Apricot Cheese Danish

Courtly's Note:

"My family thinks this delicious danish is a real treat. It's a treat to make, too, since you mix it up at night, then just roll it out and bake the next morning." From taste of home.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 2 loaves

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (110 to 115)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• confectioners' sugar

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add eggs, butter, sour cream and sugar. Gradually add 2 cups flour and salt; beat until smooth. Stir in remaining flour (dough will be soft and sticky). Place in a greased bowl. Cover; refrigerate overnight.
2. For filling, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolks and vanilla in a mixing bowl until smooth. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead two to three times. Divide in half. Roll each half into a 16 x 10 inch oval and place on greased baking sheets. Spread 1 1/4 cups filling over each oval to within 1 inch of edges. Fold longest side over filling; pinch edges to seal. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Bake at 375 for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Spread preserves on top. Dust with confectioners sugar. Store in the refrigerator.

Reviews

[hoosiersmoker]

WOW! This is an awesome recipe! I didn't have apricot so I used seedless raspberry and it was AWESOME! I read your profile and it says you're 17??? This recipe seems way beyond your years, you're very accomplished for your age! Thanks for the recipe. I think I'll try it without any jelly next time, just a straight cheese danish. I'll let you know how it turns out! (BTW, I work in Bremen!)

[Heather in Georgia]

I meant to take a picture of this, but it was gone too quickly! I took both loaves to a church potluck and everyone raved about it. Next time I might do one apricot and one with strawberry preserves. update: made it again with strawberry and it was YUMMY!