Apple Pie Danishes

Ingredients

• 2 large Granny Smith apples (peeled and cubed)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 puff pastry sheets
• granulated white sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- PREPARE APPLE FILLING: ---

2. 2

   In a medium pan, melt the butter over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add the cubed apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the apples soften, about 5-7 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes.

5. 5

   Remove from heat and let the apple mixture cool.

6. 6

   --- PREPARE CHEESE FILLING: ---

7. 7

   In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

8. 8

   --- ASSEMBLE DANISHES: ---

9. 9

   Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface and cut each sheet into circles using a large cookie cutter or a glass.

10. 10

    Using a smaller cutter, lightly score a smaller circle about 3/4 of the way through the dough in the center of each larger circle. This will help keep the center from rising too much during baking.

11. 11

    Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each scored circle.

12. 12

    Top the cream cheese mixture with a spoonful of the cooled apple filling.

13. 13

    Whisk the egg and milk together in a small bowl. Brush the outer edges of the pastry with the egg wash.

14. 14

    Sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the edges.

15. 15

    --- BAKE THE DANISHES: ---

16. 16

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

17. 17

    Bake the danishes for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and flaky.

18. 18

    --- THE ICING: ---

19. 19

    In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if necessary.

20. 20

    Once the danishes are out of the oven and fully cooled, drizzle the icing over them and enjoy!