Introduction

This Apple Puff Pastry is a delightful combination of tender cinnamon-spiced apples and creamy, tangy cream cheese, all wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry. It makes for a perfect dessert or a sweet breakfast treat that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Two golden-brown braided pastries lie on a white marbled baking tray lined with white parchment paper. Each pastry has about seven to eight layers of flaky dough strips woven over a filling of small, pale cream and light green pieces, likely apples. The top layer has coarse sugar sprinkled, giving a slightly sparkling texture. The pastries are oval-shaped, with rounded edges and visible flaky layers that show uneven golden-baked patches. The white marbled background highlights the warm tones and textured surface of the pastries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: For 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.
Step 3: Continue stirring for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add the diced apples, stir well, and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
Step 4: Prepare the cream cheese filling by beating the 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, then beat until combined.
Step 5: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll the puff pastry sheets a few times to smooth them out. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture down the center of each pastry sheet, leaving about 1½ inches free at each end.
Step 6: Once the apple mixture is cooled, add about three heaping tablespoons on top of the cream cheese layer for each pastry and spread gently.
Step 7: Cut two slits about 1 inch long at each end of the pastry. Fold these ends over the filling to secure and prevent leaks.
Step 8: Trim the top and bottom side pieces at an angle, then continue making angled cuts along each side, careful not to cut too close to the filling.
Step 9: Starting with the secured ends, fold the strips over each other in a braid pattern to encase the filling completely, pressing to seal as you go.
Step 10: For the egg wash, mix the large egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush this mixture evenly over each pastry.
Step 11: Sprinkle coarse sugar on top to add a crunchy, sweet finish.
Step 12: Bake the pastries on the prepared sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness and add a refreshing bite.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the apple filling.
Try substituting cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer, creamier filling.
Make smaller individual pastries using mini puff pastry squares for serving at parties.
Chill the assembled pastries briefly before baking to help maintain their shape.

Storage

Store leftover apple puff pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore flakiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white rectangular plate with blue trim holding two pieces of golden brown braided pastry filled with small chunks of light yellow apple. The pastry has a shiny, slightly crispy top sprinkled with coarse sugar. Behind it, a similar larger braided pastry is placed on another white rectangular plate with blue trim. There are bright green apples and small white bowls with light and brown toppings in the background. A few cinnamon sticks rest beside the plates on a white marbled surface. The setting has a warm, inviting feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 be sure to thaw it completely according to package instructions before assembling the pastries.

Can I prepare the fillings ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make both the apple and cream cheese fillings a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Assemble the pastries just before baking for best results.