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Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly inside the border of the puff pastry. This will form a rich, tangy base for your apple topping.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Topping
Slice the Apples:
Core and slice the apples thinly. You can leave the skin on for added color and texture or peel them if you prefer a smoother presentation.
Sauté the Apples:
Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the apple slices and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften slightly. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir to coat the apples evenly and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the apples are tender but not mushy.
Cool the Apples:
Remove the apples from the skillet and let them cool slightly before placing them on top of the cream cheese filling. This helps to prevent the cream cheese from melting too much.
Step 5: Assemble the Tart
Arrange the Apples:
Once the apples are cool enough to handle, arrange them neatly over the cream cheese filling in an overlapping pattern. You can place them in a circular pattern for a more decorative look or scatter them casually for a more rustic feel.
Bake the Tart:
Place the assembled tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the edges have risen beautifully. The cream cheese filling should be slightly set, and the apples should have softened and caramelized.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Cool the Tart:
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
Optional Garnish:
For an extra touch, dust the top of the tart with a little powdered sugar, add a few fresh mint leaves for color, or drizzle some caramel sauce on top for added sweetness.
Serve:
Slice the tart into 8-10 pieces and serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, but it’s also delightful on its own.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tips:
Make the Filling in Advance: You can prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just spread it on the puff pastry when ready to assemble.
Sauté the Apples in Advance: If you’re short on time, you can also sauté the apples ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. Let them come to room temperature before assembling the tart.
Puff Pastry:
If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, make sure it’s thawed completely if frozen, and handle it gently to avoid tearing. It can be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores.
You can also use phyllo dough if you prefer a lighter, crispier base, though the texture will be a bit different.
Apple Variety:
The best apples for this tart are ones that hold their shape when baked, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith, or Fuji. A mix of sweet and tart apples can also add depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This tart is perfect for a fall dessert, but it’s also light enough to enjoy in the spring or summer with a scoop of ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a glass of dessert wine, like a sweet Riesling or Moscato.
Troubleshooting
Pastry Not Puffing Enough: If the puff pastry doesn’t rise as expected, make sure you’ve scored the edges lightly to allow for expansion. Additionally, ensure that the oven is preheated thoroughly and the pastry is brushed with butter and sugar to help it brown evenly.
Soggy Bottom: If the pastry becomes soggy, it could be from excess moisture in the apples. Try sautéing the apples a bit longer to evaporate more liquid before placing them on the pastry. Also, avoid overfilling the tart with too much cream cheese filling.
This Apple and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is a showstopper that’s incredibly simple to make and so impressive. With the layers of buttery pastry, creamy filling, and caramelized apples, it’s the perfect treat to serve to guests or to enjoy with your loved ones. Whether for a holiday, a special event, or just because, this tart is sure to become a favorite! Enjoy!
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