem fiddly, but once you get the feel for twisting the dough, it’s actually pretty meditative and kind of fun!

Step 3: Assemble the Danishes

Place six twisted pastry shapes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press down gently on the center of each to create a little well for the apple filling. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling right into the middle. This keeps the filling from spilling out while allowing the flaky layers to puff up beautifully around it.

Step 4: Make and Add the Cinnamon Crumb Topping

Mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until smooth, then stir in the flour until it forms a thick, crumbly mixture. Before sprinkling this on top, brush each danish with an egg wash made from whisking an egg with a tablespoon of water. This not only helps the crumb stick but also gives the pastry a glossy, golden finish. Now, sprinkle the crumb topping generously over every danish like a sweet, cinnamon snow.

Step 5: Bake and Glaze

Bake the danishes at 400°F for about 16–18 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and you can smell that amazing cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen. Let them cool for around 5 minutes before drizzling the glaze made from powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract over the top. The glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without being overpowering.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Danish Pastry with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe

Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: I learned that warming dough can be tricky to handle, so chill your puff pastry right up until you’re ready to roll it out to make shaping easier.
Don’t Overfill: Filling each pastry well too full can cause the apples to spill out while baking—spare a little room to keep it neat and tidy.
Watch the Crumb Topping: Make sure your crumb topping is thick but crumbly. If it’s too wet, it won’t crisp up nicely, and if too dry, it won’t stick.
Glaze Timing: Always add the glaze once the danishes have cooled slightly—glazing hot pastry will cause the sugar to melt and run off.

How to Serve Apple Danish Pastry with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a small pastry with a golden brown crust that looks soft and flaky. The top layer has a crumbly streusel topping with uneven, small clusters in light brown color. Some white glaze is drizzled over the streusel, adding a shiny texture. The background shows a white marbled surface with more pastries blurred in the distance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Danish Pastry with Cinnamon Crumb, flaky apple pastry, cinnamon apple dessert, breakfast Danish pastry, easy apple pastry recipe

Garnishes

When serving, I love to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top or maybe dust a light coating of powdered sugar if the glaze seems too light. Sometimes I even throw a few fresh mint leaves beside the plate for a pop of color and freshness—it’s simple but makes the presentation feel really special.

Side Dishes

This pastry pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a spiced chai latte; it’s also a welcome brunch accompaniment alongside scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad. My family especially enjoys it with hot apple cider when the weather turns cooler.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special breakfasts, I’ve arranged these danishes on a tiered cake stand surrounded by fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. It makes a gorgeous centerpiece that’s easy to serve and absolutely delightful to look at!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If the crumb topping softens a bit, a quick reheat in the oven brings back that lovely crisp texture.

Freezing

When I want to save these for later, I wrap each cooled danish tightly in plastic wrap, then store them together in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to a month. Just remember not to add the glaze before freezing—glazing is best fresh.

Reheating

To reheat frozen danishes, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, uncovered, until warm and crisp again. Then, once slightly cooled, I drizzle the glaze back on or serve them plain with a dusting of powdered sugar—delicious every time.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this Apple Danish Pastry with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give a nice tart contrast that balances the sweetness, you can substitute Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might require slightly less added sugar to keep the filling balanced.
Is it possible to make the pastry from scratch instead of using store-bought puff pastry?

Yes, if you’re feeling adventurous and have the time, homemade puff pastry will definitely enhance the freshness and flakiness, but it’s quite time-consuming. The store-bought versions are reliable and still produce fantastic results, perfect for busy days or beginner bakers.
What is the best way to prevent the apple filling from making the pastry soggy?

Cooking the apple filling down to thicken it using cornstarch is key; this reduces excess moisture that could soak into the dough. Also, letting the filling cool before adding it to the pastry helps keep the dough flaky and puffed rather than soggy.
Can I prepare this Apple Danish Pastry with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the danishes and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking, which is great for preparing breakfast in advance. Just be sure to let the dough come back closer to room temperature before putting them in the oven so they bake evenly.
What alternatives can I use for the glaze if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, regular milk works just fine in the glaze. For dairy-free options, almond or oat milk are good substitutes—they keep the glaze smooth and pourable with just a slight change in flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Danish Pastry with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe has become such a comfort food staple in my home. I love sharing it with friends because it feels festive yet is surprisingly easy to whip up. Once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll be your go-to treat when you want to impress with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. So grab some puff pastry, apples, and cinnamon, and enjoy this delightfully flaky, sweet, and spicy pastry—you’ll be so glad you did!