Our Apple Cream Cheese Tart consists of juicy apples atop a cream cheese base with crunchy walnuts and baked in a puff pastry shell. Just a hint of cinnamon warmly spices the tart. So delicious your family and friends ask for it time and again.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to the terms page for more information.
Jump to:
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 for the cream cheese layer and brown sugar for the apple layer.
- Tart apples: core, peel and slice the apples into ⅓" slices.
- Corn starch: this will prevent the juices from the apples seeping into the cream cheese layer and tart crust.
- 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 the puff pastry to help prevent the filling from seeping into the bottom crust. Additionally, apply 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 bowl. You may use a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Begin mixing on medium speed until the filling is lump-free. Next, add the egg and mix well. Finally, stir in chopped walnuts (if using).
Assemble tart
Assembling this tart could not be easier! There is no pie dough to roll out and only a few apples to chop. Follow the steps listed 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 the cream cheese filling to within 1 ½" to the 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 dessert is best served the day it is made. 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
Ingredients
Tart Shell
- 1 Sheet Puff Pastry, defrosted Cut to 10" circle
- 1 Large Egg, whipped lightly For brushing on pastry
Apple Filling
- 2 Medium Tart Apples (e.g. Granny Smith) Peeled, cored and cut to ⅓" slices
- ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 2 Tablespoons Corn Starch All-purpose flour may be substituted
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°
Tart Shell
- Unfold defrosted puff pastry, Cut into a 10" circle
Prepare Apples
- Peel, core and cut apples into ⅓" slices. Place in a bowl and toss with brown sugar, ground cinnamon and cornstarch. Set aside.
Cream Cheese Filling
- Add cream cheese, granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to a bowl. Mix until no lumps remain.
- Add the egg and mix well.
- Optional: stir in chopped walnuts
Assemble Tart
- 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 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.
Bake Tart
- Place tart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or heat-resistant silicon mat.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before serving (approximately 1 hour).
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.