Made with a delicious cream cheese filling this Apple Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid will definitely impress your family and friends.
The flaky, buttery dough is wrapped around a sweet and tart filling of thinly-sliced apples and sweetened cream cheese, and then it's all braided into a beautiful and impressive danish. Not only does it look impressive, but it tastes even better!
The contrast of the crisp pastry with the soft apples is heavenly, and the sweetness of the sugar glaze takes it over the top. If you're looking for a showstopping dessert or breakfast recipe, this is it.
Check out all my other puff pastry recipes for even more deliciousness!
Every now and then you find a apple dessert recipe that is so delicious you can't believe it's also easy. That's the case with today's recipe for apple puff pastry which is very similar to a apple cream cheese strudel; semi-homemade of course!
Anyone who loves danish pastry will be thrilled to learn how easy it is to make apple danish at home. All you need is puff pastry dough and a few apples. The dough is first rolled out into a rectangle, then spread with a mixture of chopped apples, sugar, and spices.
Looking for more easy dessert recipes featuring apples? Try my Apple Danish Recipe, Mason Jar Apple Pie or my recipe for Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Apples
Table of Contents
- Puff Pastry Braid
- How to Braid Puff Pastry?
- Cream Cheese Puff Pastry
- Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Recipe Variations
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Expert Tip
- Baking Instructions
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- Serving Tips
- Top Tips
- Storing, Freezing, Thawing and Reheating Tips
- More Recipes to Love
- Thanksgiving Printables Your Family Will Love
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Puff Pastry Braid
This recipe is not a traditional braid, but more of a crisscross of the dough to resemble a braid...which is why it's so easy!
The result is a beautiful and delicious Danish that's sure to impress family and friends. So next time you're feeling festive, give this apple Danish a try.
And then once you master this recipe for apple puff pastry, try my other puff pastry desserts very popular here on the blog are Puff Pastry Christmas Cookies, Puff Pastry Valentine's Day Hearts and Puff Pastry Apple Tart.
How to Braid Puff Pastry?
This is the way I like to braid puff pastry:
- Lightly roll out the puff pastry to remove the fold lines. Place the filling down the center of the puff pastry.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, begin slicing diagonal strips down both sides of the puff pastry being careful to leave a ½ inch border around the filling.
- You should get around 8 to 10 strips depending on the length of your puff pastry sheet.
- Now start folding the ends of the puff pastry at the top, crossing the strips over the apple and cream cheese filling making sure you overlap the strips to create a crisscross or braid.
- Make sure you tug both ends under the puff pastry danish so nothing will leak out during baking. But if you do have some of the filling leak out, it's okay! It only makes the recipe look homemade.
Cream Cheese Puff Pastry
For a savory twist, make a herbed cream cheese spread with chives, thyme, or rosemary. Top with caramelized onions, mushrooms, bacon, or cheese before baking.
Two of my other favorite puff pastry braid recipes are Chocolate Puff Pastry or my Puff Pastry Braid with Lemon.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
More InformationMore InformationMore InformationMore Information
Main Ingredients Needed
Make sure you print out the recipe below and save it for later!
For Puff Pastry:
- Puff pastry; defrosted
- Caramel sauce
- Egg White
- Sugar for sprinkling
For Apple Filling:
- 2 large apples
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
For Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream cheese; room temperature
- White sugar
- Vanilla extract
Recipe Variations
Swap out the apples for a different seasonal fruit like pears, peaches, or berries for a delicious twist on your puff pastry tart.
Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the apple slices before baking, or sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Go savory with an herbed cream cheese base (think chives, thyme, rosemary). Add toppings like Prosciutto or other cured meats, shredded cooked chicken or even smoked salmon!
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss thinly sliced apples with a mixture of ½ cup brown sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 2: To make the cream cheese filling, in another bowl, cream together softened cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla extract. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the puff pastry.
Step 3: Gently unfold the puff pastry sheet onto parchment paper. Roll out the pastry with a lightly floured rolling pin to remove creases and achieve a ¼ inch thickness.
Step 4: Carefully transfer the puff pastry (still on its parchment paper) to a baking sheet. Spread the cream cheese in a line down the center, then top with the apple slices.
Expert Tip
My favorite apple to use for baking is Golden Delicious. A good tip is to mix a few different apples in recipes to come up with the flavor you and your family like best.
Check out my post on How to Choose the Best Apples for Baking for more tips!
Step 5: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, begin slicing diagonal strips down both sides of the puff pastry being careful to leave a ½ inch border around the cream cheese and apple slices. You should get around 8 to 10 strips depending on the length of your pastry braid.
Step 6: Start placing each sliced section over the top of the apples and cream cheese to form the braid. Tuck in or fold over the top first and then start braiding. We're really just crisscrossing the puff pastry strips and forming a braid. Tuck the bottom end in and under as well.
Baking Instructions
Step 7: Brush with the beaten egg white. Sprinkle a little white granulated sugar on top right before baking. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
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Serving Tips
Just before serving, drizzle the caramel sauce on top of the Apple Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid. The caramel sauce really was the finishing touch.
You could also serve Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream.
Here is a selection of caramel sauces you could use to drizzle on top of the braid right before serving:
More InformationMore InformationMore Information
Top Tips
- Keep in mind that puff pastry desserts are most delicious when consumed fresh.
- Aim to enjoy them within a few days for optimal taste and texture.
Storing, Freezing, Thawing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store the dessert airtight in the fridge, using parchment paper between layers if stacking. This keeps it fresh and prevents sticking.
Freezer: Once cooled, wrap the leftover puff pastry braid tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped braid in a labeled freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring it lays flat to keep its shape. Freeze for up to one month.
Thawing and Reheating: Serve chilled or at room temperature for 15-20 minutes for enhanced flavor. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour.
More Recipes to Love
- Best Apple Pie Recipes for Thanksgiving - not just one apple pie recipe, but a whole collection!
- Try my easy, no fuss Apple Dump Cake recipe.
- You might also enjoy this Easy Italian Apple Cake recipe.
Thanksgiving Printables Your Family Will Love
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📖 Recipe Card
Apple Caramel Puff Pastry Braid with Cream Cheese Filling
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry defrosted
- Caramel sauce
- 1 egg white beaten to use on top of the pastry braid.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar to sprinkle on top of the pastry braid before baking.
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 large apples peeled cored and thinly sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the ½ cup brown sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Add the thinly sliced apples and toss to coat. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ½ cup white sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Set aside and prepare the puff pastry.
- Carefully unfold the sheet of puff pastry. Place on top of a sheet of parchment paper and roll lightly with a floured rolling pin until it is ¼ inch thick. Transfer the puff pastry with the parchment paper to a baking tray.
- Add the cream cheese mixture down the center of the puff pastry only.
- Arrange the apple slices on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, begin slicing diagonal strips down both sides of the puff pastry being careful to leave a ½ inch border around the cream cheese and apple slices. You should get around 8 to 10 strips depending on the length of your pastry braid.
- Starting at one end, begin folding the strips over the apples, alternating sides to "braid" the dough.
- Continue to fold the dough strips until the apples are covered. Tuck the end strips under.
- Brush the pastry braid with the beaten egg white and sprinkle the top with 1 to 2 tablespoons white sugar.
- Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before drizzling caramel sauce on top.
- Slice and serve.
Anita says
I made the cream cheese recipe and one with just apples. Looking forward to trying them both and see which one my husband likes best.
My question-I had quite a bit of juice spilling out of the sides. Should I have drained the apples first?
Lois says
I'm so glad you're trying both puff pastry recipes! Regarding the juice in the apples, it is normal to have some spilling while the puff pastry bakes, but to minimize this, try not to let the apples sit with the sugar for too long before adding them to the puff pastry. The longer they sit in the sugar, the more juices will be drawn out, leading to a wetter filling and potentially a soggy bottom crust. Thank you for visiting!
Bonnie says
For white sugar, you don't mention whether granulated or powdered
Lois says
I've updated the recipe card to read "granulated sugar." I hope this helps! Thank you for visiting!
Bonnie says
I added the right sugar, LOL. This came out beautiful, can't wait to cool & drizzle AND eat!
Lois says
I'm glad you used the right sugar! Hope you enjoyed the taste! I make it often for my family.
Del says
I added my juices from apples/cinnamon into the egg white on top.
Fran says
I really like the way you explain everything, thank you for the recipe , I will be making it soon. Looking forward to many more of your recipes
Lois says
Thank you for a lovely comment!
Lisa says
Can you freeze these?
Lois says
I updated the post with freezing tips for you! It's in the section above the recipe card. Thank you!
Katrina says
These are delicious!! I made them last night and left them to cool. How long can they be left out before putting them in the fridge?
Lois says
I would let them cool for about an hour before refrigerating them. Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Georgiann Cain says
You are very clever ! And an excellent cook.
Cindy says
What apples are best to use? Looking forward to making this!
Lois says
My favorite apple to use is Golden Delicious. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Barbara Yanik says
It clearly states 8 oz in the recipe
Lois says
Thank you Barbara. 🙂
Connie Dostal says
Be really nice to know HOW much cream cheese!
Lois says
The amounts of each ingredient are in the recipe card.
Peggy says
Its 8 oz of cream cheese
Annette says
Can this be made a day or two ahead of time?
If so, do you not bake it till ready to eat?
Thank you
Lois says
I think you could put this recipe together the night before and wrap it very tightly with plastic wrap, store in the refrigerator and then bake an hour before you plan on serving. It's best served fresh the day you bake it. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Annette says
Thank you
Yvonne says
I’ve got some pears and I’ve been wondering what to do with them. Do you think they’d be good with the cheese filing, caramel, etc? Thanks!
Lois says
I think pears would be delicious with this recipe! Enjoy!
Sheila Martin says
Iam going to make that apple strudel today but can't find the recipe for the toffee sauce please help & can it be frozen look forward to hear back asp thankyou
Lois says
There is no recipe for toffee sauce! I would not freeze this recipe. It needs to be eaten fresh from the oven. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Linda Primmer says
Looks amazing Lois. I have made this with blueberries. I am happy to feature your apple dessert at Love Your Creativity. Happy fall.
Lois says
Thank you so much!
Lois says
Blueberries sound so good too!!! I need to try that!
Beatrice Lau says
This recipe was so easy and delicious. I like how there's a picture for each step in the process and that the instructions include the measurements, thank you!
I didn't have any puff pastry so I used a store bought pie dough and it worked really well!
Lois says
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Nice to know it worked with pie dough too!
Amanda says
Hi there! I'm gluten free and have to make my own pastry dough - do you think this would work with a rough puff pastry instead of the traditional puff? It looks AMAZING!
Lois says
Hi Amanda, I sent you a personal email as well, please check your spam folder in case it's not showing up. I think using homemade puff pastry dough will work for this recipe. I've only used frozen puff pastry. Please let me know how it turns out for you! Thank you!
Carla says
I L❤️VE how Lois explains EVERY step to make it easy to follow! I made two of these incredible desserts for a group of friends, and they were gone just as quickly as I cut them up! This is not the first dessert I have made from Lois' library of lusciousness, but it just may be a favorite!
Lois says
Thank you Carla. Glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for visiting my site!
Mary Lou R says
This looks delicious and easy. I'm going to make this with Stevia. I need a good, easy sugar free dessert. Thank you.
Lois says
I'll be interested in hearing how it turns out with the Stevia. Please come back and let me know. Thank you for visiting!
Mary Lou R says
Made this with Stevia. Delicious. Had to eliminate the caramel sauce, but other than that it was perfect. The whole family enjoyed this very much. Thanks for a great recipe.
Lois says
Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know how the recipe turned out for you. This is one of my favorite recipes also. Glad you all enjoyed it!
Tamie says
There is a sugar free caramel sauce made by Smuckers. I have not tried this recipe yet but plan on it for thanksgiving!
Lois says
That sounds great. Thanks for the recommendation!
Stephanie says
Does this need to be refrigerated?
Lois says
If you're making this the day before, it should be refrigerated until you're ready to serve. You can take it out of the refrigerator an hour before serving to bring to room temperature. Please refrigerate any leftovers. Thank you for visiting my site!
Kitty says
Your braid looks wonderful! Thank you for sharing. I'm coming from Linda's party.
Lois says
Thank you Kitty!
Marisa F. Stewart says
I couldn't resist!! I made the recipe and it turned out fabulous. It was super easy to do and the taste was like bakery pastry. I'll be making this again soon for a family brunch.
Veena Azmanov says
Delicious and awesome on my Dinner table. Love the creative work on this.Have to check on this.
Lori says
Oh my word! This looks amazing!
Lois says
Thank you!!!!
Catherine says
Thank you so much for this recipe.. I made it today and it is my first time making any cream cheese pastry and my first time with the weaving. It was sooooo easy and soooo delicious... Will definitely make it again. My and I loved it and we all topped it off with caramel... Yum Yum... Have a great Day/Night
Lois says
Your comment made my day! Thank you for coming back and letting me know!
Marisa Franca says
A great recipe that would be fantastic as a breakfast sweet or dessert. For dessert I'd add some sweetened whipped cream or ice cream. You give some really good tips with the apples. Lots of people don't know the good kinds of apples to use when baking. I'll make this cream cheese puff next Saturday -- my daughter is coming over for brunch.
Veena Azmanov says
I love such quick desserts with puff pastry. I think it's the best way to make a quick dessert for guests or lazy weekends. This sounds so delicious.
Arlene Mobley says
That looks so good. It is perfect for dessert or breakfast! I love puff pastry. It is so easy to work with.
Lois says
Thanks Arlene. I agree! Puff pastry is so easy to work with and delicious!!!
Denise says
This is so pretty! I see so many people making beautiful things with puff pastry yet when I make them they look like crap. LOL You make it look doable though so maybe I'll give this a try some weekend soon. Looks delicious!
Jolina says
I love making puff pastry braid 🙂 I always end up with wayyy to much filling though. I love how you show your step-by-step photos, now I have an idea of what the correct amount of filling looks like! Yummm.
Lois says
This is one of my favorite recipes and everyone is always so impressed with how pretty it looks. Thank you for visiting.
Gloria says
This looks delicious. I would serve it for dessert or as a great addition to the weekend brunch menu. Looks like fun to make too.
Emily says
Just made this recipe: I am gluten free so I substituted with GF puff pastry. Couple things I’d do different to better use the pastry, but this is amazing. Great turn out! It looks so pretty and the directions were awesome. Thank you!
Lois says
This made my day! Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed the recipe.
Amanda says
I've been so scared by braiding pastry but you make it look so easy I have to try it now! And apple and cream cheese is such a good combo I have to have it 🙂 xo
Lois says
That's a really nice compliment. Thank you Amanda. I hope you do try to make this recipe as it really is so easy and delicious. You will impress your family and friends too! Let me know, okay?
Barrie says
What a great recipe- and so easy to make when company or kids stay over!
Lois says
Let me know if you ever do make it Barrie! Thanks for visiting!
Carole says
Hi Lois, this would fit perfectly in Food on Friday: November under the American Favorite or Desserts theme. Hope you bring it on over to share with everybody. Cheers from Carole's Chatter
Joanne DiPalo says
Delicious Lois, puff pastry makes dessert special for any day and since the holidays are coming, this should be on everyone's menu.
Lois says
Thank you Joanne. This has become one of my favorite desserts to make because it is so pretty but more importantly EASY!