Deliciously Twisted Apple Cream Cheese Danish
Indulge in this Deliciously Twisted Apple Cream Cheese Danish, a delightful breakfast treat perfect for any gathering or cozy morning at home. Using convenient refrigerated crescent roll dough, this recipe offers a delightful pastry filled with a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese and tart Granny Smith apples, all beautifully braided together for an eye-catching presentation. The addition of cinnamon and maple syrup elevates the flavor profile, making this dish not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flaky pastry and rich, sweet filling - truly a perfect start to your day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
powdered sugar
1/3 cup (none)
egg
1 (beaten)
pecans
1/4 cup (chopped)
refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
16 ounces (2 packages) (unrolled)
Granny Smith apples
2 (peeled, cored, and sliced)
sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
maple syrup
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until fully blended.
3
Add one egg to the mixture and mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
4
Unroll one package of crescent dough without separating the rolls. Arrange the unseparated dough across the width of a 12" x 15" baking pan.
5
Repeat with the remaining package of dough. Press the seams together to seal any perforations (if using Recipe Creations dough, this step is not necessary).
6
On one long side of the baking pan, use a pizza cutter to make cuts into the dough, creating strips that are 1-1/2 inches apart and approximately 3 inches deep. Ensure there is a 6-inch width in the center for the filling.
7
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the center of the dough.
8
Prepare the apples by slicing them crosswise in half and arranging the apple slices evenly over the cream cheese mixture.
9
In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle this mixture over the apples.
10
Dollop the remaining cream cheese mixture over the apples and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
11
To create the braid, lift the strips of dough across the mixture to meet at the center, twisting each strip one turn to form a beautiful braid.
12
Continue alternating the strips until the entire filling is covered and tuck the ends underneath to seal the braid.
13
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-28 minutes or until the pastry is a deep golden brown.
14
Once baked, remove from the oven and brush with maple syrup using a pastry brush.
15
Allow to cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Deliciously Twisted Apple Cream Cheese Danish?
It is a delightful breakfast pastry made with refrigerated crescent roll dough, a sweetened cream cheese filling, and tart Granny Smith apples, all braided together and glazed with maple syrup.
What type of apples should I use for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness balances the sweetness and they hold their shape well during baking.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese for the filling.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the danish.
How many packages of crescent rolls are needed?
The recipe calls for two 8-ounce packages, totaling 16 ounces of refrigerated crescent dinner rolls.
What kind of sugar is used in the cream cheese mixture?
One-third cup of powdered sugar is blended with the softened cream cheese.
Why is an egg added to the cream cheese?
One egg is mixed into the cream cheese and sugar to create a smooth, creamy consistency that sets during baking.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 12 inch by 15 inch baking pan is ideal for arranging the crescent dough.
How do I prepare the dough if it has perforations?
Arrange the dough across the pan and press the seams together to seal any perforations so the filling does not leak.
How wide should the center filling area be?
You should leave a 6-inch width in the center of the dough for the cream cheese and apple filling.
How do I create the strips for the braid?
Use a pizza cutter to make cuts into the dough on the long sides, creating strips that are 1.5 inches apart and approximately 3 inches deep.
How should the apples be sliced?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and sliced crosswise in half before being arranged over the cream cheese.
What spices are added to the apples?
A mixture of 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon is sprinkled over the apple slices.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped pecans are sprinkled over the filling before braiding.
How is the braid formed?
Lift the strips of dough across the filling to meet at the center, twisting each strip one turn to form a braid pattern.
How long does the danish need to bake?
Bake the pastry for 25 to 28 minutes.
How do I know when the danish is finished baking?
The pastry should be a deep golden brown when it is ready to be removed from the oven.
What is the final step after baking?
Once removed from the oven, brush the warm pastry with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup using a pastry brush.
Can I use Recipe Creations dough?
Yes, if you use Recipe Creations dough, you do not need to worry about pressing seams together as it comes in a seamless sheet.
Should the danish be served hot or cold?
It is best to allow the danish to cool slightly and then serve it warm.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, its eye-catching braided presentation makes it perfect for gatherings or holiday breakfasts.
Do I need to beat the egg before adding it?
The ingredients list mentions one beaten egg should be used for the mixture.
How much maple syrup is needed for the glaze?
One tablespoon of maple syrup is sufficient to brush over the finished pastry.
What tool is best for cutting the dough?
A pizza cutter is recommended for making clean, easy cuts into the crescent dough strips.
Can I make this if I am a beginner?
Yes, the recipe is described as easy to prepare and uses convenient refrigerated dough.
How should the cream cheese be prepared?
The cream cheese should be softened at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly with the sugar and egg.
What is the texture of the final product?
The result is a harmonious blend of flaky pastry and a rich, sweet, and creamy filling.
Is this a dessert or a breakfast item?
While it is a sweet pastry often served for breakfast, it is also categorized as a dessert.
How do I seal the ends of the braid?
After alternating the strips, simply tuck the ends underneath the pastry to seal the braid.