If you are searching for the ultimate pastry to impress guests or treat yourself to a little homemade sweetness, look no further than this Almond Danish recipe. These golden, flaky beauties deliver a dreamy contrast of textures and a rich almond flavor that’s simply unforgettable. An invitingly crisp puff pastry holds a luscious cream cheese filling, sweet almond paste, and a shower of crunchy sliced almonds, all finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you enjoy them for a special breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, Almond Danish offers pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Almond Danish comes from a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that work together to create the ultimate bakery-style treat. Each one plays a key role, from lending the pastry its signature flakiness to infusing every layer with irresistible almond aroma and creaminess.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): Ready-made puff pastry guarantees buttery layers and a flaky, golden crust with minimal effort.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): The creamy base that brings tanginess and richness to the filling.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the almond and cream cheese.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): A small splash goes a long way, intensifying the almond flavor in both the filling and glaze.
- Almond paste (1/3 cup, crumbled or chopped): Infuses every bite with decadent almond sweetness and a slightly chewy texture.
- Sliced almonds (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, toasty finish that also looks gorgeous.
- Egg (1, beaten): Mixed with milk to create a glossy egg wash for perfectly golden edges.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Loosens the egg for a seamless wash and helps the pastry brown evenly.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): An effortless, elegant touch that adds sweetness and visual flair.
How to Make Almond Danish
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, so it’s piping hot and ready to help your Almond Danish puff up beautifully. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking, making sure every pastry lifts off the pan effortlessly.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and almond extract. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and glossy. This dreamy filling will become the luscious center of your Almond Danish, so mix until no lumps remain!
Step 3: Cut and Prepare the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry and gently roll it out if needed to even it up. Cut it into 6 equal rectangles—these will be the perfect individual portions. Lightly score a smaller rectangle inside each piece, creating a border without cutting all the way through the dough. This trick helps the edges puff up prettily while cradling the filling in the center.
Step 4: Assemble the Almond Danish
Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the middle of each scored center and gently spread it out, being mindful not to go over the borders. Sprinkle the crumbled almond paste on top of the cream cheese, followed by a scattering of sliced almonds. Every bite will have creamy, nutty, and crunchy notes!
Step 5: Add Egg Wash and Bake
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together to make an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the edges of each pastry—this gives your Almond Danish that beautiful, bakery-style golden brown finish. Transfer the pastries to your prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until puffed and gloriously golden. Let them cool slightly before moving on to the finishing touch.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
For a final flourish, dust your warm Almond Danish with powdered sugar for elegant sweetness and a bakery-worthy look. You can also drizzle with a simple almond glaze if you want even more almond goodness. Serve these stunning pastries while they’re still slightly warm and utterly irresistible!
How to Serve Almond Danish
Garnishes
A classic dusting of powdered sugar always elevates the Almond Danish, but you can also drizzle them with an easy almond glaze (simply whisk powdered sugar with a splash of almond extract and a bit of milk). For a charming crunch and eye-catching finish, add a few extra sliced almonds after baking.
Side Dishes
Pair your Almond Danish with a cup of hot coffee or strong black tea to offset the pastry’s sweetness. For a brunch spread, fresh berries or lightly sweetened fruit salads offer a refreshing, tangy complement to the rich almond flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your Almond Danish shine on a simple white platter, or nestle them among fresh fruit and edible flowers for a show-stopping breakfast table. For a special touch, arrange the danishes in a circle on a cake stand and dust with extra powdered sugar for a “pastry wreath” effect—perfect for holidays or celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Almond Danish is at its very best the day it’s baked, but if you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate for up to three days. The pastry will lose a bit of its crispness, but the flavor remains delightful.
Freezing
For longer storage, let your Almond Danish cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat straight from frozen using the method below.
Reheating
To revive that irresistible crispness, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the Almond Danish for 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. A quick stint in the oven brings back that fresh-from-the-bakery flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you’ve got the time and want to go the extra mile, homemade puff pastry will make your Almond Danish even more decadent and flavorful. Just be sure to chill the dough well between steps for maximum puff.
Is almond paste the same as marzipan?
They are similar, but not identical. Almond paste has a coarser texture and is less sweet than marzipan, making it perfect for baking into pastries like Almond Danish. If you only have marzipan, reduce the sugar in your filling slightly to balance the extra sweetness.
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
You can prep and assemble the Almond Danish a few hours ahead, then refrigerate (covered) until ready to bake. Bake fresh for the best puff and flavor. Baked danishes can also be reheated as instructed above.
I don’t have almond extract. Can I substitute something else?
You can use vanilla extract as a backup, though the flavor won’t be as distinctly almond-y. Boost the almond essence with a bit more almond paste if you like, but for classic Almond Danish flavor, almond extract is ideal.
What can I do if I don’t have cream cheese?
Mascarpone is a great substitute if you want to keep things creamy. Ricotta can also work in a pinch, though the texture and flavor will vary. With both alternatives, consider an extra pinch of sugar and extract to keep the filling luxurious.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so joyful about sharing a homemade Almond Danish, fresh from the oven, with people you love. I hope you’ll be tempted to bake up a batch yourself soon—these pastries are bound to make even an ordinary morning feel extraordinary.
Print
Almond Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the delectable almond flavor of these bakery-style Almond Danishes made with puff pastry and a creamy almond filling.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Almond Topping:
- 1/3 cup almond paste (crumbled or chopped)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: Beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and almond extract until smooth.
- Prepare the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, cut the puff pastry into 6 rectangles and score a smaller rectangle inside each piece.
- Assemble the danishes: Spread the cream cheese mixture inside each scored center, top with almond paste and sliced almonds.
- Egg wash and bake: Brush the edges with egg wash, bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Dust with powdered sugar, let cool slightly, and serve.
Notes
- Best served the same day.
- Enhance almond flavor with a simple almond glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
