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Flaky Apple Cream Cheese Danishes

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These flaky apple and creamy cheese danishes combine buttery puff pastry with a smooth cream cheese filling and warm cinnamon-spiced apples for a cozy, easy-to-make treat perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
  • 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting)
  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and thinly slice 2 medium apples (about 2 cups or 300 g). Toss with 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Set aside to macerate for 10 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy. Adjust sweetness if needed. (5 minutes)
  3. Lightly flour work surface and gently roll out each thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth creases (about 12 x 12 inches). Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares for a total of 8 danishes. (5 minutes)
  4. On each square, spread about 2 tbsp cream cheese filling in the center, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with a small handful of the apple mixture, avoiding excess juice. Fold corners slightly inward or leave open-faced. (10 minutes)
  5. Brush edges of each danish with beaten egg for a golden sheen. (2 minutes)
  6. Place danishes on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes until puffed and golden brown, rotating halfway through. (20 minutes)
  7. Cool danishes on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold and thawed until pliable but still cold to avoid tearing. Pat apples dry if too juicy to prevent sogginess. Use egg wash for a golden crust. Rotate baking sheet halfway for even browning. Variations include swapping apples for berries, adding nuts, or using gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple danish, cream cheese danish, puff pastry, breakfast pastry, easy danish recipe, cozy treats, cinnamon apple danish

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/flaky-apple-cream-cheese-danishes-recipe-easy-homemade-cozy-treats/