Indulge your senses with the delightful aroma of freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Danishes! This scrumptious pastry combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and apples with a rich, creamy filling that will have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, these danishes are not only easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a homemade dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes—let's dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- While the puff pastry is thawing, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Next, prepare the apple filling. In another bowl, mix the diced apples with cinnamon. Ensure the apples are evenly coated with the cinnamon for maximum flavor.
- Once the puff pastry is thawed, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into squares, approximately 4x4 inches in size.
- Take a square of puff pastry and place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Top the cream cheese with a spoonful of the cinnamon apple mixture.
- Fold the corners of the pastry square towards the center, creating a pocket. Pinch the edges to seal the filling inside. Repeat this process for the remaining pastry squares.
- Place the filled danishes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baked.
- Bake the danishes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Danishes warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Thawing the Puff Pastry: Make sure to allow the puff pastry to thaw completely at room temperature. This will make it easier to roll out and work with, ensuring a flaky texture once baked.
- Mixing the Cream Cheese Filling: For a smoother filling, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for a few minutes before mixing. This will help it blend more easily with the sugar and vanilla.
- Even Apple Coating: When mixing the diced apples with cinnamon, make sure they are evenly coated. You can add a touch of sugar to enhance the sweetness if desired.
- Sealing the Pastry: Ensure that you pinch the edges of the pastry squares tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Don't skip the egg wash! Brushing the tops of the danishes with beaten egg will give them a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the danishes as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for that perfect puffed and golden brown appearance to know when they're ready.
- Serving Suggestions: These danishes are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be served at room temperature. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
