Classic Apple Puff Pastry
A delightful treat featuring flaky puff pastry filled with sweet, spiced apples and a creamy cream cheese mixture, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 250kcal
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 2 pieces Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces Choose tart apples for balanced flavor.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice Plus 1 tsp for cream cheese mixture.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
For the Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar For cream cheese mixture.
- 1 piece egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pastry
- 1 box puff pastry sheets, thawed if frozen (about 2 sheets) Ensure pastry is cold for baking.
- 1 large egg For egg wash.
- 1 tbsp water Mixed with egg for wash.
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling on top before baking For added crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium pot, combine water, cornstarch, sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil while stirring, then gently add the diced apples. Simmer until tender, then set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Stir in egg yolk, 1 tsp lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Assembly
- On a clean surface, place the puff pastry sheets and spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture. Add the cooled apple filling.
- Cut slits in the ends of the pastry and braid the strips over the filling to create a decorative pattern.
Finishing and Baking
- Brush the top of the pastry with the egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar on top.
- Place the pastry in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and flaky. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. Dust with powdered sugar for a nice presentation.