Description
These Apple Cream Cheese Danishes combine flaky puff pastry with a sweet, spiced apple filling and a smooth cream cheese layer, finished with an optional sweet glaze. Perfect for a delightful breakfast or a cozy dessert, this recipe balances warm spices and tangy cream cheese in a simple yet elegant treat.
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 the Apple Pie Filling: In a bowl, mix the chopped baking apples with brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cardamom. Stir until the apples are well coated with the spices and sugars.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into four equal squares for individual danishes.
- Assemble the Danishes: Place each puff pastry square on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a smaller square inside each pastry square, about 1/2 inch from the edges, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create a border that puffs up when baked. Spread a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture inside the scored border on each square, then top with a spoonful of the apple pie filling.
- Prepare Egg Wash and Bake: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the pastry squares with the egg wash to give a golden glossy finish after baking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Make the Optional Glaze: While the danishes bake, whisk together confectioner’s sugar with half and half or milk, adding the liquid a teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Cool and Glaze: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Drizzle the optional glaze over the top of each danish for added sweetness and a beautiful finish. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use tart baking apples like Granny Smith for tartness and firmness.
- Make sure the puff pastry is well thawed but cold to handle easily.
- Scoring the puff pastry border allows the edges to puff up and create a perfect shell for the filling.
- The glaze is optional but adds a nice sweet touch and shine.
- These danishes are best eaten the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Apple Danish, Cream Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry Danish, Apple Pie Filling, Breakfast Pastry, Easy Danishes