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Cinnamon Apple Pie Cream Cheese Tarts Easy Puff Pastry Dessert

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These cinnamon apple pie cream cheese tarts combine the cozy flavors of apple pie, creamy cheesecake, and flaky puff pastry for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or a sweet treat any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet (about 9 oz / 250g) puff pastry, thawed
  • 2 medium apples (about 7 oz / 200g), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 tbsp (25g) brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract, divided
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp (14g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Remove puff pastry from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for 30-40 minutes until pliable but still cold. If it gets too soft, chill in the fridge for a few minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  3. In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  4. In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, remaining 2 tbsp granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes until apples are slightly soft and glossy.
  5. Sprinkle cornstarch over the apples and stir well. Cook another 1-2 minutes until juices thicken. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into 6 equal rectangles (or 8 for smaller tarts).
  7. Place pastry rectangles on the lined baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart.
  8. Spread a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese filling down the center of each pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with a generous spoonful of apple mixture.
  9. Brush the exposed pastry borders lightly with beaten egg.
  10. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
  11. Let the tarts cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
  12. Serve warm or at room temperature. Best enjoyed the day they’re made, but can be refreshed in a warm oven for a few minutes if needed.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold for best results. Don’t overfill the tarts to prevent leaks. Let the apple and cream cheese fillings cool slightly before assembling to avoid soggy pastry. Variations include using pears, adding berries, or sprinkling nuts on top. Tarts can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with appropriate substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pie, cream cheese, puff pastry, tarts, easy dessert, cinnamon, fall baking, brunch, apple dessert, bakery style

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/cinnamon-apple-pie-cream-cheese-tarts-easy-puff-pastry-dessert/