Description
These Apple Cream Cheese Danishes combine flaky puff pastry with a smooth, sweet cream cheese layer and a warm, spiced apple filling, finished with a delicate glaze. Perfect for a breakfast treat or an elegant dessert, this recipe features a delightful mix of autumnal flavors wrapped in golden, buttery pastry.
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 medium bowl, combine the chopped baking apples with brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cardamom. Mix thoroughly to ensure the apples are well coated with the spices and sugars. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without any lumps. This layer will add richness to the danish.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut each sheet into squares, roughly 3 to 4 inches on each side. Keep your workspace lightly floured to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Danishes: On each puff pastry square, place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center, then add a small amount of the apple filling on top of the cream cheese. Be careful not to overfill to prevent leakage during baking. Fold the edges slightly or score the corners for an attractive design if preferred.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry square with the egg wash. This will help achieve a golden, glossy finish on the baked danishes.
- Bake Danishes: Place the assembled danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Make the Glaze (Optional): While the danishes bake, prepare the glaze by mixing confectioner’s sugar with 3 to 5 teaspoons of half and half or milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust thickness by adding more liquid or sugar as needed.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the danishes have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for added sweetness and a polished look. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use tart baking apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in the filling.
- If puff pastry is not available, phyllo dough can be a substitute but requires different handling.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and presentation finish.
- Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Reheat danishes in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore crispness before serving.
Keywords: apple danish, cream cheese danish, puff pastry dessert, apple cream cheese pastries, breakfast pastries, spiced apple danishes