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Desserts have always been a way to end a meal with joy and satisfaction, and what could be better than a warm, flaky pastry filled with sweet apples, creamy cheese, and a touch of honey? The Apple and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is one of those timeless recipes that combine rich flavors and textures to create a memorable treat that everyone will enjoy. With a base of golden, crisp puff pastry, paired with soft cream cheese, honey, and cinnamon-spiced apples, this dessert is nothing short of a comfort food classic.

The appeal of this tart lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its ability to bring together the familiar flavors of apples, sugar, and spice in a new way. It’s a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, with the crunch of the puff pastry and the creaminess of the Philadelphia cream cheese providing a delightful contrast to the soft, caramelized apples. Add in a scattering of nuts and almond flakes for extra texture, and you have a dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a special celebration, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this Apple and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is guaranteed to impress. The combination of seasonal apples and the versatility of puff pastry makes it a recipe that can be enjoyed year-round, from cozy autumn nights to sunny spring afternoons. With easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is also simple to make, ensuring that anyone, regardless of culinary skill level, can whip it up with confidence.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

To make this delicious Apple and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart, you’ll need the following ingredients:

300g (10 oz) Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is the star of this recipe. Its buttery, flaky layers create a perfect base that holds up the sweet apple filling. You can either make puff pastry from scratch or, for convenience, buy pre-made sheets of puff pastry from the store.
3 Apples: The apples are the primary flavor in this tart. Use firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn, as they hold up well during cooking and have a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Slice them thinly so they cook evenly and soften without becoming mushy.

Nuts (Optional): A small handful of nuts adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast to the tart. Choose your favorites, such as walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. These nuts will pair beautifully with the apples and enhance the overall texture of the dessert.
Sugar: Sugar is necessary to sweeten the apples and help caramelize them when they cook. You can use white granulated sugar or substitute with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
Cinnamon: A classic spice to pair with apples, cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the tart. It brings out the sweetness of the apples and complements the cream cheese perfectly.

Philadelphia Cream Cheese: The cream cheese is the creamy, tangy base that helps balance the sweetness of the apples and sugar. It adds richness to the filling and helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
Almond Flakes: Almond flakes are optional but highly recommended for their crunchy texture and mild nutty flavor. They also add a decorative touch when sprinkled on top of the tart before baking.
Honey: A drizzle of honey adds an extra layer of sweetness and a hint of floral flavor that complements the apples and cream cheese. It’s also perfect for brushing on top of the pastry once it’s baked, adding a glossy finish.

Preparation Steps:

Making this Apple and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is simple, but the results are truly impressive. Follow these steps for the perfect tart:

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using pre-made puff pastry, simply unroll the sheets.

If using a rectangular or square shape, trim the edges to make a neat rectangle or square. If you’re using a round shape, gently roll out the dough into a 10-inch circle.
Place the puff pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and use a knife to score a border around the edges. This will create a raised edge when baked and help the filling stay inside.

2. Prepare the Apples:

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Aim for even slices so they cook uniformly.

Place the sliced apples in a bowl, and sprinkle them with sugar and cinnamon. Toss them gently to coat evenly.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a separate bowl, soften the Philadelphia cream cheese by leaving it out at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Whisk the cream cheese until it becomes smooth and soft. You can add a teaspoon of honey or sugar for a bit more sweetness if desired.

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto the puff pastry, staying within the border you scored earlier.

4. Assemble the Tart:

Arrange the cinnamon-sugar apples over the cream cheese layer. You can overlap the apple slices slightly for an elegant look or arrange them in a fan pattern.
Sprinkle the top with your choice of nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.) and almond flakes. This step is optional but adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast.

5. Bake the Tart:

Place the assembled tart into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crisp and the apples are tender.
Check the tart halfway through the baking process. If the edges of the pastry are browning too quickly, cover them with a strip of aluminum foil to prevent burning.

6. Finish with Honey:

Once the tart is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

Drizzle honey over the top of the baked tart for a glossy finish and added sweetness.

7. Serve:

Slice the tart into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature. It’s great on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Calories per Serving:

Approximately 250-300 kcal per serving, depending on the specific ingredients used.

Why This Recipe is Timeless:

The Apple and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is timeless for several reasons. First, it combines two classic dessert ingredients: apples and puff pastry. Apples have been used in desserts for centuries, and their sweet-tart flavor pairs beautifully with the flaky texture of puff pastry. Second, cream cheese has a rich, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples and provides a creamy filling that adds depth to the tart.

Puff pastry, in particular, is one of those ingredients that never goes out of style. Its versatility in both sweet and savory dishes makes it a staple in kitchens around the world. In this recipe, puff pastry elevates the tart to an elegant level, turning simple ingredients into something special. The addition of honey, cinnamon, and almonds adds a touch of luxury, making it suitable for everything from a casual gathering to a special holiday dessert.

This recipe is also versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. While apples are particularly popular in the fall, they’re available year-round, and the tart can be made with whatever apples are in season. It can also be customized with different fruits or fillings, making it an adaptable recipe for different tastes and occasions.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 250-300 kcal
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g

Sodium: 100mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I make the puff pastry from scratch? A: Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous and have the time, you can make puff pastry from scratch. However, store-bought puff pastry is a convenient and reliable option that will still yield fantastic results.

Q: Can I use other fruits in this recipe? A: Yes, pears or even berries would work wonderfully in this tart. Feel free to experiment with different fruits to suit your preferences or what’s in season.

Q: How can I make this tart gluten-free? A: If you need a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free puff pastry. Be sure to check the labels on other ingredients like the cream cheese and honey to ensure they are gluten-free.

Tips for Making the Perfect Tart:

Use Firm Apples: Choose apples that are firm and not overly ripe. Apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well when baked, making them perfect for this tart.
Don’t Overfill the Pastry: While it’s tempting to pile on the apples, be careful not to overfill the puff pastry, as this can cause the pastry to become soggy or break apart during baking.

Brush the Pastry Edges with Egg Wash: For a golden, shiny finish, brush the edges of the puff pastry with an egg wash (an egg whisked with a tablespoon of water) before baking.

Storage Tips:

Store any leftover tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate the tart for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Conclusion:

The Apple and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is an indulgent yet simple dessert that combines the best of pastry and fresh fruit. It’s a recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite, whether you’re serving it at a holiday meal or enjoying it as a sweet treat with a cup of tea. The sweetness of the apples, the creaminess of the cheese, and the flakiness of the puff pastry come together in a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting. And with its timeless appeal, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Happy baking!