Golden, flaky layers of puff pastry embrace a spiced apple filling in this stunning Apple Puff Pastry Braid—like a warm embrace from a Parisian patisserie. This recipe blends classic French pastry techniques with the cozy, cinnamon-laced flavors of American apple pie, creating a dessert that feels both refined and familiar.
Laminated dough techniques from European bakeries meet the rustic charm of homemade comfort food in this simple yet impressive pastry. The key is to keep your pastry cold and your apple filling perfectly balanced—tender, not mushy, with just the right touch of spice.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just want a cozy baking project, this apple braid is a showstopper. It pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced chai or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a year-round favorite. Once you master the braid, feel free to experiment, like swap apples for pears or add a drizzle of caramel.
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings!
- Aromatic Warmth in Every Slice – The scent of cinnamon-spiced apples baking in buttery pastry instantly fills the kitchen with holiday magic, setting the stage for a cozy celebration.
- A Bakery-Worthy Centerpiece – The golden braid looks elegant on any dessert table, impressing guests while secretly being easier to make than it appears.
- A Make-Ahead Dream – Assemble it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free holiday breakfast.
- Endlessly Customizable – Add cranberries for a tart contrast, drizzle with caramel for extra indulgence, or dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
- Tastes Like a Hug – Buttery, flaky layers with warm, spiced apples create a nostalgic bite that transports you to a festive kitchen, no matter where you are.
Apple Puff Pastry Braid Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed per directions on the box
- 2 tsp coarse sugar
- Splash of water
- 8 oz apple pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the puff pastry and place it on the prepared sheet.
- Spread the apple pie filling down the center of the pastry and sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top.
- Using a sharp knife, make eight diagonal cuts along both sides of the filling, ensuring they angle toward the bottom.
- Trim off the excess pastry at both the top and bottom, leaving the center pieces intact.
- Fold the top of the pastry over the filling, then alternately cross the strips from each side over one another, forming a braided pattern.
- Before reaching the last two strips at the bottom, fold the pastry’s bottom edge over the filling and complete the braid.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water and brush this mixture over the entire pastry.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar evenly on top.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling.
- A drizzle of caramel or icing on top enhances the sweetness.
- Using a ruler helps create even braid strips for a polished look.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 280kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 27g |
