Apple Cream Cheese Puff Pastry: A Sweet Treat That’s Simple and Delicious

1 sheet of puff pastry – You can find this in the frozen section of your grocery store and it’s super easy to work with. If you have a little extra time, you could even make your own, but for this recipe, store-bought works just fine!
2 medium-sized apples – I prefer Granny Smith apples for their tartness but any variety you like will work. I’ve also used Honeycrisp and Fuji apples with great success.
½ cup cream cheese – Make sure it’s softened so it’s easy to mix. I always use full-fat cream cheese because it makes the filling extra creamy.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – This adds just the right amount of sweetness to both the apples and the cream cheese filling.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – Cinnamon and apples are a match made in heaven and it gives this pastry a cozy, warming flavor.
1 tablespoon butter – You’ll need this to add richness to the apples when they cook down.
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla helps bring out the sweetness of the apples and cream cheese.
Powdered sugar – This is optional but it gives a nice finishing touch to your pastry once it’s baked. It’s all about presentation, right?

First, let’s tackle the apples. You’ll want to peel, core, and slice them into thin pieces. I usually cut them into thin wedges or small cubes, but if you prefer larger pieces, that’s totally fine! The apples will cook down a bit, so you don’t want them to be too thick, but you also want to be able to taste those little apple chunks in every bite.
Once the apples are ready, toss them in a bowl with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Give it all a nice mix so the apples are evenly coated. I love how this simple step fills the kitchen with that warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar—it’s the perfect start to any dessert!
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
While the apples are resting for a minute, let’s move on to the cream cheese filling. In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and a tablespoon of brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or just a fork to blend it all together until it’s nice and smooth. You should be left with a creamy, slightly sweet mixture that will complement the apples perfectly.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could add a little bit of lemon zest or even a pinch of nutmeg to this filling for an extra burst of flavor. But honestly, this simple cream cheese mixture is so good on its own that it doesn’t need any embellishments. The richness of the cream cheese pairs wonderfully with the tart apples and the flaky puff pastry.

Once your apples are prepped and your cream cheese filling is smooth, it’s time to assemble the pastry. Lay your puff pastry sheet flat on a clean surface. If you’re using frozen puff pastry, let it thaw for about 10 minutes so it’s easier to work with.
Take the cream cheese filling and spread it evenly across the center of the puff pastry sheet. Be sure to leave a little space around the edges so the pastry can fold over and seal the filling in. Then, layer your cinnamon-sugar apples on top of the cream cheese. Try to spread them out evenly, but don’t worry about perfection—it’ll all come together once it’s baked!
Now comes the folding. You can fold the pastry into a rectangle, a triangle, or even an envelope shape—whatever you prefer! The goal is to fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, creating a nice, sealed pocket. Press the edges down with a fork to make sure everything stays inside. If you want a nice golden finish, brush the top of the pastry with a little melted butter. It’ll help it crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Once everything is assembled, it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and place the pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up. It’ll be hard to resist the temptation of opening the oven door early because the smell of baking apples and cinnamon is so good. But trust me, let it bake until it’s golden and crisp for the best results.
When you take the pastry out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to cut into neat slices. Plus, you don’t want to burn your mouth on hot, gooey filling!

Once it’s cooled slightly, it’s time to enjoy your creation! Slice the pastry into portions, and if you want to make it extra special, dust it with a little powdered sugar. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely finishing touch that makes the pastry look even more inviting.
The result is a warm, flaky pastry filled with creamy cream cheese and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. It’s like a dessert hug, and it’s bound to satisfy your sweet tooth without being overly heavy. Each bite is a perfect balance of flavors, and I guarantee it’ll be a hit with anyone who tastes it.