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+ servings

Apple Cream Cheese Braid Danish

Melanie - Gather for Bread
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 1 large braid

Ingredients
  

Sweet dough

  • 6 Tablespoons butter softened
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup milk not skim- I used 2%
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 1/4 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg lightly beaten

Apple filling

  • 2 medium-large apples peeled and chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • 3 Tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch

Cream cheese filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Vanilla Drizzle (optional)

  • 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 5 5 1/2 teaspoons milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions
 

Dough:

  • Heat butter, sugar, water and milk to 120F.
  • Combine 2 cups flour, salt and yeast in a medium bowl. Make a well in the center. Add butter mixture. Mix in additional 1/2 cup flour and egg. Knead on low speed for about 7-8 minutes scraping down bowl as needed. Add additional 1/2 cup of flour while kneading if necessary. Dough should be smooth.
  • Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise for about an hour or until doubled in bulk.

Apple Filling:

  • Meanwhile, over low heat combine apples, butter, sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch. Heat until apples are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • In a small bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
  • After dough has doubled in bulk. On floured parchment or silicone mat roll out dough into a large rectangle about 12 x 10.

Cream Cheese:

  • Spread cream cheese filling down the center. Arrange apple mixture on top.
  • Using a pizza cutter cut diagonally from end of dough towards center in 1 inch strips. Do this on both sides.
  • Starting on one side of the braid pull one strip up and over the braid. Repeat with the other side. Continue alternating until braid is complete.
  • Cover loosely with plastic. Let rise for about 30-40 minutes.
  • Bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes or until braid is golden brown.

Drizzle

  • Combine powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. Drizzle over braid. Serve warm or allow to cool and then serve. Delicious either way.

Nutrition

Serving: 8g
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