Apricot Danish

These Apricot Danishes are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of apricots with creamy goodness, all enveloped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they bring a touch of elegance to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging yourself, these pastries will impress with their buttery layers and fresh flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious pastries in no time.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack. These danishes fit any occasion!
• Fresh Flavor: Using fresh apricots or canned options ensures a tasty treat that bursts with natural sweetness.
• Impressive Presentation: The golden brown color and elegant shape make these danishes visually appealing.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or add spices like cinnamon for unique variations.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will make the process enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Ensures your puff pastry is evenly flattened for perfect baking.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining your cream cheese mixture smoothly.
• Pastry brush: Essential for applying egg wash evenly on the pastries to achieve that golden finish.

Ingredients

These Apricot Danishes are easy to make, and completely delicious. Chopped fresh apricots on a bed of sweetened cream cheese wrapped in buttery, crispy puff pastry.

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed in refrigerator (8.8 oz)
• 2 apricots (or 6 ounces frozen or canned apricots)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 3/4 ounces powdered sugar (plus extra to garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Flour (for sprinkling on cutting board)

For Garnish

• Powdered sugar

How to Make Apricot Danish

Step 1: Prepare the Apricots

Cut apricots in half, remove the pits, then cube the apricot flesh (no need to peel).

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

Add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a medium bowl. Use a mixer to blend until smooth. Note: taste your fruit to see how sweet it is. If your apricots are quite tart, you may want to add more powdered sugar to your cream cheese mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with a tablespoon of cold water and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Roll Out Puff Pastry

Remove puff pastry dough from the refrigerator. Sprinkle a little bit of flour over your counter or a large cutting board. Roll out pastry dough into a square, 10.5 inches on all sides. As you roll, flip the dough over and add more flour to the board if your dough is sticking at all. Dough should be about 1/8-inch thick when done.

Step 5: Cut Pastry Squares

Cut into 9 squares of 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches in size.

Step 6: Assemble the Danishes

Place a dollop of cheese mixture (a little less than 1 tablespoon) into the center of each pastry square. Top with a few pieces of apricot (about 4), then paint a small amount of egg wash on one corner of the pastry square as you bring it up over the opposite corner and squeeze together to seal. Put egg wash in the refrigerator for later.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Chill the pastries before baking. If you have a sheet pan that will fit in your freezer, line it with parchment paper and carefully place the pastries on it before moving it into the freezer. If a sheet pan won’t fit, line a plate with parchment paper and place the pastries on that. Freeze pastries for at least 30 minutes until they are quite firm.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 9: Bake

After at least 30 minutes in the freezer, place pastries a couple of inches apart on a parchment-paper lined sheet pan (if they are not already on one). Paint all exposed pastry with egg wash using a pastry brush. Bake for 25-30 minutes until pastries are cooked through and golden brown.

Step 10: Serve

Sprinkle with powdered sugar to serve if you like. Enjoy your homemade Apricot Danishes!

How to Serve Apricot Danish

Serving your Apricot Danish can elevate the experience and make it even more delightful. There are various ways to enjoy this pastry, whether as a breakfast item or a sweet treat for dessert.

Pairing with Beverages

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the buttery flavor of the danish.
• Tea: Light herbal teas complement the sweetness of apricots.
• Milk: Cold milk provides a refreshing contrast to the warm pastry.

Adding Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a fruity contrast.
• Citrus slices: Lemon or orange slices add a zesty kick that balances sweetness.

Serving with Toppings

• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream creates a rich and creamy texture.
• Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweet filling.

How to Perfect Apricot Danish

Creating the perfect Apricot Danish requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pastries turn out delicious every time.

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your cream cheese and puff pastry cold helps achieve that flaky texture.
• Don’t overfill: Less is more when it comes to filling; too much may cause spills during baking.
• Chill before baking: Allowing pastries to chill solidifies the shape and enhances flakiness.
• Egg wash technique: Apply egg wash carefully for a golden finish, but avoid excess pooling around edges.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste your apricots beforehand and adjust powdered sugar in the filling accordingly.

Best Side Dishes for Apricot Danish

Pairing side dishes with your Apricot Danish can enhance its flavors and create a satisfying meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your plate.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and honey provides a creamy contrast.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Soft scrambled eggs can balance the sweetness with savory richness.
4. Granola Bars: Crunchy granola bars offer added texture and can be made ahead for convenience.
5. Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl can serve as a refreshing side, packed with nutrients.
6. Savory Scones: Cheese or herb scones provide a delightful savory option alongside sweet pastries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Apricot Danish can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Ignoring dough temperature: Ensure your puff pastry is cold when working with it. If it gets too warm, it won’t puff up properly when baked.
• Overfilling the pastry: Be careful not to add too much cream cheese or apricots. Overfilling can lead to messy pastries that burst open during baking.
• Skipping the chill time: Chilling the assembled pastries is crucial. This step helps them hold their shape and achieve a flaky texture.
• Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps your pastries rise beautifully.
• Using insufficient egg wash: Make sure to apply a generous egg wash on the exposed pastry. This gives your Apricot Danish that beautiful golden color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Apricot Danish

• Wrap each cooled pastry individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped pastries in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Apricot Danish

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pastries on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: Use medium power for about 20-30 seconds. This method may make the pastry less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps maintain crispiness while warming through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits in my Apricot Danish?

Yes, you can replace apricots with other fruits like peaches or cherries. Just adjust the sweetness according to the fruit’s tartness.

How do I know when my Apricot Danish is done?

Your pastries should be golden brown and puffed up nicely. A good visual cue is the color; they should look appetizingly browned.

Can I make Apricot Danish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble them ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake.

What can I serve with my Apricot Danish?

These pastries pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. You could also serve them with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Final Thoughts

These Apricot Danishes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding different fruits or adjusting the sweetness of the filling. Whether served for breakfast or dessert, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

Print

Apricot Danishes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Apricot Danishes are a delightful pastry that perfectly blends the sweetness of fresh apricots with a creamy filling, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, these elegant treats are sure to impress at any gathering or serve as a sweet indulgence during your day. With their buttery layers and vibrant flavors, they offer a refreshing twist on traditional Danish pastries. Easy to make and highly customizable, you can use fresh or canned apricots and experiment with different fruits or spices to make them uniquely yours.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Makes 9 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (8.8 oz)
• 2 fresh apricots (or 6 oz frozen/canned)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 3/4 oz powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Flour (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Prepare apricots by halving, pitting, and cubing them.
3. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Roll out puff pastry into a square and cut into 9 squares.
5. Place a dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, top with apricot pieces, fold corners over to seal.
6. Chill pastries for at least 30 minutes before baking.
7. Brush with egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

• Author: Juniper
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Keep ingredients cold for optimal flakiness. Adjust sweetness based on the tartness of the fruit. Allow pastries to chill to maintain shape.