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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/classic-apple-puff-pastry-with-cream-cheese-filling-recipe/