CREAM CHEESE APPLE BRAID

CREAM CHEESE APPLE BRAID image

Categories Apple

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 pre-made pie crusts
6 oz cream cheese, softened
2 Tbs sugar
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
1 large or 2 small apples, peeled cored and chopped
½ tsp cinnamon
1 Tbs sugar
1 tsp all-purpose flour
pinch of salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 Tbs sugar + 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, mixed togethe

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. In small bowl, toss together the apple pieces, cinnamon, sugar, flour and pinch of salt. Unroll one crust and gently stretch corner to form an almost square shape. Fold in thirds to make creases and unfold. Down center of crust, spread half of the cream cheese mixture, almost to edges. Top with half the apple mixture. Brush beaten egg lightly over the crust, on either side of the filling. Slice the sides into thick strips then alternate them over top of the filling, forming a braid. Fold ends up to keep filling inside. Repeat with the second crust and remaining filling/apples. Place braids on parchment lined sheet and brush tops with a bit more egg wash. Sprinkle with the spiced sugar mixture before sliding into your preheated oven Bake 25 - 30 minutes, until tops are golden brown. Remove them to a wire rack to slightly cool before serving. Serve slices as is or dust with powdered sugar.