Apple Cheese Danishes (Printable Version)
Flaky pastries stuffed with sweet cream cheese and cinnamon-spiced apples for a delightful treat.
# What You Need:
→ Pastry Base
01 - 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
02 - 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
→ Cream Cheese Filling
03 - 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Spiced Apple Filling
06 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
→ Optional Glaze
12 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
13 - 2 to 3 teaspoons milk or lemon juice
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are soft and coated in a thick syrup. Remove from heat and let cool.
03 - In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until completely smooth and creamy.
04 - Unfold the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface, rolling gently to smooth out any creases. Cut the dough into 8 equal squares. Transfer the squares to the prepared baking sheet. Lightly score a smaller square border inside each piece without cutting all the way through the dough, and prick the inner center several times with a fork.
05 - Spread a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture inside the scored border of each pastry square. Top the cream cheese with an equal portion of the cooled apple mixture.
06 - Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the exposed outer edges of the pastry dough with the beaten egg to ensure a golden, shiny finish.
07 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pastry is deeply golden brown and uniformly puffed. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
08 - In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until it reaches a drizzling consistency. Use a spoon to zigzag the glaze over the warm pastries. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
- The combination of tart apples and rich cream cheese wrapped in a flaky shell is an absolute winner.
- They look incredibly fancy but come together with surprising ease.
02 -
- If the apple filling is hot when you spoon it onto the cheese the pastry will melt into a mess.
- Pricking the center dough with a fork stops it from puffing up and pushing your fillings out.
03 -
- Add a handful of toasted pecans to the apple mixture for a surprising crunch.
- A tiny pinch of salt in the cream cheese mixture elevates the flavor immensely.