Cream Cheese Puff Pastry with Apples

Cream Cheese Puff Pastry with Apples

There’s nothing more delightful than the smell of freshly baked pastries, especially when they are filled with warm apples and creamy cheese. These Cream Cheese Puff Pastries with Apples bring together buttery puff pastry, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a sweet cinnamon apple mixture for the perfect fall treat. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply craving something sweet, this easy recipe will have you feeling like a professional pastry chef in no time!

Ingredients:

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks
• 1 ½ cups water
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla

For the Glaze Drizzle:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon milk

Other Ingredients:

• 1 box puff pastry dough, room temperature

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue stirring for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add the chopped apples, stir, and let simmer for 8-10 minutes until the apples are tender. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese for about 2 minutes until fluffy. Add the sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and lemon juice. Beat again for another 2 minutes until smooth.

4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry dough and gently roll out the seams. Cut each sheet in half, then cut each strip into 3 pieces, resulting in 12 pieces total.

5. Assemble the Pastries:
Place each piece of puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Add 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each piece, followed by 1 tablespoon of apple filling. Score the edges of each pastry (about ½ inch from the edge) to form a square, but don’t cut all the way through. Optionally, brush the edges with an egg wash for a golden finish.

6. Bake the Pastries:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until golden and puffed. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the pastries to cool slightly.

7. Make the Glaze Drizzle:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastries for a sweet finishing touch.

Baking Tips:

• Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples work best because their tartness balances the sweetness of the filling and glaze.
• Puff Pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is at room temperature before you begin rolling it out to avoid cracking.
• Storage: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh.

Recipe Summary:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Servings: 12 pastries
• Calories per Serving: 250 kcal

These Cream Cheese Puff Pastries with Apples are perfect for dessert, brunch, or a special snack. The flaky pastry, creamy filling, and warm apples with cinnamon create a comforting and delicious combination you’ll want to make again and again!

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