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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Pastry Base: Unroll puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Score into three equal sections without cutting completely through the dough.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the pastry surface with beaten egg to achieve a lustrous, golden-brown finish during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place in a preheated oven and bake until the pastry turns deep amber and rises to crispy, flaky perfection.
- 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