Print

Apple Cream Cheese Danish Pastries Recipe

4.7 from 86 reviews

Delight in flaky, buttery Apple Cream Cheese Danishes featuring a warm spiced apple filling and a smooth cream cheese layer, all wrapped in golden puff pastry and finished with a sweet glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Pie Filling

  • 1 1/2 Cups chopped baking apples
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon cardamom

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Danish

  • 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tablespoon water

Glaze (optional)

  • 3/4 Cup confectioner’s sugar
  • 35 teaspoons half and half or milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare Apple Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped apples, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cardamom. Cook, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender and the mixture is thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out each thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares for a total of 8 squares.
  4. Assemble Danishes: Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Top with a spoonful of the cooled apple filling. Fold or pinch the corners of the pastry towards the center, leaving some filling visible.
  5. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the edges of each danish with this egg wash to help achieve a golden brown crust.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
  7. Prepare Glaze (optional): While the danishes bake, mix confectioner’s sugar with half and half or milk until you reach drizzling consistency.
  8. Finish and Serve: Once baked, allow the danishes to cool slightly. Drizzle with glaze if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use tart baking apples like Granny Smith for best flavor and texture.
  • Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed to avoid cracking during assembly.
  • The glaze is optional but adds a nice sweet finish to the danishes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and rewarm gently in the oven before serving.

Keywords: Apple danish, cream cheese danish, puff pastry dessert, spiced apple filling, baked danishes, breakfast pastry