Apple Puff Pastry with Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Puff Pastry recipe combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a creamy cheese filling wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry. It’s a perfect dessert or sweet snack that’s surprisingly easy to make and impressive to serve.

Ingredients

• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces
• ¾ cups water
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 ½ teaspoon lemon juice (for apple filling)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• ½ cup sugar (for cream cheese filling)
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for cream cheese filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• Coarse sugar, for topping
• 1 box puff pastry sheets

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: To make the apple filling, combine water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly and bring to a boil.
3. Step 3: Continue stirring for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens, then add the diced apples. Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. Step 4: For the cream cheese filling, beat cream cheese in a medium bowl until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add ½ cup sugar, egg yolk, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
5. Step 5: Lightly flour your work surface, gently unroll the puff pastry sheets, and roll them out a few times to smooth.
6. Step 6: Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture down the center of each puff pastry sheet, leaving about 1½ inches free at each end.
7. Step 7: Once the apple mixture is cooled, spread about three heaping tablespoons over the cream cheese on each pastry.
8. Step 8: Cut two slits about 1 inch long at each end of the pastry, then fold the ends over the filling to seal and prevent leakage.
9. Step 9: Trim the top and bottom side pieces at an angle, then make evenly spaced cuts along each side of the pastry, being careful not to cut too close to the filling.
10. Step 10: Starting with the secured ends, fold each strip alternately over the filling, creating a braided effect; press to secure.
11. Step 11: In a small bowl, mix the egg and water to make an egg wash.
12. Step 12: Brush the egg wash over the entire surface of both pastries and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
13. Step 13: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet cream cheese filling.
• For added flavor, sprinkle a little nutmeg into the apple filling along with the cinnamon.
• Try making mini pastries by cutting the puff pastry into smaller rectangles for individual servings.
• If you prefer, substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer filling.

Storage

Store leftover puff pastry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works well. Just make sure to thaw it completely according to package instructions before rolling and assembling.

Can I prepare the fillings in advance?

Absolutely. The apple and cream cheese fillings can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, which makes assembly quicker on baking day.

Apple Puff Pastry with Cream Cheese and Cinnamon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 88 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 2 pastries, serves 6-8 1x

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Description

This Apple Puff Pastry recipe combines tender cinnamon-spiced apples and creamy sweetened cream cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry. The braided presentation makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Finished with an egg wash and a sprinkle of coarse sugar, it bakes to a beautiful golden brown with a crisp, buttery crust.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Filling

• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, core removed and diced into small pieces
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pastry & Topping

• 1 box puff pastry sheets
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• Coarse sugar for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Thicken Apple Sauce: Keep stirring for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens into a sauce.
4. Cook Apples: Add the diced apples to the thickened sauce, stir well, and let it simmer gently for 8-10 minutes so the apples soften and absorb flavors.
5. Cool Filling: Remove the apple filling from heat and allow it to cool completely before assembling the pastries.
6. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, then continue beating until well combined.
7. Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a surface and gently roll the puff pastry sheets a few times to loosen them.
8. Fill Pastry with Cream Cheese: Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture down the center of each puff pastry sheet, leaving about 1 1/2 inches free at each end for folding.
9. Layer Apple Filling: Once cooled, add about three heaping tablespoons of the apple mixture over the cream cheese on each pastry, spreading gently.
10. Cut and Fold Pastry Ends: Cut two 1-inch slits at each end of the pastry, then fold these ends over the filling to secure and prevent leakage.
11. Cut Side Strips: At an angle, cut off the top and bottom side edges and make vertical cuts along the pastry sides, being careful not to cut too close to the filling.
12. Braid the Pastry: Starting with the secured ends, fold each cut strip over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid pattern, and press gently to secure.
13. Make Egg Wash: Whisk together the large egg and water.
14. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the egg wash evenly over both pastries and sprinkle them with coarse sugar for a sparkling finish.
15. Bake: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Notes

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast that holds shape well during cooking.
• Ensure the apple filling is fully cooled before assembling to prevent puff pastry from becoming soggy.
• Chill the cream cheese beforehand for easier beating and fluffier filling.
• Puff pastry can be substituted with homemade or store-bought sheets; just make sure they are thawed properly before use.
• Egg wash gives the pastry a beautiful golden color and helps the coarse sugar stick.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to keep the pastry crisp.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple puff pastry, cream cheese pastry, cinnamon apple dessert, baked dessert, puff pastry dessert