Our Apple Cream Cheese Tart features juicy apples atop a smooth cream cheese base, accented with crunchy walnuts—all baked in a flaky puff pastry shell. A hint of cinnamon adds a warm spice, making this tart so delicious that your family and friends will request it time and again.
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What I like about this tart
This Apple Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is reminiscent of an apple cheesecake - but much easier and quicker to make. This free-form tart, also known as a 'galette' is made without the use of a baking pan.
Ingredients
You only need a few ingredients for this recipe:
- Cream cheese and an egg: bring these ingredients to room temperature before starting the recipe. This will ensure you have no lumps for the cream cheese layer.
- Ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg: for a hint of spice
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Tart apples: core, peel and slice apples into ⅓" slices.
- Corn starch
- Puff pastry: one sheet of store-bought puff pastry. These are available in the freezer aisle of most grocery stores. If you are feeling ambitious - make your own!
- Egg wash: lightly whip an egg. Brush on puff pastry prior to adding cream cheese filling. This helps prevent filling from seeping into the bottom crust. Additionally, apply egg wash to the outer crust before baking.
- Walnuts: chopped and lightly toasted (optional)
- Cinnamon sugar mixture: lightly sprinkle a bit of cinnamon mixed with sugar over the top of the tart prior to baking.
Filling
First, place the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer, mix on medium speed until the filling is smooth and lump-free. Next, add the egg and blend thoroughly. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts (if using) to add a bit of crunch.
Assemble tart
Assembling this tart couldn’t be easier! No pie dough to roll out, and only a few apples to chop. Just follow the simple steps below:
- Peel, core and cut apples into ⅓" slices. Place in a bowl and toss with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cornstarch.
- Cut a 10" circle from a sheet of puff pastry.
- Brush egg wash on the circle of puff pastry.
- Spread cream cheese filling to within 1 ½" to edge of the puff pastry.
- Arrange apples in circles on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Lightly brush apples with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Roll puff pastry around the apples and cream cheese filling. Brush egg wash on exposed portion of puff pastry.
Storage
This Apple Cream Cheese Tart is best served the day you make it. If storage is needed, place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQs
Puff pastry is a laminated pastry with alternating layers of butter and dough. It is light and flaky. Check out this article for an in-depth description.
A galette is a type of French pastry made with a buttery, flaky crust. It is created freeform and no pan is needed for baking.
More apple desserts
I hope you enjoy this simple apple galette as much as my friends and family do!
📋 Recipe
Cream Cheese Apple Tart Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Hand or stand mixer
- Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
- Baking Sheet Pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
- Off-set spatula
Ingredients
Tart Shell
- 1 Sheet Puff Pastry, defrosted Cut to 10" circle
Apple Filling
- 2 Medium Tart Apples (e.g. Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, etc...)
- ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, full fat Room temperature
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Large Egg Room temperature
- ½ Cup Walnuts, chopped Optional
Egg Wash and Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1 Large Egg, lightly whisked
- 1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon Butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉ (205℃)
Tart Shell
- Defrost puff pastry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Roll out the puff pastry into a 10-inch square. Trim the edges to create a roughly shaped 10-inch circle.
- Place the pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the dessert—chilling the pastry helps create flaky layers.
Prepare Apples
- Peel, core and cut apples into ⅓" slices. Place in a bowl and toss with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cornstarch. Set aside for later2 Medium Tart Apples (e.g. Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, etc...), ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar, ¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg, 2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
Cream Cheese Filling
- Add cream cheese, granulated sugar and cinnamon to a bowl. Using a hand or stand mixer, begin mixing until no lumps remain.8 ounces Cream Cheese, full fat, ¼ cup Granulated Sugar, ¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- Add egg and mix well.1 Large Egg
- Optional: stir in chopped walnuts½ Cup Walnuts, chopped
Assemble Tart
- Take the pan with the pastry out of the refrigerator.
- Place an egg in a bowl and whip well.1 Large Egg, lightly whisked
- Lightly brush the puff pastry with the whipped egg.
- Place cream cheese filling on puff pastry circle. Spread filling to within 1 ½" to the edge of the puff pastry.
- Arrange apples in spiral pattern on top of cream cheese filling.
- Lightly brush apples with melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar, 1 Tablespoon Butter, melted, ⅛ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- Use your fingers to roll the pastry up and around the apples and cream cheese filling. Brush the exposed pastry with the whipped egg.
Bake Tart
- Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before serving (approximately 1 hour).
Video
Notes
- Storage: This Apple Cream Cheese Tart is best served the day you make it. If storage is needed, place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Nut-free: eliminate walnuts
Nikki Wayne says
I am not into nuts when it comes to ingredients but when I tried this recipe, this is so good.
pedja says
This apple cream cheese tart recipe is a flavor-packed delight! It's versatile, family-approved, and that last bite? Pure bliss
Beth says
This is one of the best apple desserts I've ever made. I love the way the cream cheese and apple work together, and the crust is just perfect!
Heather says
This recipe is so easy with puff pastry. Perfect for fall and super yummy.
Sara says
Super yummy combo of cream cheese and apples. I skipped adding the nuts due to a food allergy but the tart was still awesome.
Sangeetha says
This apple cream cheese tart recipe is absolutely delicious! The combination of sweet apples and tangy cream cheese is simply divine. I love that the recipe is versatile enough to be made with different types of fruit or even a combination of fruits. Thank you for sharing this mouthwatering recipe!
Alita says
Your apple cream chess is savory! It will definitely be a new favorite in the house.
briannemanzb says
The best part of your recipe is the last bite with all the crust and the last of the apple pie filling. My whole family loved it.
Joanne says
This was super easy and delish.
John Walyo says
Thanks for another awesome recipe. This is a great combo of flavors with the apples and cream cheese. I made without walnuts because I didn't have any - will try with walnuts next time.