Apple Puff Pastry (Easy Pastry Braid Recipe)

I fell in love with this apple puff pastry; its golden, flaky layers embrace a tangy cream cheese filling with tender, spiced apples. Each bite bursts with playful flavors, making it one of my favorite Puff Pastry Recipes With Cream Cheese desserts and a delightful reminder of joyous culinary adventures.

I love experimenting with simple recipes that still pack a punch of flavor, and this Apple Puff Pastry (Easy Pastry Braid Recipe) is one of my favorites to whip up on a busy weekend. I first discovered it while searching for innovative ways to use puff pastry dough, and it quickly became the go-to choice when I need a delicious but budget-friendly dessert.

Imagine the layers of a golden puff pastry sheet embracing a luscious blend of cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, with fresh apples (Granny Smith is a great option) tossed in brown sugar and cinnamon. Its unique twist falls perfectly in the realm of homemade pastry puff and apple pie pastries where every bite is just a bit playful and fun.

Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting apple recipe with puff pastry twist or looking to try out some new trends in pastry art, this dessert is sure to impress.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, i like that its super budget friendly and doesnt require a lot of fancy ingredients. I mean, you can make a delicious dessert without spending alot of money which is perfect if you’re on a tight budget.

Second, the mix of flavors is just so awesome. The creamy sweet cream cheese with the tangy, spiced apple slices makes every bite interesting and comforting at the same time. I always feel like im treatin myself whenever i take a bite.

Third, its fun and easy to make. Whether i keep it simple by just folding the puff pastry or try my hand at twisting it into a braid, the instructions are clear enough and let me be a bit creative with it. And i have to say, it always comes out looking all golden and puffed up just like they promised.

Lastly, the recipe is a real family favorite. It reminds me of when we all gathered round for a treat and its become almost a tradition in my house. Its one of those desserts thats as much about making memories as it is about tasting great.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry: mostly carbohydrate, gives a flaky texture, not super healthy but damn tasty
• Cream cheese: adds rich creaminess, offers a little protein, and it makes the dish extra indulgent
• Fresh apples: full of fiber and vitamins, tart and naturally sweet help balance the flavor
• Brown sugar: provides carbohydrate sweetness with a deep molasses vibe, essential for a yummy taste
• Ground cinnamon: a spice boosting warm, sweet notes while offering some antioxidants in small amounts
• Vanilla extract: intensifies sweetness and aroma, balancing the overall batter and tart apple flavor
• Egg wash: gives a shiny finish and binds the pastry layers together for an extra crisp finish

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 package (about 17 oz) puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 fresh apples (Granny Smith or your choice), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, to toss with the apples)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.

3. In another bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice (if using), brown sugar, and ground cinnamon; you can stir in melted butter too if you’d like.

4. Lay out a thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over one half of the sheet.

5. Arrange the spiced apple slices on top of the cream cheese, trying to cover it all up nicely.

6. Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the apple slices, pressing lightly to seal it together.

7. If you like, you can create a braid effect by slicing the pastry into strips and twisting them; otherwise, keep it as a simple fold.

8. Brush the top with the egg wash (egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) to give it a shiny, golden finish.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.

10. Let it cool a little bit before cutting it into pieces, then serve and enjoy this budget-friendly, family favorite dessert!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 400°F)
2. Baking sheet and parchment paper
3. Two mixing bowls (one small for the cream cheese mixture and one larger for the apples)
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. A sharp knife and cutting board for slicing the apples
6. A pastry brush for the egg wash
7. A lightly floured work surface (like a countertop or pastry board)
8. A spatula or whisk for mixing the cream cheese and other ingredients

FAQ

Apple Puff Pastry (Easy Pastry Braid Recipe) Substitutions and Variations

• Puff pastry sheets: try swapping them with phyllo dough or even a pie crust if you’re in a pinch. They won’t puff up like the real thing but it still tastes great.
• Cream cheese: you can substitute this with mascarpone or even Greek yogurt, although the texture might be a little different.
• Granulated sugar: feel free to use honey or maple syrup instead. Use a bit less liquid overall if you do this.
• Fresh apples: peaches, pears, or even mixed berries can be used if you want a different twist on the flavor.
• Unsalted butter: you could swap in coconut oil or margarine. Just keep in mind that the flavor might change a bit.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you work with the puff pastry on a well-floured surface so it doesn’t stick or tear when you’re spreading the cream cheese; trust me, a little extra flour does wonders.
2. If your apples are on the tart side, try tossing them with just a bit more brown sugar or even a pinch of extra cinnamon so that every bite has a nice sweet kick.
3. Don’t skip the egg wash step even if you’re in a hurry – it really gives the pastry that golden, appetizing look once its baked, and it’s a quick step that makes all the difference.
4. Let the dessert cool a little before cutting it up; this helps the cream cheese and apple filling settle, preventing them from oozing out and making a mess on your dish.