Description
Golden, flaky, and filled with creamy cheese and sweet apple filling, this Easy Apple Cheese Danish is a bakery-worthy treat you can make right at home. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, this recipe combines simple ingredients and effortless preparation for a show-stopping pastry that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- Puff pastry sheets: 2, thawed
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Granulated sugar: ⅓ cup
- Vanilla extract: ½ tsp
- Egg yolk: 1
- Apple pie filling: 10 oz (half of a 20 oz can)
- Large egg: 1, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar: For dusting
For the Glaze:
- Salted butter: 1 tsp, melted
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup, sifted
- Heavy cream: 3–4 tsp (adjust for consistency)
- Vanilla extract: ½ tsp
Instructions
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Thaw the puff pastry sheets in the refrigerator or microwave according to package instructions. The pastry should be cold but pliable.
- Lightly roll out each sheet to smooth out the dough.
2. Score and Shape the Dough:
- Cut each puff pastry sheet into desired shapes, such as large rectangles or smaller squares, depending on the portion size.
- Score the edges of the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border, to allow the sides to puff up during baking.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Danishes:
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry piece, staying within the scored edges.
- Add spoonfuls of apple pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer.
5. Seal and Brush:
- If making a folded design, fold over the edges or create a lattice by cutting and overlapping strips of dough.
- Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg to create a golden finish.
- Sprinkle with coarse sugar for added texture and sparkle.
6. Bake the Danishes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the assembled Danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
- While the pastries cool, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust the cream to reach your desired consistency.
8. Glaze and Serve:
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Danishes using a spoon or piping bag.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Keep the Pastry Cold: Work quickly to prevent the puff pastry from warming up, as this can make it difficult to handle.
- Avoid Overfilling: Stick to the suggested filling amounts to prevent leakage during baking.
- Reheat for Freshness: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European