Apricot-and-Cream Cheese Squares

A new take on an old favorite, this modern riff on the apricot-cheese Danish skips the complicated layered dough of the original for a simple focaccia dough. And rather than forming individual pastries, it’s baked in a 9-by-13-inch pan and cut into squares. Another thing that makes this recipe easy on the cook, we use canned or jarred apricots rather than fresh.

How to make Apricot-and-Cream Cheese Squares

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (from 1 package)
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon and a pinch sugar
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 can (15 ounces) apricot halves in heavy syrup, drained
• I cup fresh raspberries
• ¼ cup honey

Directions

1. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the dough-hook attachment, combine yeast, 3/4 cup warm water (110 degrees), and pinch of sugar. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Beat on low speed while adding 2 tablespoons oil, salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Slowly add flour while beating until mixture just comes together. Increase speed to medium-high; beat until dough is soft and elastic, 3 minutes.
2. Coat a 9-by-13-inch metal baking pan with 3 tablespoons oil. Transfer dough to pan; press to edges with your hands (being careful not to tear). Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 425 degrees with a rack in lower third. Press dimple-like indentations all over dough with your fingers. Stir together cream cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar; dot all over dough. Arrange 12 apricot halves on top in a 3-by-4 grid formation. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until puffed, 30 minutes.
4. Bake until golden brown on top, 23 to 25 minutes.
5. When removed from the oven add whole raspberries between apricots.
6. Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer with two large spatulas to a wire rack.
7. Drizzle with honey and oil; let cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.