Imagine biting into a flaky, golden pastry layered with rich almond filling and topped with a delicate crunch of sliced almonds—that’s the magic of Almond Danish. This easy yet impressive treat blends the elegance of a bakery favorite with the pure comfort of a homemade pastry. With a base of buttery puff pastry and creamy almond paste, every bite delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and irresistible almond aroma. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a weekend treat, or simply indulging in some cozy self-care, Almond Danish deserves a spot at the top of your must-bake list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to incredible Almond Danish lies in high-quality basics—each one brings something special, from crispness to creaminess and that unmistakable almond punch. Here’s what you’ll need to make these beauties at home.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: Ensures a flaky, buttery crust that rises gloriously in the oven.
- ½ cup almond paste: The heart of the filling, providing deep almond flavor and creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to balance the almonds.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Makes the filling extra rich and smooth.
- 1 egg: Binds the filling together and adds soft richness.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: Boosts the aroma and highlights the nutty notes.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top for a glossy, bakery-style finish.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Mixed with the egg wash to help those almonds stick and get golden.
- ¼ cup sliced almonds: Provides a crisp, toasty crunch and beautiful topping.
- Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for topping: Adds extra sweetness and a polished look after baking.
How to Make Almond Danish
Step 1: Prepare the Almond Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine your almond paste, granulated sugar, softened butter, one egg, and almond extract. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—trust me, this luscious filling is the star of your Almond Danish!
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet just a bit to smooth the edges. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the sheet into 4 equal rectangles. This size is perfect for single-serve Almond Danish, making them lovely for sharing or savoring solo.
Step 3: Fill and Shape
Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the almond filling right in the center of each pastry rectangle. Leave about a half-inch border all around so the filling stays put during baking. For that classic Danish style, fold each rectangle lengthwise like a letter, or simply fold in the edges to make a neat pocket or envelope shape. Gently press and crimp the edges with a fork to seal—this step is oddly satisfying and helps keep all that almond goodness inside.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Almond Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together the second egg and tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each Almond Danish with this mixture—not only will you get a gorgeous golden shine, but it also helps the sliced almonds stick. Sprinkle the sliced almonds generously over each pastry.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Carefully transfer your pastries to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re beautifully puffed and deep golden brown on top. The aroma alone will have you peeking in the oven window!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Let the Almond Danish cool just slightly on a wire rack. Now’s your chance to dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze—if you’re feeling extra. Enjoy these golden beauties warm for the ultimate experience, when the pastry is crisp and the filling is just soft enough.
How to Serve Almond Danish
Garnishes
A generous dusting of powdered sugar always looks irresistible, but a quick drizzle of almond glaze can seriously elevate your Almond Danish. For added flair, sprinkle on a few extra sliced almonds or even some edible flowers for a brunch-worthy presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your Almond Danish with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to balance the richness. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a frothy cappuccino, bold espresso, or your favorite herbal tea—these combinations make each bite feel even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
These treats stack beautifully on a tiered cake stand or a rustic wooden platter for gatherings. For an elegant twist, serve mini Almond Danish as part of a dessert board with chocolate, fruit, and extra nuts. If you’re gifting, nestle a few in a bakery box lined with parchment for a homemade keepsake that’s sure to wow!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers, keep your Almond Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They maintain their texture surprisingly well but are best enjoyed within the first day or two for peak flakiness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Almond Danish for longer storage. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. For best results, freeze without the glaze or powdered sugar and add those touches after reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked texture, reheat thawed Almond Danish in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. This brings the pastry back to life, crisping it up and warming the almond filling without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely! If you enjoy making puff pastry from scratch, feel free to use it in this recipe. Just keep in mind that store-bought puff pastry works perfectly too, so use whatever fits your time and mood.
What’s the best way to keep the filling from leaking?
Be sure to leave that half-inch border when filling, and take your time crimping the edges securely with a fork. If you see small leaks during baking, don’t worry—they just add a touch of rustic charm!
Can I make the Almond Danish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and fill the pastries up to one day in advance. Simply cover them tightly on the baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to bake. Brush with egg wash and add almonds right before baking for freshest results.
What if I don’t have almond paste?
If you can’t find almond paste, you can blend finely ground blanched almonds with powdered sugar and a bit of egg white until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency. It won’t be identical, but it will still give you lots of almond flavor!
Is this recipe suitable for other fillings?
Definitely—feel free to get creative! Swap the almond filling for a fruit preserve, cream cheese, or chocolate spread if you’d like to try a different flavor. The basic technique stays the same.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a show-stopping yet simple pastry, give Almond Danish a spot in your baking repertoire. The combination of flaky pastry and luscious almond center is unbeatable, and the process is fun and rewarding. I hope you adore every warm, nutty bite as much as I do!
Print
Almond Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 pastries
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of almond with this Almond Danish recipe. A perfect combination of sweet almond paste and buttery puff pastry, these pastries are a treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Almond Filling:
½ cup almond paste, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, 1 egg, ½ teaspoon almond extract
Egg Wash:
1 egg, 1 tablespoon milk
Topping:
¼ cup sliced almonds, optional: powdered sugar or glaze for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Almond Filling: In a bowl, combine almond paste, granulated sugar, softened butter, 1 egg, and almond extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly and cut it into 4 equal rectangles. Spread 1–2 tablespoons of the almond filling in the center of each rectangle, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Form Pastries: Fold the pastry over lengthwise or fold the edges in to form a pocket shape. Seal and crimp the edges with a fork.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the remaining egg with milk to make an egg wash. Brush over each Danish, then sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with glaze.
Notes
- To make a simple glaze, mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons milk and a drop of almond extract.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
