Name: Almond Danishes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry; 1 cup almond flour (plus 2 tablespoons); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 3/4 teaspoon pure almond extract; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water; 6 tablespoons powdered sugar; 4 tablespoons heavy cream; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

If you have a soft spot for classic pastries with a nutty twist, this Almond Danishes Recipe is sure to steal your heart. Imagine flaky, golden puff pastry pockets filled with a sweet, luscious almond cream, topped with a delicate drizzle of vanilla icing and crunchy toasted almonds. This recipe perfectly balances rich almond flavors with a tender, buttery texture, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or any cozy moment when you need a little indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several golden-brown baked pastries with a rounded triangular shape placed on a beige sheet. Each pastry has a smooth, slightly textured top layer with a light golden color and is drizzled with white icing in thin, uneven lines across the surface. Scattered on top of the icing are thin slices of almonds adding texture and contrast with their pale tan color and darker edges. The pastries appear soft but firm, arranged closely together on the sheet. The background has a soft white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Almond Danishes Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfectly tender pastry with a creamy almond center. From the buttery puff pastry to the aromatic almond extract, every element works harmoniously to deliver texture, flavor, and a little flair.

Puff pastry sheet: Provides the flaky, buttery base that makes these danishes delightfully light and crisp.
Almond flour: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth texture to the filling.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the almond filling just enough without overpowering the natural flavors.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and richness.
Large eggs: Help bind the almond filling and give it a creamy consistency.
Pure almond extract: Boosts the intensity of almond flavor to make those danishes unforgettable.
Water: Mixed with egg to create an egg wash that helps give the pastry edges a golden sheen.
Powdered sugar: Forms the base of a smooth, sweet icing topping.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create a luscious, pourable icing.
Vanilla extract: Introduces a warm, fragrant note to complement the almonds.
Sliced almonds (toasted): Offer a lovely crunch and a beautiful finish to these charming danishes.

How to Make Almond Danishes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowl

Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This initial prep is essential for baking your danishes evenly and ensuring they come out perfectly golden and crisp.

Step 2: Make the Almond Filling

In a small bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, salt, two eggs, and almond extract. Stir them well until the mixture is smooth and everything is evenly incorporated. This filling will be the sweet, nutty heart of your danishes, so make sure it’s well mixed and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Lay out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into ten equal rectangles. Then, score each rectangle by marking a half-inch border on the edges and pierce the center a few times with a fork. This prevents the center from puffing up too much and helps create those beautiful pastry edges for holding the almond filling.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Carefully spoon the almond filling into the center of each cut rectangle. Beat the remaining egg with one tablespoon of water and brush this egg wash around the edges to help the pastry get that gorgeous golden color. Bake your danishes for about 15 minutes or until puffed and golden. Once baked, allow them to cool fully before adding the finishing touches.

Step 5: Drizzle with Icing and Add Almonds

Whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this icing lavishly over your cooled danishes and sprinkle with toasted almond slices for an irresistible crunch and extra almond aroma. Your Almond Danishes Recipe is now complete and ready to be savored!

How to Serve Almond Danishes Recipe

This image shows several golden-brown puff pastries on a white marbled surface, with one stack in the center of two pastries. Each pastry has three visible layers: a flaky, light brown pastry base, a thick middle layer of bright yellow filling that looks soft and smooth, and a top flaky pastry layer that is also golden. A white icing drizzle runs across the top of each pastry, and some sliced almonds are scattered on top and around them on the surface. The background is softly blurred with a light blue cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and flavor, add a little extra flair by dusting with powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of cinnamon. A few fresh berries on the side can also add a pop of color and a hint of tartness to balance the richness of the almond filling.

Side Dishes

Serve your Almond Danishes Recipe alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a creamy latte for a delightful pairing. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt can brighten up the plate, making this treat perfect for brunch or a special breakfast gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re sharing these danishes at a party, try arranging them on a tiered cake stand or placing each on a colorful paper doily. You can even sprinkle a few edible flowers or drizzle some dark chocolate for a stunning, gourmet touch that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Almond Danishes Recipe leftovers keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them covered prevents the pastry from drying out while maintaining the delightful texture of the almond filling and icing.

Freezing

If you want to save these treats for later, freeze the baked danishes in a single layer on a baking tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When frozen properly, they can last up to two months without losing their delicious flavor and flaky texture.

Reheating

Reheat your danishes in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 5 to 7 minutes to refresh their flakiness and warm up the almond filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and chewy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh almonds instead of almond flour for the filling?

While fresh almonds provide great flavor, almond flour is specially ground to create the smooth, creamy texture that fills the danishes perfectly. Using chopped or whole almonds in the filling would make it quite different and less creamy.

Is puff pastry necessary, or can I make the dough from scratch?

Puff pastry is ideal for the characteristic light, flaky layers of these danishes. Making puff pastry from scratch is possible but tricky and time-consuming. For the best results and convenience, store-bought puff pastry works beautifully.

Can I substitute almond extract for another flavor?

You can experiment with vanilla or even orange extract, but almond extract is what gives these danishes their signature taste. It’s recommended to stick with it for the most authentic flavor profile.

How long does it take to prepare and bake these danishes?

This Almond Danishes Recipe takes about 50 minutes from start to finish, including the baking time, making it a fairly quick project for a homemade pastry with such impressive results.

Are these danishes suitable for a crowd or special occasions?

Absolutely! These Almond Danishes are perfect for serving guests at brunches, showers, or family gatherings. Their elegant appearance and delightful taste make them a crowd-pleaser every time.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about biting into a freshly baked almond danish, with its tender, flaky crust giving way to a smooth, sweet almond filling. This Almond Danishes Recipe is a beloved classic that’s surprisingly simple to make but always impressive to serve. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every delicious, nutty bite as much as I do!