Imagine biting into a flaky, golden pastry that oozes with creamy, sweet filling and bursts with warm cinnamon-spiced apples. This Apple and Cream Cheese Danish isn't just a recipe—it's a morning transformation that turns ordinary breakfasts into extraordinary culinary experiences. Whether you're a baking novice or a pastry pro, this recipe promises to deliver bakery-quality delights straight from your own kitchen, with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Pastry
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking.
- Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions, usually about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. Make sure it's pliable but not too soft.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- In another bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon until they are evenly coated. This will add flavor to the filling.
- Once the puff pastry is ready, unfold it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently to smooth any creases and to increase its size slightly.
- Cut the puff pastry into squares, approximately 4x4 inches. You should be able to get about 8 squares from the sheet.
- Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, followed by a tablespoon of the cinnamon apple mixture on top of the cream cheese.
- Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center, pinching them together to create a pocket. Make sure the filling is sealed inside.
- Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baked.
- Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for puffing.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
- Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade Apple and Cream Cheese Danish warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Keep your puff pastry cold but pliable: Thaw it just enough to work with, but not so long that it becomes too soft.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free filling.
- Don't overfill your pastries—this can prevent them from sealing properly and cause leaks during baking.
- For an extra golden finish, use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash evenly.
- Let the pastries cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set and prevent burning your mouth.
- For added elegance, dust the cooled danishes with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze.
- These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
