Apple pie filling, walnuts and cinnamon make these guilt-free apple raisin walnut Danish a joy to wake up to.

The Backstory: You won’t believe it but these delicious Danish have less than 200 calories and only 2.5 grams of fat–and they are truly as delicious as any breakfast Danish you’ve had. Perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or served with fruit for a satisfying breakfast or brunch, this is exactly how to enjoy a sweet pastry and not feel guilty about it! Crisp Cinnamon Raisin English Muffins give these Danish a surprising sweet crunch and serve as the base for the Danish as well as a vehicle for a sweet apple filling. More of the Backstory after the recipe…

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Apple Raisin and Walnut Danish - Healthy Option

Crispy English muffins are the base for sweet and sticky Danish that's stuffed with a delicious apple filling and topped with a sweet, chewy and nutty raisin and walnut topping. One word: delish!

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Bottom

• 6 Cinnamon Raisin English Muffins

For the Apple Filling

• 1/2 lb. fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 3/4 cup apple pie filling
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. lemon juice

For the Spread

• 1/2 cup fat-free cream cheese
• 2 1/2 tbsp. sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp. maple extract

For the Topping

• 1/8 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/8 cup dark raisins

Instructions

1. Cut each English muffin in half. Cut out a circle in center of each top half, leaving approximately 1/2 inch around the sides. Set aside. Discard inner circles that were cut out.
2. To make apple filling, place fresh apples in non-stick pot (or one sprayed with non-stick spray) and heat until apples are slightly softened.
3. Add pie filling, cinnamon, and lemon juice to apples and continue heating until low boil. Let simmer until apples are softened. Set aside and cool under refrigeration at 40 degrees or below.
4. To make spread, blend cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and maple extracts in food processor on very low speed (do not over-mix as a smooth but thick consistency is desired).
5. To assemble the Danish, spread 1 1/2 tbs. cream cheese mixture on full bottom of each English muffin half.
6. Place the top half of each English muffin, on the bottom half.
7. Fill the center hold with 2 1/2 tbs. apple filling and sprinkle each Danish with 1 tsp. walnuts and 1 tsp. raisins.

Recipe Notes

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Nutrition Information	Per Serving
Calories:	190
Total Fat:	2.5g
Saturated Fat:	0g
Trans Fat:	0g
Cholesterol:	0mg
Protein:	6g
Carbohydrates:	38g
Sodium:	280mg
Fiber:	2g

…The Backstory continues: You can find other delicious recipes in my latest cookbook, Healthy Meals for Your Busy Life. In my new book, I’ve created a collection of delicious and satisfying meals from Marinated Cucumber Salad to Broiled Halibut (or Salmon) with Garlic and Tarragon — that you can prepare in 30 minutes or less. I know you’ll love them and that they’ll leave you feeling full, satisfied, and happy that you’ve made healthful choices that don’t sacrifice on taste!

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• Bio
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Franceen Friefeld, RD., LD., P.H.Ec.

Franceen is one of country's leading voices in nutrition and health with 30 + years of experience as a senior food management executive, author, speaker, and TV host. Fran's followers adore her because she believes you should be able to have your kugel and not feel guilty about it. Her recipes, humor, and realistic approach to enjoying food and cutting through the hype of fad diets and quick fixes are what make her approach to a balanced lifestyle loved by so many.

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