Classic Apple Puff Pastry with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Introduction

This Classic Apple Puff Pastry combines tender cinnamon-spiced apples with a smooth cream cheese layer, all wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry. It’s an elegant yet easy dessert perfect for cozy gatherings or a special treat.

Ingredients

• 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, diced)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 box puff pastry sheets
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water
• Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel, core, and dice the apples into 1/2-inch pieces. Measure out the water, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice for the filling so they’re ready.
2. Step 2: In a medium pot, combine water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until thick and glossy. Add the diced apples, stir to coat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 8-10 minutes until apples are tender but hold their shape. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and beat for another minute. Mix in egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined and light.
4. Step 4: Lay puff pastry sheets on a clean surface. Evenly spread cream cheese filling down the center of each sheet, leaving about 2 inches at both ends. Top with cooled apple filling. At each end, cut two 1-inch slits up toward the filling without cutting through it and fold these ends over to seal. Cut thin angled strips along both long sides and braid them over the filling in an alternating pattern.
5. Step 5: Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Lightly brush over all exposed pastry surfaces. Immediately sprinkle coarse sugar over the top, focusing on the braided sections for extra crunch and shine.
6. Step 6: Place pastries on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until puffed and deep golden brown. Rotate halfway through if needed. Pastries are done when bottoms are golden and cream cheese filling is set but still slightly soft. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use Madagascar vanilla extract for a richer, more complex flavor in the cream cheese layer.
• Try substituting pears for apples for a different fruit twist.
• To save time, prepare the apple filling a day ahead and refrigerate until assembling.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore flakiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, but Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness and they hold their shape well during cooking.

Can I freeze the assembled pastries before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked pastries on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Classic Apple Puff Pastry with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

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4.6 from 97 reviews

A delightful Classic Apple Puff Pastry featuring a luscious cream cheese layer topped with a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, braided with flaky puff pastry, and finished with a golden egg wash and a sprinkle of coarse sugar. Perfect as a sophisticated dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (2 pastries) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Filling:

• 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, diced)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Pastry and Topping:

• 1 box puff pastry sheets (usually 2 sheets)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water
• Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mise en Place and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel, core, and dice the Granny Smith apples into 1/2-inch pieces and set aside. Measure all dry ingredients for the apple filling including water, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice to be ready by the stove, ensuring smooth cooking without scrambling.
2. Cook the Apple Filling: In a medium pot, combine water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Add the diced apples, stir to coat, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until apples are fork-tender but hold their shape. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and beat for another minute. Then add egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated and smooth with no lumps. Set aside while apple filling cools.
4. Assemble the Pastries: Lay out the puff pastry sheets on a clean surface. Evenly divide and spread the cream cheese filling down the center of each sheet, leaving about 2 inches free on both ends. Top with the cooled apple filling. At each end, cut two 1-inch slits upwards toward the filling without cutting through it, and fold these end pieces over to seal. Along both long sides, cut thin angled strips at a 45-degree angle and braid them over the filling in an alternating pattern for an elegant finish.
5. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar Topping: Whisk the egg and water together to make an egg wash. Brush lightly and evenly over all exposed pastry surfaces using a pastry brush, taking care not to oversaturate. Immediately sprinkle coarse sugar over the entire pastry, focusing on braided sections to add sparkle and crunch.
6. Bake Until Golden: Place the pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes, until puffed and deep golden brown. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking if necessary. The pastries are done when the bottom is golden and the cream cheese filling is set but still slightly soft. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor and ability to hold shape during cooking.
• Allow the apple filling to cool before assembling to prevent soggy pastry.
• For the vanilla extract, Madagascar vanilla provides deeper flavor but any pure vanilla extract works well.
• Braiding the pastry strips over the filling creates a beautiful presentation and helps seal the filling in.
• Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven for best results.
• Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat gently to preserve flakiness.

Keywords: apple puff pastry, cream cheese pastry, apple dessert, flaky pastry, cinnamon apple dessert, braided pastry