Take cream cheese and whipped topping out of the fridge and freezer, respectively, to allow them to come to room temperature.
Wash the apples and chop them into bite-sized pieces, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
Wash and halve the grapes and add to the bowl with the apples.
Add the cream cheese and vanilla bean paste to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Beat these ingredients with a hand mixer until they're smooth. Add the frozen whipped topping and beat until blended and smooth.
Combine the walnuts with brown sugar in a small bowl.
To assemble the salad, add the cream cheese dressing to the apples and grapes, and toss until well combined. Sprinkle the brown sugar and walnuts over the top and serve.