Crescent Roll Apple Danish is the perfect treat when you need a quick and impressive dessert or breakfast pastry. Made with flaky crescent roll dough, tender spiced apples, and a sweet glaze, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re using fresh apples for a homemade filling or simplifying things with canned apple pie filling, these pastries come together in minutes and deliver all the cozy flavors of fall.
Crescent Roll Apple Danish
This Crescent Roll Apple Danish has all the buttery flakiness of a bakery pastry with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and a luscious sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack, they’re easy to prepare and guaranteed to delight. Serve them at a brunch gathering or whip up a batch for a cozy morning treat—they’re versatile, quick, and always crowd-pleasing.
Why Our Crescent Roll Apple Danish Is the Best
Our Crescent Roll Apple Danish is a shortcut to bakery-quality pastries at home. With the option to use fresh apples or a convenient canned filling, it’s customizable and always packed with flavor. The buttery crescent dough forms a golden crust, and the sweet glaze ties everything together.
Ingredients Notes for Crescent Roll Apple Danish
For the Crust:
- 2 cans crescent rolls: Provides a flaky, buttery base that’s quick and easy.
- 3 tbsp butter, melted and divided: Adds flavor and helps the cinnamon-sugar stick.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust slightly.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: For a warm, spiced touch.
For the Homemade Apple Filling (Optional):
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness to the filling.
- 3-4 medium apples, peeled and diced: Fresh apples provide a vibrant flavor and tender texture.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Sweetens and balances the apples’ natural tartness.
- 3 tbsp water: Prevents sticking and helps soften the apples.
- 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/8 tsp nutmeg: Add warmth and depth.
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water: Thickens the filling to a luscious consistency.
For the Canned Apple Filling (Optional):
- 1 can apple pie filling: A quick, no-prep alternative.
For the Icing:
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar: The base of the glaze.
- 1 tbsp milk: Creates the ideal drizzle consistency.
- 1 tbsp butter, softened: Adds a creamy richness.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Crescent Roll Apple Danish
- Medium saucepan (for homemade filling)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowls for mixing icing and cinnamon sugar
- Pastry brush
- Spoon or piping bag for icing
How to Make Crescent Roll Apple Danish
1. Make the Apple Filling (if using fresh apples)
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small dish, then stir it into the pan. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling has thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into rectangles by combining two triangles. Pinch the seams to create solid sheets of dough. Brush each sheet with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon and sugar.
4. Shape the Danish
Roll up each rectangle from the long side to form a rope. Pinch the edges to seal, then spiral the rope around itself to create a loose circle. Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press the centers with your finger to make a well for the filling, stretching the sides as needed.
5. Add the Filling
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of apple filling (homemade or canned) into the well of each danish.
6. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastries are lightly golden brown.
7. Make the Icing
While the danishes are baking, mix confectioner’s sugar, milk, and softened butter in a small bowl until smooth. Use a spoon to drizzle the icing or transfer it to a zip-top bag and snip off the corner for easy piping.
8. Cool and Glaze
Let the danishes cool for 10–15 minutes, then drizzle with the icing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Store Crescent Roll Apple Danish
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Crescent Roll Apple Danish Variations
- Berry Danish: Replace the apple filling with a berry compote or canned cherry pie filling.
- Cream Cheese Danish: Add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese filling alongside the apple filling.
- Caramel Apple Danish: Drizzle caramel sauce over the danishes before serving for extra decadence.
- Pecan Danish: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the filling before baking for a nutty crunch.
What to Serve with Crescent Roll Apple Danish
Pair these danishes with:
- Hot Coffee: The perfect complement to the flaky crust and sweet glaze.
- Apple Cider: Enhances the warm, spiced flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A decadent dessert option for serving warm danishes.
Top Tips for Perfect Crescent Roll Apple Danish
- Seal the Dough: Pinch the seams tightly to prevent the filling from leaking.
- Use Fresh Apples: If making homemade filling, choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- Chill for Stability: Chill the dough briefly before baking to help it hold its shape.
- Adjust Filling Consistency: Thicken homemade filling as needed by adding more cornstarch slurry.
- Generously Glaze: The sweet icing ties the flavors together, so don’t skimp!
Helpful Notes
- Use canned apple filling for an even faster preparation.
- Let the danishes cool slightly before icing to avoid the glaze melting completely.
- For a glossy finish, brush the pastries with an egg wash before baking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ree Drummond: “Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruit fillings for a versatile dessert.”
- Martha Stewart: “Use cold crescent roll dough for easier handling and neater shaping.”
- Mary Berry: “Layer flavors by adding a pinch of cardamom to your apple filling.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut and works perfectly for this recipe.
2. Can I freeze these danishes?
Yes, freeze unglazed danishes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat and glaze before serving.
3. What apples work best for the filling?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
4. How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
Press the dough firmly to create a deep well and avoid overfilling.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the danishes and store them unbaked in the refrigerator overnight. Bake fresh the next day.
These Crescent Roll Apple Danishes are a delightful blend of flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and sweet glaze. Perfect for a quick dessert or a festive breakfast, they’re sure to impress!
Crescent Roll Apple Danish
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- – 2 cans crescent rolls
- – 3 tbsp butter melted and divided
- – 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- – 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Homemade Apple Filling (Optional):
- – 2 tbsp butter
- – 3-4 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
- – 1/3 cup brown sugar
- – 3 tbsp water
- – 1 tsp cinnamon
- – 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- – 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tsp cornstarch
- – 2 tbsp water
For the Canned Apple Filling Option:
- – 1 can apple pie filling
For the Icing:
- – 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- – 1 tbsp milk
- – 1 tbsp butter softened
Instructions
- For the Homemade Apple Filling: In a medium-sized pan, melt the butter. Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 3 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes, or until the apples are slightly softened.
- In a small dish, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Add this mixture to the pan while stirring. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling has thickened. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Crescent Roll Base: Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into rectangles (use two triangles to form each rectangle). Pinch the diagonal cut to create one solid sheet of dough.
- Brush the rectangles with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon and sugar.
- Roll up the dough from the long side and pinch the edges to seal. Spiral each roll around itself to form a loose circle or spiral. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing each danish about 2 inches apart.
- Press the centers of each roll with your finger to create a well for the filling. Stretch the sides slightly, if needed.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of apple filling (homemade or canned) to each danish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, stir together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and softened butter until smooth.
- Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the icing over the tops using a spoon or a homemade piping bag (a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off). Enjoy!
Notes
- If using canned apple pie filling, chop the apples into smaller pieces for easier filling.
- For an extra decadent touch, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Store danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly before serving.