Apple Puff Pastry with Cream Cheese and Apples (Easy Braid)

Flaky layers of puff pastry wrapped around sweet apple filling and creamy cheesecake goodness make this apple puff pastry the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with bakery vibes. It looks impressive on the table but it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Puff Pastry

This pastry is golden and crisp on the outside with a sweet and tangy filling inside. The apples turn soft and spiced with cinnamon while the cream cheese adds a smooth touch of richness. It’s the kind of treat you’ll want for Sunday brunch or as a cozy dessert after dinner. Serve it warm with coffee and it will quickly become a favorite just like apple cinnamon scones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Granny Smith apples peeled and diced
¾ cup water
⅓ cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1½ teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
8 ounces cream cheese softened
½ cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box puff pastry sheets thawed
1 egg plus 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Coarse sugar for sprinkling

How to Make Apple Puff Pastry Step by Step

Step 1 Scoop and Cook the Apple Filling

In a saucepan combine water cornstarch sugar cinnamon and lemon juice. Stir until thickened then add apples. Simmer for about 8 minutes until tender but not mushy. Set aside to cool.

Step 2 Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat cream cheese until fluffy then mix in sugar egg yolk lemon juice and vanilla. The filling should be smooth and creamy.

Step 3 Assemble the Pastry

Roll puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Spread cream cheese mixture down the center leaving a border. Add cooled apple filling on top.

Step 4 Braid the Dough

Cut slits along both sides of the pastry. Fold strips over the filling one by one to create a braid. Tuck in the ends to seal.

Step 5 Bake Until Golden

Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash sprinkle with coarse sugar and bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Slice and enjoy while warm.

Tips for a Perfect Pastry

Soften cream cheese fully before mixing or lumps will form
Let apple filling cool before adding to pastry to avoid soggy layers
Egg wash is what gives that shiny golden look so don’t skip it
Sprinkle coarse sugar for an extra crunch

Tasty Variations to Try

Swap apples with blueberries peaches or cherries
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty bite
Spread caramel with the apple filling for a caramel apple flavor
For a fun dessert tray bake alongside apple pie tacos

What to Serve with Apple Puff Pastry

This pastry is delicious on its own but even better with ice cream or whipped cream. It’s lovely with coffee or tea for brunch. For a sweet spread serve it next to a mini apple pie and let everyone enjoy a little of everything.

FAQs

Storage Notes

Keep leftover pastry in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage wrap and freeze for a month. Reheat in the oven until warmed through to bring back the flakiness.

More Sweet Treats You’ll Love

Enjoy this braid warm with coffee or serve it after dinner along with apple cinnamon scones
Make a dessert sampler by pairing it with mini apple pie
For a playful twist bake apple pie tacos for a handheld treat

This apple puff pastry recipe is one of those desserts that makes everyone at the table smile. Bake it once and it will become your go to fall pastry.

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