- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples soften.
- Mix cornstarch with water and stir into apples to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Filling
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Pastries
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 4 equal squares.
- Spread a teaspoon of cream filling in the center of each square.
- Top with a spoonful of apple filling.
- Fold the pastry diagonally into a triangle or into a rectangle, sealing edges with a fork.
Step 4: Bake the Pastries
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and puffy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, or in the fridge for 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for the best texture.
- Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 2 months, and bake straight from frozen.
Variants
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle with melted chocolate instead of caramel.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Swap apples for pumpkin puree + cinnamon + nutmeg.
- Vegan Alternative: Use dairy-free puff pastry and coconut cream instead of cream cheese.
FAQ
1. Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, but fresh apples give a better texture and flavor.
2. What apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are great choices.
3. How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure the apple filling is cooled before adding it to the puff pastry.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days before assembling.
5. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry saves time and works perfectly.
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