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This Apple and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is an elegant yet simple dessert that combines the flaky, buttery layers of puff pastry with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a cozy weeknight treat to a show-stopping finale for a dinner party. The contrast of textures and flavors—creamy, sweet, and crisp—will have everyone coming back for more.
Table of Contents
Apple and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Equipment: Baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, mixing bowls, pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry:
1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
1 tablespoon butter (melted, for brushing)
1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
A pinch of salt
For the Apple Topping:
2 large apples (such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith)
1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing the apples)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness)
For Garnish (Optional):
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Caramel drizzle (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the puff pastry from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll Out the Pastry:
Place the sheet of puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet. If it’s a large sheet, you can trim it to fit or leave it as-is for a rustic look. Use a rolling pin to gently roll the pastry out to even the edges, if needed.
Create a Border:
Using a sharp knife, score a border about 1 inch from the edge of the puff pastry. Don’t cut all the way through; just score the surface lightly. This will allow the edges to rise up while baking, creating a beautiful border.
Brush with Butter:
Brush the surface of the pastry with melted butter, and sprinkle a little sugar over the top to encourage a golden, slightly sweet crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
Spread on the Pastry:
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