Apple Cream Cheese Danishes

Introduction

Apple Cream Cheese Danishes are a delectable pastry that combines the sweetness of apples with the creaminess of cream cheese. These danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. The flaky and buttery pastry, filled with a luscious cream cheese and apple filling, is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and will yield impressive results that will impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

For the pastry:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

– 1/2 cup sour cream

For the cream cheese filling:

– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the apple filling:

– 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt for the pastry. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Stir in the sour cream until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

4. In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and set aside.

5. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and all-purpose flour for the apple filling. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

6. Take one of the chilled dough disks and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into smaller rectangles, approximately 4×6 inches in size.

7. Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each rectangle. Top with a spoonful of the apple filling.

8. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a pocket. Press the edges to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

9. Place the danishes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These danishes are best enjoyed warm.

Variations

– You can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the apple filling for added crunch and flavor.

– For a sweeter twist, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the baked danishes.

– Instead of apples, you can use other fruits like peaches or berries for the filling.

Tips

– Make sure the butter for the pastry is cold and cut into small pieces. This will help create a flaky texture.

– Refrigerating the dough before rolling it out will make it easier to handle and prevent it from shrinking during baking.

– Be careful not to overfill the danishes, as the filling may leak out during baking. Leave a small border around the edges when spooning the filling onto the dough.

– If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute.

Conclusion

Apple Cream Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that will impress your taste buds. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet apple filling creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, these danishes are sure to satisfy your cravings. With a simple recipe and a few basic ingredients, you can easily create these delicious pastries in the comfort of your own kitchen.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

2. Can I freeze the baked danishes?

Yes, you can freeze the baked danishes for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

3. Can I use puff pastry instead of making the dough from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry as a shortcut. Just follow the package instructions for thawing and rolling out the pastry, and then proceed with the filling and baking steps.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone, for the filling. Each cheese will lend a slightly different flavor and texture to the danishes.

5. Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can use canned apple pie filling as a convenient option. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid from the filling before spooning it onto the pastry.