I’ve reimagined the classic Danish pastry with a nutritious twist, using cottage cheese for added protein and natural sweetness from apples. This healthier version maintains the beloved flakiness of traditional Danish pastries while offering more sustainable energy for your morning.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Drawing inspiration from both Scandinavian and Eastern European baking traditions, I’ve created these protein-packed pastries that honor the beloved Danish while incorporating modern nutritional awareness. The combination of tangy cottage cheese and sweet apples creates a perfectly balanced breakfast treat.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (240g), drained
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (5ml)
- Stevia equivalent to 2 tablespoons sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Topping:
- 2 medium Honeycrisp apples (400g), thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Stevia equivalent to 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (275g/9.7oz), thawed
- 1 large egg for egg wash
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Filling
- Drain cottage cheese in fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes
- Process in food processor until smooth
- Mix in vanilla, stevia, lemon zest, and salt
- Refrigerate until needed
- Prepare the Apples
- Core and slice apples thinly (1/8-inch thickness)
- Toss with lemon juice, cinnamon, and stevia
- Let stand 10 minutes to release juices
- Prepare the Pastry
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper
- Roll pastry into 12×12-inch (30x30cm) square
- Cut into 9 equal squares
- Transfer to prepared baking sheet
- Assembly
- Create borders by scoring 1/2-inch from edges
- Prick inner squares with fork
- Spread cheese mixture in center
- Arrange apple slices decoratively
- Brush edges with egg wash
- Baking
- Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown
- Rotate pan halfway through
- Cool 10 minutes on wire rack
Expert Tips
- Drain cottage cheese thoroughly for best texture
- Keep pastry cold until ready to use
- Pat apple slices dry before arranging
- Don’t overfill to prevent spillage
- Serve slightly warm or room temperature
Storage Instructions
- Best enjoyed same day
- Store in refrigerator up to 2 days
- Reheat in 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1 danish):
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Natural Sugars: 6g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Serving Size: 1 danish (approximately 4×4 inches/10x10cm)
- Servings Per Recipe: 9
These Apple-Cottage Cheese Danish pastries offer a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates for a satisfying breakfast or snack. The smooth, protein-rich cottage cheese filling provides staying power, while the fresh apple topping adds natural sweetness and fiber. The flaky puff pastry delivers the indulgent texture you expect from a Danish, making these a delicious way to start your day with better nutrition.
The use of stevia instead of sugar and low-fat cottage cheese helps reduce calories while maintaining great taste. Each danish provides 9 grams of protein, making it a more satisfying option than traditional pastries. The fresh lemon zest brightens the flavor profile and complements both the apples and cheese perfectly.
Remember to eat these while they’re still slightly warm for the best experience, when the pastry is at its flakiest and the filling is just set but still creamy.
