Can I use other types of dough besides crescent rolls?

Absolutely. Puff pastry makes a flakier, richer Danish, and biscuit dough can be used for a softer, thicker base. Adjust baking times as needed until golden.

Do I have to use protein powder in the icing?

No, the protein powder adds a subtle vanilla flavor and a protein boost, but you can simply use more powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract instead if you prefer.

Which apples are best for this recipe?

Rocket apples are small, sweet, and perfect for these danishes, but use any apple you love or have on hand. Granny Smith offers tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp bring extra sweetness and a firm texture.

Can I prepare these in advance?

You can prep the filling and shape your dough circles a few hours ahead—just keep them in the fridge until ready to assemble. For maximum crispness, bake and ice just before serving.

Individual Pumpkin Pie Apple Danish Recipe

Imagine a buttery, flaky pastry filled with gooey brown sugar, tender apples, velvety cream cheese, and fragrant pumpkin pie spice—all finished with a creamy protein-packed icing drizzle. That’s exactly what you get with these Individual Pumpkin Pie Apple Danishes! They’re delightfully simple to assemble, bake up golden and crisp in no time, and are perfect for mornings when you want something special but need it to be fast. Whether it’s a busy weekday breakfast, a relaxing weekend treat, or an impromptu dessert, these danishes are sure to make your kitchen smell like autumn and your day feel a little more festive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Quick & Easy: The recipe uses store-bought crescent dough for instant flakiness with zero hassle. Each step is straightforward, making this ideal for hectic mornings or last-minute gatherings.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The marriage of sweet apple, warm pumpkin pie spice, and tangy cream cheese creates a bite that’s simultaneously comforting and exciting.
Great Texture: Expect crisp, golden edges with a plush, soft center topped with gooey icing—every bite is a blend of creamy, crunchy, and juicy.
Customizable & Kid-Friendly: Each Danish is portioned individually, so everyone gets their own. It’s also fun for little hands to help assemble!
Better-for-You Twist: With reduced-fat crescent rolls and a protein hit in the icing, these danishes feel a little lighter without sacrificing indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into making your new favorite quick pastry morning (or anytime) treat:

Crescent Roll Dough: Ready-to-bake crescent rolls make the perfect base. Go for reduced-fat to lighten things up, but any variety works.
Brown Sugar: Melts into the crust, giving a caramelized richness to every Danish.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: The key to a warm, cozy flavor. This classic blend brings cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and more.
Butter: Just a little for extra moisture and richness; helps the sugar and spices melt into the dough.
Apples: Rocket apples are fantastic for their size and crunch, but any apple you like (Granny Smith for tartness, Fuji for sweetness) will work. Thin slices ensure even cooking.
Cream Cheese: Tucked inside for a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the sweet apples and sugar.
Powdered Sugar: For a smooth and sweet icing drizzle that adds a bakery finish.
Vanilla Protein Powder: Adds a subtle vanilla note and a boost of protein to the icing; totally optional but highly recommended.
Whole Milk: Loosens up the icing for that perfectly pourable consistency.

Tip: Don’t stress about exact apple size or cream cheese chunkiness—this recipe is super forgiving!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

It’s so easy to make these danishes your own, here are a few ideas to get inspired:

Different Fruits: Try pears, peaches, or even berries in place of apple. Just slice them thin so they bake evenly.
Spice Swaps: Love chai spice? Use that instead of pumpkin pie spice! Or simply add extra cinnamon for a more classic vibe.
Make it Vegan: Use a dairy-free crescent dough, plant-based butter, vegan cream cheese, and your favorite dairy-free milk for the icing.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the apples before baking for a lovely crunch.
Raisin Twist: Add a few golden or regular raisins to the filling for extra sweetness.

How to Make Individual Pumpkin Pie Apple Danish

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Base

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Unroll your crescent dough and separate each triangle. For the Danish effect, connect the points of each triangle to shape rough circles, pinching and flattening the dough as needed—aim for eight little nests.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and butter. Microwave in short bursts to melt the butter, then mix the ingredients until it forms a delicious, fragrant sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Danishes

Spoon a portion of the brown sugar mixture into the center of each dough circle—spread it like pizza sauce, leaving the edges bare for beautiful browning. Top each with a few apple slices and a small piece of cream cheese.

Step 4: Bake

Transfer your assembled danishes to a lined or non-stick baking sheet. Bake for about 11 minutes, or until the edges are puffed and deeply golden and the cream cheese has softened.

Step 5: Ice and Serve

While the pastries bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla protein powder, and whole milk until you have a luscious icing. As soon as the danishes come out of the oven, drizzle them generously with icing. Let them cool for a minute or two—if you can wait!—then enjoy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Cold Dough: Keep crescent dough chilled right up until shaping for the best flakiness and easiest handling.
Thin Apple Slices: Slice your apples very thin so they get perfectly soft in just 11 minutes in the oven.
Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause leaks or soggy bottoms. Resist the urge to overdo it!
Even Spacing: Arrange pastries with room between them—the dough puffs as it bakes and you want each Danish to get nice, crisp edges.
Drizzle While Warm: For a professional finish, add icing while the pastries are still slightly warm so it sets up with that pretty glaze.

How to Serve

These danishes are so versatile! For breakfast, pair with a hot mug of coffee or chai for ultimate coziness. As a snack, a glass of cold milk or hot chocolate is perfect. If serving for dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the warm pastry makes for a truly decadent treat.

Garnishing Ideas:

Dust with extra pumpkin pie spice or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful look and extra aroma.
For an extra-special touch, add a few toasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any uneaten danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, or in the fridge for up to four days. The crust will stay reasonably crisp, though a quick warm-up revives them best.

Freezing

You can freeze these pastries after baking (without icing) for up to a month. Let them cool completely first, then wrap tightly. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a preheated oven from frozen just until warm and crisp, then drizzle with fresh icing.

Reheating

For best results, warm danishes in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5–8 minutes. This keeps the pastry crisp and reheats the filling gently. A microwave works in a pinch but might soften the crust.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dough besides crescent rolls?

Absolutely. Puff pastry makes a flakier, richer Danish, and biscuit dough can be used for a softer, thicker base. Adjust baking times as needed until golden.
Do I have to use protein powder in the icing?

No, the protein powder adds a subtle vanilla flavor and a protein boost, but you can simply use more powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract instead if you prefer.
Which apples are best for this recipe?

Rocket apples are small, sweet, and perfect for these danishes, but use any apple you love or have on hand. Granny Smith offers tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp bring extra sweetness and a firm texture.
Can I prepare these in advance?

You can prep the filling and shape your dough circles a few hours ahead—just keep them in the fridge until ready to assemble. For maximum crispness, bake and ice just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Individual Pumpkin Pie Apple Danishes are one of those easy, crowd-pleasing recipes that blend nostalgia and comfort with modern convenience. They’re simple enough to whip up before school or work, but special enough to serve guests. Give them a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with fillings, spices, and toppings—there’s plenty of room to make them your own. Happy baking!