Cream Cheese Apple Danish

Welcome to our baking haven, where indulgence meets creativity! Today, we're walking you through a delightful apple cream cheese puff pastry recipe that combines sweet, tangy, and flaky goodness in every bite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a cozy dessert.

A tip: when prepping your apple filling, feel free to swap out Granny Smith apples for any variety you prefer—Fuji or Honeycrisp bring their own unique flavors to the table. Don’t forget to let your cream cheese come to room temperature for a smooth, creamy mixture!

Follow our step-by-step instructions for a simple yet delicious treat, and get ready to enjoy that satisfying final touch—the sweet vanilla glaze drizzle. Happy baking!

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

• 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (or your favorite apple variety) - 1/2 cup water

• 1/3 cup light or dark brown sugar

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Mixture

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature - 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze Drizzle

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp milk (or heavy cream)

For the Pastry

• 1 box puff pastry dough, room temperature

• Optional: Egg wash or melted butter for brushing

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   For the Apple Filling

2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the apples, water, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice.

3. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the apples soften. Remove from heat and set aside.

   For the Cream Cheese Mixture

4. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese for about 2 minutes until fluffy.

5. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Continue beating for another 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.

   Assemble the Pastries

6. Roll out the puff pastry on a greased pan lined with parchment paper. Cut each dough sheet in half, then cut each strip into 3 pieces (you should have 6 pieces total).

7. Add 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and 1 tablespoon of apple filling to the center of each pastry square.

8. Lightly score the edges of the pastry, about 1/2 inch from the sides, to form a border (be careful not to cut all the way through).

9. For extra shine and flavor, brush the pastry edges with egg wash or melted butter (optional).

10. Bake: Place the pastries in the preheated oven and bake for 10-14 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.

11. Remove from the oven and let the pastries cool completely.

12. For the Glaze DrizzleIn a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (or cream) until smooth.

13. Once the pastries have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and enjoy!