Apple Almond Danish Pastries

Recipe: Apple Almond Danish Pastries

Introduction:
These Apple Almond Danish Pastries are the perfect combination of flaky pastry, sweet apples, and crunchy almond topping. With a buttery, tender dough and a creamy almond filling, they make for a delightful breakfast or dessert. The thinly sliced apples add a fresh, slightly tart contrast to the sweet, rich filling, while the almond slices provide a satisfying crunch. These pastries are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them at a brunch gathering or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee.

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Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 3/4 cup milk, warm
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg

For the Almond Filling:

• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg white (for brushing)

For the Topping:

• 1 apple, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions:

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk and egg, then mix until a dough forms. Add the softened butter and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the almond filling: In a small bowl, combine almond flour, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Set aside.
3. Shape the pastries: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it into a disk shape. Place a spoonful of the almond filling in the center of each disk, spreading it out slightly, but leaving the edges clear.
4. Add apple slices: Arrange the thin apple slices on top of the almond filling in a circular pattern. Press them gently into the filling.
5. Top with almonds: Sprinkle sliced almonds over the apples and lightly sprinkle sugar on top.
6. Second rise: Cover the pastries with a clean towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Bake: Brush the edges of the pastries with the egg white, then bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve: Once baked, allow the pastries to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy these irresistible Apple Almond Danish Pastries with a hot cup of tea or coffee!