If you’re dreaming of a buttery, flaky pastry with a meltingly soft almond-cream center, look no further: Almond Danish is the show-stopping answer. With rich cream cheese, tender almond paste, and golden puff pastry, this delightfully easy breakfast treasure is perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or an afternoon treat with coffee. Each bite of Almond Danish is a perfect harmony of crispy layers, sweet almond flavor, and creamy filling—you might just discover your new favorite pastry recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is beautifully simple, relying on a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients that play off one another. Every item has a purpose, each bringing out the best in that classic Almond Danish flavor and irresistible texture.
- Puff Pastry: Store-bought frozen puff pastry creates those signature delicate, flaky layers—thaw it just enough to work with easily.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese yields a velvety, tangy base for the filling that balances out the sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: A bit of white sugar sweetens the filling without overpowering that lush almond flavor.
- Almond Extract: This is where Almond Danish gets its heady, nutty aroma—don’t skip it!
- Almond Paste: Crumbled almond paste infuses every bite with rich, authentic almond taste and an irresistible chew.
- Sliced Almonds: Scattered on top before baking, sliced almonds toast up golden and add delightful crunch and visual flair.
- Egg Wash: Beaten egg with a little water gives the pastries that bakery-style sheen and helps the almonds stick.
- Powdered Sugar: This forms the base of the glaze, which is drizzled over the cooled Almond Danish for a sweet finish.
- Milk: Just a teaspoon or two turns powdered sugar into a dreamy, pourable glaze.
How to Make Almond Danish
Step 1: Prep and Shape the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry to smooth the creases. Then, slice it into six equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter—this step gives each Almond Danish its own perfectly portioned base.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Almond Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, almond extract, and the crumbled almond paste. Keep going until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This luscious filling is the heart of every Almond Danish, so take a moment to savor that wonderful almond scent as you mix!
Step 3: Assemble the Danish
Spoon about one tablespoon of the almond filling into the center of each pastry square. To create their iconic rustic shape, gently fold each corner of pastry just slightly in toward the center—don’t worry about making them perfect, that homey look is part of their charm.
Step 4: Add the Final Touches
Brush the exposed pastry with your egg wash—it’ll give every Almond Danish a shiny, gorgeous crust. Sprinkle sliced almonds over each pastry, pressing them gently into the egg-washed surface so they toast up beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the Almond Danish are puffed and deeply golden brown. The filling will set gently, the almonds will toast, and your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.
Step 6: Glaze and Enjoy
Let the Almond Danish cool on the pan for a few minutes—enough so the glaze won’t melt right off. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl to make a pourable glaze, then zigzag it over the pastries. The result? A glistening, bakery-worthy finish that makes each Danish extra irresistible.
How to Serve Almond Danish
Garnishes
Dress up your Almond Danish with an extra flurry of sliced almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. If you want even more almond aroma, add a delicate drop or two of almond extract to your glaze for an added layer of flavor and fragrance.
Side Dishes
The buttery richness of Almond Danish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit—think juicy berries, orange segments, or poached pears. For a breakfast spread, serve with Greek yogurt, a bowl of mixed nuts, or a simple mixed greens salad to balance the sweetness. And of course, a strong cup of coffee or a pot of tea is classic alongside this pastry!
Creative Ways to Present
Almond Danish can be beautifully arranged on a vintage cake stand for a brunch buffet, packaged up in a parchment-lined box as a homemade gift, or even sliced in half and filled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist. The rustic edges and shiny glaze make each Danish photoworthy—so don’t forget to snap a picture before they all disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Almond Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Their flaky texture and creamy filling hold up nicely, making them a delicious next-day treat—if they last that long!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze completely cooled Almond Danish in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy homemade pastry at a moment’s notice—just thaw as needed at room temperature or gently reheat.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, warm Almond Danish in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This restores the puff pastry’s crispness and makes the filling deliciously creamy again (avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy).
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you’re up for the challenge, homemade puff pastry will give your Almond Danish an even more delicate and buttery texture. Just keep an eye on your pastry so it doesn’t overbake and lose its flakiness.
Is almond paste the same as marzipan?
While they’re similar, almond paste has less sugar and a more pronounced almond flavor, making it ideal for this recipe. Marzipan is sweeter and firmer, so if you use it, your filling may turn out a bit denser and sweeter.
Can I make this Almond Danish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a high-quality gluten-free puff pastry sheet (they’re increasingly available at specialty stores). Double-check any flavored extracts to ensure they’re safe for your needs.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
Without almond extract, your Almond Danish will have a milder flavor. Try substituting with a bit more almond paste or even a splash of vanilla extract for a different but still delicious twist.
How do I keep the glaze from running off?
Be sure to let the Almond Danish cool almost completely before glazing. A slightly thicker glaze—just add extra powdered sugar if needed—will cling better and create those pretty drizzles you see in bakeries.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a simple, joy-filled baking adventure, Almond Danish is truly the pastry to beat. This recipe turns everyday ingredients into something special, and there’s nothing like pulling a tray of golden Danish from your oven! They’re bound to become a favorite in your kitchen, so don’t hesitate—roll up those sleeves, invite a friend, and treat yourself to Almond Danish magic.
Print
Almond Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flakiness of this Almond Danish recipe. With a buttery puff pastry filled with a creamy almond mixture and topped with sliced almonds, these pastries are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Almond Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup almond paste, crumbled
Topping:
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares.
- Mix Filling: Beat together cream cheese, sugar, almond extract, and almond paste until smooth.
- Fill and Shape: Place filling on pastry squares, fold corners, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with almonds.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk into a glaze, then drizzle over pastries before serving.
Notes
- For extra almond flavor, dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with almond extract in the glaze.
- You can use crescent roll dough as a shortcut instead of puff pastry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
