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Espresso Apple Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large Danish (approximately 1 serving)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Espresso Apple Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry combining the rich flavors of espresso-infused cream cheese with tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices atop a flaky puff pastry. Perfect as a breakfast treat or an afternoon indulgence, this recipe yields one large Danish that bakes to golden perfection with a crisp, buttery crust and a creamy, fruity filling.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry and Egg Wash

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 225 g cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Topping

  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure even baking and a crisp texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth it slightly. Cut the dough into equal squares or circles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Score a small border inside each piece to help the edges puff up around the filling during baking.
  3. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, instant espresso powder, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy for a flavorful filling.
  4. Prepare Apple Mixture: In another bowl, toss thinly sliced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. The lemon juice prevents browning while enhancing the apples’ natural sweetness.
  5. Assemble Danishes: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture within the scored borders of each pastry piece, avoiding overfilling. Arrange the seasoned apple slices neatly on top of the cream cheese filling to create an appealing presentation.
  6. Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the edges of the pastries with this mixture to achieve a lovely golden finish when baked.
  7. Bake: Place the pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. Bake until the danishes puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown color, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps the flavors settle and improves the texture, making them ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Make sure the puff pastry is properly thawed but still cool for easier handling.
  • Do not overfill the pastries to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
  • If you prefer a stronger espresso flavor, increase the instant espresso powder to 3 teaspoons.
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweetness.
  • The egg wash ensures a shiny, golden crust but can be omitted for a lighter finish.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 2 days for best freshness.

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Find it online: https://tastydailykitchen.com/espresso-apple-cream-cheese-danish-recipe/