🍏 Apple Puff Pastry Braid 🍯
Flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around cinnamon-spiced apples, drizzled with glaze—a stunning yet simple dessert or brunch showstopper!
⏰ Time
- Prep: 15 mins | Bake: 20-25 mins | Total: 40 mins
- Serves: 6-8
📝 Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken juices)
Pastry & Toppings:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp coarse sugar (like turbinado, for crunch)
- ½ cup powdered sugar + 1-2 tsp milk (for glaze, optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Apples
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice. Sauté 5 mins until slightly soft.
- Stir in cornstarch and cook 1 more minute. Let cool slightly.
2️⃣ Prep the Pastry
- Roll out puff pastry on parchment paper into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
- Cut 1-inch diagonal strips along both long sides (leave the center intact).
- Spoon apple filling down the middle.
3️⃣ Braid
- Fold strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a “braid.” Tuck ends under.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
4️⃣ Bake
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 mins until golden and puffed.
5️⃣ Glaze & Serve
- Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze (if using) and serve warm.
🌟 Pro Tips
- Prevent sogginess: Don’t overfill, and pat apples dry after cooking.
- Savory twist: Swap apples for brie + jam or spinach-artichoke dip.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight; bake before serving.
🍽 Serving Ideas
🍦 Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
☕ Pair with chai tea or coffee for brunch.
Stores well: Reheat in the oven to revive crispness!
Hungry for more? Try a berry or pumpkin version! 🎃🍓
