Apple Cream Cheese Danish Pastries Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 danishes 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 3–5 teaspoons half and half or milk
Instructions
- 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.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Glaze (optional): While the danishes bake, mix confectioner’s sugar with half and half or milk until you reach drizzling consistency.
- 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
Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/apple-cream-cheese-danish-pastries-recipe/