Crescent Roll Apple Danish

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If you’re a fan of sweet, buttery pastries but dread spending hours in the kitchen, Crescent Roll Apple Danish is the perfect recipe for you. Combining the convenience of crescent roll dough with the comfort of warm spiced apples, this dessert is a fusion of simplicity and indulgence. The result is a flaky, golden pastry bursting with gooey apple pie filling, finished with a luscious sugar glaze. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekend brunch or treating yourself to a cozy dessert, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients for Crescent Roll Apple Danish

Crust

• 2 cans crescent rolls
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted and divided
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Homemade Apple Filling Option

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Canned Apple Filling Option

• 1 can apple pie filling

Icing

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened

Step-by-Step InstructionsPreparing the Apple Filling

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium-sized pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 3 tablespoons of water. Stir well.
3. Cook the mixture for 4-6 minutes until the apples are slightly softened.
4. In a small dish, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Mix until smooth.
5. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan while stirring continuously.
6. Continue cooking until the apples are tender and the filling thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Preparing the Crescent Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into rectangles by combining two triangles. Pinch the seams to form solid sheets of dough.
3. Brush each rectangle lightly with melted butter.
4. Sprinkle each sheet evenly with granulated sugar and cinnamon.
5. Roll the dough from the longer side into a rope and pinch the edges to seal.

Forming the Danish

1. Spiral each dough rope around itself to create a loose circle or spiral.
2. Place the spirals onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Use your finger to press down the center of each spiral, creating a small well for the filling. Stretch the sides slightly if needed.

Adding the Filling and Baking

1. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the apple filling (homemade or canned) into the center of each spiral.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the danishes are lightly golden brown.

Preparing the Icing

1. In a small bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, milk, and softened butter. Stir until smooth.
2. For easy drizzling, spoon the icing over the danishes or transfer it to a small zip-top bag and snip off a corner for piping.

Final Touch

1. Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool for 10-15 minutes.
2. Drizzle the prepared icing generously over the top of each pastry.

Tips for Success

• Ingredient Substitutions:
  • If fresh apples aren’t available, canned apple pie filling is an excellent alternative. You can also experiment with other pie fillings, like cherry or blueberry, for a fruity twist.
  • Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Variations:
  • Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the apple filling for extra crunch.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sugar on top before baking for a slightly crispy finish.
• Serving Suggestions:
  • Pair these danishes with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cider for the ultimate cozy treat.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

With its buttery crust, warmly spiced apple filling, and sweet glaze, the Crescent Roll Apple Danish is an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures, and share this easy-to-make recipe with loved ones!