Super EASY Apple Pie & Cheese Danishes Recipe

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that can add a subtle flavor.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey provides natural sweetness while brown sugar adds moisture.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Coconut sugar is a less processed alternative.

vanilla extract

🥗Healthier: vanilla bean

💰Cheaper: imitation vanilla

Vanilla bean offers a richer flavor, while imitation is more budget-friendly.

Defrost the frozen puff pastry by placing it in the fridge overnight or letting it sit on the counter for 45 minutes to an hour.

Peel and dice the apples into small pieces, using about 2 large apples or 14 to 15 ounces.

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the diced apples, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg, and 1/2 cup water.

Cook the apple mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a simmer and cook for about 18 to 22 minutes until the apples are tender and the liquid has reduced.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and clump-free using a mixer.

Add 1 cup of powdered sugar, a pinch of sea salt, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until creamy and smooth.

Once the apple filling has cooled to room temperature, roll out the puff pastry on an un-floured surface to stretch it slightly larger.

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly to all edges of the rolled-out puff pastry.

Spread the diced apple filling evenly across the cream cheese mixture.

Roll out a second sheet of puff pastry slightly larger and place it over the first one with the fillings.

Use a bench scraper to cut the pastry into strips, scoring down the middle and keeping them about an inch thick.

Take both ends of each strip, twist them, and roll them into a pastry shape before placing them onto a baking sheet.

Prepare an egg wash by mixing 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush it generously over the pastries.

Bake the pastries in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 22 to 23 minutes until golden brown, covering with foil if they brown too much.

Let the pastries cool on parchment paper for about 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens