Quick Description
This Apple Puff Pastry Dessert is a sweet, buttery, and flaky treat filled with tender, spiced apples and topped with melted cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8–10
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Ingredients List:
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken the filling)
For the Puff Pastry:
- 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tbsp butter (melted, for brushing)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened but still hold their shape.
- If you’d like a thicker filling, mix the cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water and stir into the apples. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
-
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out both sheets of puff pastry. Place one sheet in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing it gently into the corners. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough if necessary.
- Brush the puff pastry with melted butter.
-
Assemble the Dessert:
- Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the bottom layer of puff pastry.
- Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the apples, pressing the edges down gently to seal the layers.
- Cut small slits in the top layer of pastry to allow steam to escape while baking.
-
Make the Cream Cheese Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the top of the assembled puff pastry. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the surface.
-
Bake the Dessert:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky, and the apples are bubbling inside.
- If the edges of the pastry brown too quickly, cover the dessert with aluminum foil and continue baking.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Once the dessert is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares or slices.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Additional Notes:
- For Extra Sweetness: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top once the dessert is baked and cooled.
- Apple Variety: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
- Frozen Puff Pastry: You can use store-bought frozen puff pastry for convenience. Just make sure to thaw it before using.
Dietary Info:
- Keto/Low-Carb: This recipe is not keto-friendly, but you can try substituting almond flour-based puff pastry and a low-carb sweetener for a low-carb version.
- Vegetarian: This dessert is suitable for vegetarians.
Storage & Make-Ahead:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dessert a day ahead and bake it just before serving
