Apple Cheese Danishes (Print version)
Golden puff pastries stuffed with sweet cream cheese and cinnamon spiced apples.
# What goes in:
→ Pastry
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
# Cooking steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and fresh lemon juice. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender and the juices become syrupy. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
03 - In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract together until completely smooth and creamy.
04 - Unfold the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured work surface, rolling gently to smooth out any creases. Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut the sheet into 8 equal-sized squares.
05 - Transfer the pastry squares to the prepared baking sheet. Using a paring knife, lightly score a smaller square border inside each piece, ensuring you do not cut completely through the dough. Prick the inner center square several times with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
06 - Divide the cream cheese filling evenly among the centers of the pastry squares. Layer a generous spoonful of the cooled apple mixture directly over the cream cheese, keeping all fillings within the scored inner border.
07 - Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the exposed outer edges of each pastry square with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden-brown finish.
08 - Bake on the center rack for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pastry edges are deeply golden and fully puffed. Transfer to a wire cooling rack.
09 - Allow the pastries to cool slightly. In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until a drizzle consistency is reached. Zigzag the glaze over the warm pastries using a spoon, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Tips from flavorandfeast:
01 -
- Store bought puff pastry does the heavy lifting so you look like a genius without the stress.
- The combination of tangy cream cheese and spiced apples feels like a warm hug.
02 -
- Overworking the puff pastry will crush its delicate layers and leave you with flat pastries.
- Always let the apple mixture cool completely before spooning it onto the cheese or the pastry will melt.
03 -
- A light hand with the scoring knife ensures the filling stays contained while the edges rise beautifully.
- Freezing the assembled unbaked danishes for ten minutes helps them hold their shape in the oven.