A Delightful Dessert for Every Season
A delicious combination of sweet, tart apples and creamy cheese nestled within flaky puff pastry, the Apple and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is a dessert to cherish year-round. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply craving something sweet, this tart is guaranteed to impress with its balance of flavors and textures. Below, we’ll guide you through creating this stunning tart, complete with preparation tips, ingredient recommendations, and baking instructions for the perfect pastry experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious tart, gather these simple ingredients:
- 300g Puff Pastry: You can use either homemade puff pastry or store-bought. Its buttery, flaky texture provides the perfect base for the tart’s filling.
- 3 Medium Apples: Firm, tart-sweet apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best. Their firmness ensures they hold their shape during baking.
- 3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the apples and helps create a caramelized effect.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: A must-have to complement the apples’ flavor, adding warmth and depth.
- 200g Philadelphia Cream Cheese: Its creamy and tangy profile balances the sweetness of the apples.
- 1 Tablespoon Honey: Adds extra sweetness and a hint of floral flavor. Ideal for drizzling on top of the baked tart.
- Nuts and Almond Flakes (Optional): A handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, adds crunch, while almond flakes provide a decorative touch.
How to Make an Apple and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Roll Out the Pastry: If using pre-made puff pastry, simply unroll the sheets on a lightly floured surface. Otherwise, roll out your homemade dough into a rectangular or circular shape, approximately 10 inches in diameter.
- Score the Border: Transfer the pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to score a 1-inch border around the edges. This step creates a raised edge when baked, helping to hold the filling in place.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel and Slice the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly to ensure they cook evenly. Place them in a bowl.
- Add Sugar and Cinnamon: Sprinkle the apples with sugar and ground cinnamon, then toss gently to coat the slices.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easier spreading.
- Add Sweetener: If desired, mix a teaspoon of honey or sugar into the cream cheese for added sweetness.
- Spread the Cream Cheese: Within the scored border on the puff pastry, spread the softened cream cheese evenly, creating a smooth, creamy base for the apple slices.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
- Arrange the Apple Slices: Layer the apple slices in a pattern of your choice, slightly overlapping them in rows or a fan pattern for an elegant look.
- Sprinkle Nuts and Almond Flakes: Scatter chopped nuts and almond flakes over the apples for added crunch and texture. This step is optional but enhances the tart’s flavor and visual appeal.
Step 5: Bake the Tart
- Place in the Oven: Transfer the assembled tart to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and the apples are tender.
- Check Halfway: If the pastry edges begin browning too quickly, cover them with strips of foil to prevent burning.
Step 6: Finish with a Honey Drizzle
- Remove and Cool: Take the tart out of the oven once the pastry is crisp and golden. Let it cool slightly before adding the honey.
- Drizzle Honey: Use a spoon or drizzle bottle to add a touch of honey over the baked apples for a glossy finish and added sweetness.
Step 7: Serve
Slice the tart into wedges and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s wonderful on its own but pairs exceptionally well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect Apple and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart
1. Choose the Right Apples
Using firm, tart apples ensures they hold up well during baking and offer a pleasant contrast to the creamy cheese. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices.
2. Don’t Overfill the Pastry
It may be tempting to pile on the apples, but overfilling can make the pastry soggy. Stick to a single layer of apples within the border for the best results.
3. Use an Egg Wash for Extra Shine
To achieve a professional, golden look, brush the pastry edges with an egg wash before baking. Simply whisk an egg with a tablespoon of water and use a pastry brush to apply it along the border.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store leftover tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for Extended Storage: For up to 4 days, refrigerate the tart. To enjoy it warm, reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10 minutes.
Why This Recipe is Timeless
The Apple and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart combines two classic ingredients—apples and puff pastry—into a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting. Apples have a long history in desserts worldwide, prized for their versatile flavor, while puff pastry is a time-tested staple known for its delicate, flaky layers. The cream cheese adds a creamy tang that balances the sweetness of the apples, and optional toppings like nuts and honey elevate it further.
This recipe is versatile enough to adapt to other fruits, such as pears or berries, and can be enjoyed across the seasons. Whether made for a special holiday dinner or a cozy autumn night in, this tart captures the essence of simple yet satisfying baking.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (based on 8 servings per tart) contains approximately:
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg