This Apple Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that will impress your family and friends. The combination of creamy cheese, sweet apple filling, and flaky pastry creates a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into rectangles by pressing the perforated edges together.
- Lay the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Assemble the Danish:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough rectangles.
- Spoon the apple pie filling over the cream cheese layer, ensuring an even distribution.
- Fold the Dough:
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, leaving some of the filling exposed in the center.
- Pinch the edges to seal the dough and prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Apply Egg Wash:
- Brush the beaten egg over the exposed dough edges to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake the Danish:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the Danish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Cut the Danish into slices and serve warm or at room temperature.
Detailed Steps:
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the oven is ready by the time you finish preparing the Danish.
- Making the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium-sized bowl, add the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Ensure that there are no lumps in the mixture for the best texture.
- Preparing the Crescent Roll Dough:
- Open the package of refrigerated crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a flat surface.
- Separate the dough into four rectangles by pressing together the perforated edges of the crescent rolls.
- Place the rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Assembling the Danish:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface of each dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Spoon the apple pie filling onto the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Be careful not to overfill, as this could cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- Folding the Dough:
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, leaving some of the apple filling exposed in the center.
- Pinch the edges of the dough to seal it and prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Applying the Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork.
- Use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer of the beaten egg to the exposed dough edges. This will give the Danish a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.
- Baking the Danish:
- Place the baking sheet with the assembled Danish into the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Keep an eye on the Danish to prevent over-baking.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Once baked, remove the Danish from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Dust the Danish with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and presentation.
- Enjoying Your Danish:
- Cut the Danish into slices and serve warm or at room temperature.
- Enjoy this delicious treat with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect dessert or breakfast.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the apple pie filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use Different Fillings: Substitute the apple pie filling with cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling for a different flavor profile.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the filling before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the Danish once it has cooled for extra sweetness.
This Apple Cream Cheese Danish is a quick and easy dessert that is sure to impress. With its flaky pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet apple topping, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat with your loved ones!
