If you’re looking for an easy bakery-style pastry you can make at home, this Cranberry Apple Danish is the perfect choice. Flaky puff pastry, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, crisp apples, and a hint of cinnamon come together to create a beautiful breakfast pastry or holiday brunch treat. Using store-bought puff pastry keeps this recipe simple while delivering impressive results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 40 minutes.
- Made with simple grocery store ingredients.
- Light, flaky, and buttery texture.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Great for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
- Beginner-friendly recipe with minimal preparation.
- Beautiful presentation that looks bakery-made.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 medium apple, peeled, quartered, and cored
- 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together one egg and 2 tablespoons of water to make an egg wash.
- Thinly slice each apple quarter.
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll each puff pastry sheet just enough to smooth it.
- Cut each sheet into six equal 3-inch squares.
- Arrange the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheets.
- Fold each corner toward the center, pressing gently to create a small well in the middle.
- Spoon about one rounded tablespoon of cranberry sauce into the center of each pastry.
- Arrange 5–7 apple slices over the cranberry filling.
- Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the apples.
- Bake the Cranberry Apple Danish for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use cold puff pastry for the flakiest texture.
- Slice apples evenly so they cook uniformly.
- Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples work especially well.
- Chill assembled pastries for 10 minutes before baking for better puff.
- Dust with powdered sugar after cooling for an elegant finish.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- A drizzle of vanilla glaze makes these pastries even more indulgent.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastries
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Homemade cranberry sauce works beautifully.
- Pears can replace apples for a seasonal variation.
- Serve warm with coffee, tea, or hot cider.
- Delicious with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 235
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 145mg
FAQ
Can I make Cranberry Apple Danish ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pastries and refrigerate them for several hours before baking.
Can I freeze these pastries?
Yes. Freeze after baking and cooling for up to 2 months.
Which apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples all hold their shape well during baking.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely. Homemade puff pastry creates an even richer flavor and texture.
Can I add cream cheese?
Yes. Spread a tablespoon of sweetened cream cheese beneath the cranberry sauce for a classic Danish variation.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped pastries for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes or air fry for 3–5 minutes until crisp.
Similar Recipes
Cranberry Apple Danish
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 medium apple peeled, quartered, and cored
- 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 egg lightly beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together one egg and 2 tablespoons of water to make an egg wash.
- Thinly slice each apple quarter.
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll each puff pastry sheet just enough to smooth it.
- Cut each sheet into six equal 3-inch squares.
- Arrange the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheets.
- Fold each corner toward the center, pressing gently to create a small well in the middle.
- Spoon about one rounded tablespoon of cranberry sauce into the center of each pastry.
- Arrange 5–7 apple slices over the cranberry filling.
- Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the apples.
- Bake the Cranberry Apple Danish for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Homemade cranberry sauce works beautifully.
- Pears can replace apples for a seasonal variation.
- Serve warm with coffee, tea, or hot cider.
- Delicious with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Apple Danish combines flaky puff pastry, sweet apples, and tangy cranberry sauce into a simple yet elegant pastry that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Easy enough for busy mornings and beautiful enough for holiday entertaining, it’s a recipe you’ll return to throughout the year.