Apricot Cheese Danish (Brunch Favorite)

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

apricot preserves

🥗Healthier: fruit spread

💰Cheaper: peach preserves

Peach preserves offer a similar flavor at a lower cost

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Granulated sugar is more affordable and can be used for dusting.

Start by gathering your tools: KitchenAid mixer with hook attachment, bowl, pasta cutter or pizza wheel, brush, bowl scraper, rolling pin, and a sheet pan with silicone or parchment.

Make the dough by mixing unsalted butter, white sugar, and eggs in the KitchenAid mixer.

Add dry ingredients (flour, ground cardamom, yeast, and salt) to the mixer and mix on low until incorporated, then increase to medium for 10 minutes until the dough has strength and stretch.

Transfer the dough to a bowl dusted with flour, cover with a towel, and let it double in size.

Prepare the cheese filling by mixing softened cream cheese, an egg, vanilla, and sugar until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.

After the dough has doubled, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes along with the butter.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a length three times its width, then fold it over the butter block.

Chill the dough for another 30 minutes before rolling it out again to approximately 6x18 inches.

Fold the dough into thirds and chill for 15 minutes.

Roll out the dough again, cut it down the middle with a pizza cutter, and work with half at a time.

Roll each half to the length of the pan and about 4 inches wide, then cut sections about an inch and a half apart on each side.

Spread the chilled cheese filling down the center of the dough, then add scoops of apricot jam on top.

Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid effect.

Cover the braided Danish with a towel and let it double in size again.

Brush the top of the Danish with egg wash.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Prepare an apricot glaze by mixing a tablespoon of apricot preserves with a teaspoon of water and microwaving for 20 seconds until liquid.

Brush the glaze over the warm Danish and let cool for about 30 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens