Why You’ll Love This Recipe
An Apple & Cream Cheese Danish brings together the best of both worlds: the freshness of spiced apples and the indulgent creaminess of a tangy filling. This pastry may look like something you would only find in a bakery display, yet it is wonderfully achievable at home. The contrast of flaky, golden pastry and luscious cream cheese feels both elegant and comforting. I once prepared this recipe using almond milk in the glaze when I ran out of regular milk, and it worked perfectly—proof that this danish is as forgiving as it is delicious. Whether you serve it warm for breakfast, present it as a brunch centrepiece, or save it for a serene afternoon treat, this Apple & Cream Cheese Danish consistently delights.
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Apple & Cream Cheese Danish: A Bakery-Style Treat Made Easy at Home
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 danishes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flaky, golden danish filled with sweetened cream cheese and warm spiced apples, perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
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- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Cream Cheese Filling:
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- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, cook apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until tender. Let cool.
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Roll out puff pastry slightly and cut into 6 rectangles.
- Spread a spoonful of cream cheese filling down the center of each rectangle.
- Top with a spoonful of the cooked apples.
- Fold or braid pastry edges over filling as desired.
- Place on baking sheet and bake 15–18 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to form glaze.
- Drizzle cooled danishes with glaze before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for best texture.
- Add a pinch of cloves for a deeper spiced flavor.
- Puff pastry must stay cold—chill assembled danishes for 10 minutes before baking if needed.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven for crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff pastry
This forms the delicate, flaky base of the danish. It puffs beautifully in the oven, creating buttery layers that complement the creamy filling.
Cream cheese
Soft, tangy, and smooth, cream cheese provides the rich centre that makes the danish decadent without being heavy.
Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens both the cream cheese mixture and the apple filling, ensuring perfect balance.
Vanilla extract
A touch of vanilla adds warmth and elevates the overall flavour of the pastry.
Apples
Fresh apples deliver natural sweetness and a tender bite once cooked. They pair beautifully with the creamy filling.
Cinnamon
A classic addition that enhances the apple filling with warmth and comforting aroma.
Lemon juice
Lemon brightens the apple mixture and prevents browning while maintaining freshness.
Butter
Used when sautéing the apples, butter adds richness and helps develop flavour.
Egg
Beaten egg is brushed on the pastry edges to promote even browning and a glossy finish.
Powdered sugar
Used for a simple glaze that adds sweetness and visual appeal.
Milk
A splash of milk thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency. I have used almond milk here with excellent results.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Allow the puff pastry to thaw slightly so it is pliable but still cold. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set it aside while you prepare the apple topping.
Peel and dice the apples. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for several minutes until the apples soften but retain some texture. Remove from the heat and let them cool slightly.
Unfold the puff pastry onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread the cream cheese mixture down the centre in a long strip. Arrange the cooked apples on top. Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal slits along both sides of the pastry, then fold them over the filling in a criss-cross pattern to create a braid. Brush the exposed pastry with beaten egg.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden. Once baked, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with a small amount of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled danish before slicing and serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves approximately 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat slices in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the pastry. The danish can also be frozen before glazing; thaw and warm lightly before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Caramel Apple Danish
Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before baking for added indulgence.
Maple Cream Cheese Danish
Replace granulated sugar in the cream cheese mixture with maple syrup for a richer flavour.
Pear & Cream Cheese Danish
Substitute pears for apples to create a more delicate, floral variation.
Almond Danish
Add sliced almonds and a touch of almond extract to complement the cream cheese.
Spiced Autumn Danish
Incorporate nutmeg, ginger, or allspice into the apple mixture for deeper seasonal flavour.
Berry Cream Cheese Danish
Swap the apples for blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry compote.
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Danish
Top the pastry with a light streusel for added texture.
Honey-Glazed Danish
Use honey instead of powdered sugar glaze for a natural sweetness.
Lemon Cream Danish
Mix lemon zest into the cream cheese filling for brightness.
Chocolate Drizzle Danish
Finish with melted dark chocolate for a bakery-style presentation.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, but ensure it stays cold so the layers puff correctly.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, though full-fat cream cheese provides better texture.
Do I need to cook the apples first?
Yes, pre-cooking ensures they soften properly and release flavour.
Can I make the danish ahead?
You can assemble it and refrigerate until baking, up to 24 hours.
Can I freeze the danish?
Freeze before glazing and reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I use apple pie filling?
Yes, though it will be sweeter and softer than fresh apples.
How do I keep the pastry from becoming soggy?
Cool the apple mixture slightly and avoid overfilling with liquid.
Can I use almond milk in the glaze?
Yes, it works perfectly to thin the powdered sugar.
Why is my pastry not browning?
Ensure you use an egg wash and bake in a fully preheated oven.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and flavour.
Conclusion
This Apple & Cream Cheese Danish combines elegance with ease, giving you a pastry that tastes like it came straight from a bakery display. With its buttery layers, creamy centre, and beautifully spiced apples, it is a versatile treat suitable for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Its adaptability and simplicity make it a recipe you will return to again and again.
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