The Fancy Twisted Apple Puff Pastry Recipe You’ll Love

Buttery layers of golden puff pastry dance with sweet cinnamon-kissed apple slices in this irresistible flaky apple puff pastry recipe.

Each bite offers a delightful crunch that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Warm spices blend harmoniously with tender apples nestled in delicate pastry shells.

Simple ingredients come together to create an elegant dessert that looks complex but takes minimal effort.

The pastry emerges from the oven with a beautiful golden sheen, promising a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen.

Serve these delectable treats warm for a stunning finish to any meal or afternoon tea.

Treat yourself to a slice of pure comfort that celebrates the classic combination of apples and flaky pastry.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Use For Braided Apple Puff Pastry

• Apples: Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith for perfect balance of sweetness and texture, ensuring a robust apple flavor.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Caramelize and enhance natural apple sweetness, creating depth and rich undertones.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps soften apples while developing complex flavor profile.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple's natural sweetness, creating classic dessert aroma.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavor and prevents apple browning during cooking.
• Cornstarch: Thickens filling, providing smooth consistency and preventing runny texture.

• Puff Pastry: Provides flaky, buttery foundation with elegant layers that create stunning presentation.
• Egg: Creates golden, glossy exterior when used as wash, ensuring beautiful shine and professional finish.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze that adds decorative touch.
• Milk: Helps achieve perfect icing consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle aromatic sweetness to complement apple filling.

Tools You’ll Need For Braided Apple Puff Pastry

• Saucepan: Essential for cooking apple filling with butter and spices.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for laying out and baking the puff pastry.
• Parchment paper: Prevents pastry from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Knife: Needed to dice apples and score pastry strips.
• Mixing bowl: Use for creating cornstarch slurry and egg wash.
• Whisk: Great for mixing icing and beating egg.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Pastry brush: Ideal for applying egg wash to create golden shine.
• Spoon: Useful for spreading apple filling and drizzling icing.

How To Bake Braided Apple Puff Pastry

• Whip Up Apple Magic

Grab fresh apples and transform them into a delectable filling. Melt butter in a pan, toss in chopped apples with sweet spices, and cook until they’re tender and fragrant.

• Unfold Pastry Perfection

Spread out your puff pastry on a baking sheet. Slice gentle strips along the edges, creating a beautiful canvas for your apple adventure. Leave the center untouched for your scrumptious filling.

• Craft Your Braided Masterpiece

Spoon your luscious apple mixture right down the pastry’s center. Start weaving the side strips over the filling, creating an elegant braid that looks like a work of art. Brush the surface with a silky egg wash for a golden glow.

• Bake to Delicious Brilliance

Slide your creation into a hot oven. Watch as the pastry puffs and turns a gorgeous golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

• Drizzle with Sweet Finale

Once cooled slightly, add a luxurious zigzag of creamy icing. This final touch transforms your pastry from delightful to extraordinary.

• Serve and Celebrate

Cut into generous slices and serve. Complement with a scoop of cool vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips To Help With Braided Apple Puff Pastry

• Perfect Apple Filling Technique: Dice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the pastry.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare apple filling up to two days in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to intensify and saving time during final preparation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry sheets for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
• Flavor Remix: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to add unexpected depth to the classic apple filling, creating a unique taste experience.
• Smart Storage Solution: Store leftover braided pastry in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, gently reheating in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

Ways To Serve Braided Apple Puff Pastry

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the warm apple flavors and flaky pastry texture.
• Dessert Delight: Transform this pastry into an elegant dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a generous drizzle of caramel sauce for extra richness.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Present as a stunning centerpiece during weekend brunches, cutting into beautiful slices that showcase the intricate braided design and reveal the golden-brown apple filling.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack individual slices for outdoor gatherings, wrapping them carefully to maintain their delicate structure and provide a portable sweet treat that everyone will adore.

How To Store Braided Apple Puff Pastry

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Let the braided pastry rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes after baking to maintain its crispy texture and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Smart Storage Solutions: Wrap the pastry loosely in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture buildup.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual slices in a preheated oven at 150C (300F) for 5-7 minutes to restore the pastry's original crisp and flaky texture, avoiding microwave which can make it soggy.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the unbaked braided pastry tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake directly from chilled state, adding 5-10 minutes to original baking time.

Flaky Apple Puff Pastry Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Rustic braided apple puff pastry showcases elegant French pastry techniques with sweet cinnamon apples. Flaky layers and caramelized fruit create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with each delicate bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 sheet puff pastry (about 10x15 inches), thawed
• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
• 12 tbsps milk
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsps water

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Filling: Melt butter in a saucepan and combine diced apples, sugars, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Simmer until apples soften and develop a rich, golden color.
2. Thicken Mixture: Whisk cornstarch with water and blend into the apple mixture. Stir continuously until the filling reaches a luxurious, jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool to intensify flavors.
3. Prepare Pastry Base: Unroll puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Score into three equal sections without cutting completely through the dough.
4. Create Decorative Strips: Use a sharp knife to cut diagonal strips along the outer thirds of the pastry, leaving the central section as a filling canvas. These strategic cuts will enable elegant braiding.
5. Apply Filling and Seal: Spread the cooled apple mixture evenly down the pastry’s center. Fold top and bottom edges over the filling to create a protective border.
6. Braid Pastry: Carefully fold the prepared strips over the filling, alternating sides to create an intricate woven pattern that seals in the delectable apple mixture.
7. Prepare for Baking: Brush the pastry surface with beaten egg to achieve a lustrous, golden-brown finish during baking.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place in a preheated oven and bake until the pastry turns deep amber and rises to crispy, flaky perfection.
9. Finish and Decorate: Allow pastry to cool slightly. Optional: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a simple icing. Drizzle in an elegant zig-zag pattern across the cooled pastry.

Notes

• Control Apple Moisture: Prevent soggy pastry by patting diced apples dry with paper towels before cooking to reduce excess liquid and maintain a crisp texture.
• Master Braiding Technique: Use a ruler or knife guide to create even, uniform diagonal strips for a professional-looking braid that holds its shape during baking.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the filling by experimenting with nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to complement the classic cinnamon and create a personalized flavor profile.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: Swap traditional puff pastry with gluten-free or vegan alternatives, ensuring the filling remains rich and flavorful for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg