Simple Homemade Apple Danish Braid
A delightful pastry that combines flaky, buttery dough with a sweet and spiced apple filling, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour Provides structure and texture.
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter Cold butter enhances flakiness.
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar Sweetens the dough and filling.
- 1 packet Active dry yeast Helps the dough rise.
- 0.5 cup Milk Activates the yeast and enriches the dough.
- 1 large Egg Binds the dough and gives color.
Filling Ingredients
- 3 medium Apples Use a mix of sweet and tart varieties.
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Enhances the flavor of the filling.
- 0.25 cup Chopped nuts (optional) Adds texture to the filling.
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup Powdered sugar For the glaze.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast. Mix well.
- Heat milk in a saucepan until warm, then stir in butter until melted.
- Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients, add the egg, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour.
- Prepare the apple filling by slicing apples and mixing with cinnamon and nuts.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle and make diagonal cuts along the sides.
- Spread the apple filling in the center and fold the flaps over to create a braid.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and let the braid rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Brush the braid with an egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool the braid and prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk. Drizzle over the braid before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.