Apple Cream Cheese Danish: The Flaky, Fruity Indulgence You Didn’t Know You Needed

Imagine biting into a buttery, golden pastry layered with luscious cream cheese and warmly spiced apple filling—that’s exactly what you get with these Apple Cream Cheese Danishes. These delightful pastries offer the perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and sweet. Whether you’re enjoying them for a cozy breakfast, a classy brunch, or a fall-inspired dessert spread, they bring comfort and elegance in every bite. This recipe keeps things approachable with store-bought puff pastry while delivering bakery-style results. The cream cheese filling is lightly sweetened and creamy, while the apple topping bursts with cinnamon flavor and a hint of caramelized richness. Let’s get into the good stuff.

Ingredients

For the Danish: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed • 4 oz cream cheese, softened • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 egg (for egg wash) • 1 tablespoon water
For the Apple Topping: 1 medium apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled and diced • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter • 1 tablespoon brown sugar • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional Glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar • 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Topping: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
3. Shape the Danish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Unfold the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 4 equal squares. Score a smaller square about ½ inch inside the edge of each piece without cutting all the way through. This helps the edges puff up while the center stays flat. Transfer squares to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Assemble: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Spoon the apple mixture on top. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush the edges of each pastry with this egg wash.
5. Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
6. Optional Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to form a thick but pourable glaze. Drizzle over warm danishes if desired.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about the combo of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and warm fruit. These Apple Cream Cheese Danishes feel like a mini trip to a European bakery without leaving your kitchen. Customize the recipe by swapping apples for pears, peaches, or even berries.