Danish Apple Horns

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: Danish

Danish Apple Horns are delightful pastries filled with diced apples and dates, featuring flaky layers and sweet flavors, perfect for breakfast or a special treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup Spry
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 package yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup diced apples
  • 1/2 cup chopped dates

Instructions

  1. Melt butter and Spry; add sugar.
  2. Cool to lukewarm.
  3. Mix in beaten egg, salt, and yeast dissolved in warm milk.
  4. Beat in flour.
  5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  6. Let dough rise.
  7. Divide dough into 3 parts.
  8. Roll each into a 9-inch circle.
  9. Spread with melted butter; sprinkle with diced apples and chopped dates.
  10. Cut each circle into 8 pie-shaped pieces.
  11. Beginning at the rounded edge, roll up each piece.
  12. Place the rolled pastries on a baking sheet point down.
  13. Let rise for about 2 1/2 hours.
  14. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.
  15. Frost before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier texture, consider using all-butter instead of Spry or mixing in a bit of cream cheese. If you don't have dates, raisins or dried cranberries can be good substitutes. Ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising; if unsure, activate it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar before adding. Refrigerate the dough for at least four hours for best results.

Serving Suggestions

These Danish Apple Horns are delightful served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for brunch or a sweet afternoon snack. For a complete breakfast, serve alongside a fruit salad or alongside dishes like Easy Tropical Smokie Link Appetizers for a varied spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Danish Apple Horns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Danish Apple Horns contains roughly 147 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 469mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).

147 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.7g 3% DV
Total Fat 10.4g 13% DV
Carbs 12.5g 5% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 7.4g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 469mg 20% DV
Potassium 203.1mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 36.7mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.7mcg
Vitamin C 8.7mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 17.5mg 1% DV
Iron 0.4mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other fruits such as pears or berries. Just ensure they are diced small enough to fit within the pastry. Adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit used to maintain balance in flavors.

What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough isn't rising, check the temperature of your environment; yeast thrives in a warm, draft-free space. You can also try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) to encourage rising. If the yeast was old, consider starting over with fresh yeast.

How can I make these pastries vegan?

To make vegan Danish Apple Horns, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of the beaten egg. Ensure that your milk is also plant-based, such as almond or oat milk.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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