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Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

Avatar photoBySusan Miller
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 60 reviews
Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious, this Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid Recipe is your new best friend. Layers of buttery puff pastry wrapped around a luscious apple and ricotta filling with warm cinnamon make for a show-stopping dessert — or even a breakfast delight that anyone will adore.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Effortlessly impressive: This recipe looks like a bakery masterpiece but comes together in under an hour with minimal fuss.
Perfect blend of flavors: Sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and creamy ricotta create layers of comfort in every bite.
Versatile treat: Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or even a special snack that will brighten your day.
Great for sharing: The braided design is perfect for slicing and serving, making it an ideal recipe for gatherings or cozy family moments.

A golden brown braided pastry rests on a white marbled surface, showing five thick strips of dough layered on top, each dusted with a light sprinkle of sugar that adds a matte texture. The outer crust is shiny and crisp, with a mix of warm, toasted browns and lighter, flaky edges. Between the braided gaps, a soft, amber-colored filling peeks through, suggesting a sweet, cooked fruit inside. The pastry has a slightly uneven oval shape, with one end rounded and the other more tapered, and the dough layers visibly puffed and flaky, creating a textured, inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid, apple cinnamon dessert, puff pastry breakfast idea, easy fruit pastry, flaky apple pastry

Ingredients & Substitutions

The magic of this Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid Recipe starts with simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the flakiness of puff pastry to the natural sweetness of apples, every component enhances texture, flavor, and color for a breathtaking finale.

Flat lay of chopped red and green apples, golden melted butter, warm brown sugar crystals, rich cinnamon powder, creamy white ricotta cheese dollop, smooth vanilla extract in a small glass container, a sheet of flaky puff pastry, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar crystals artfully scattered, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid, apple cinnamon dessert, puff pastry breakfast idea, easy fruit pastry, flaky apple pastry
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the apples for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
  • Apples: Choose firm, sweet-tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain texture and balance sweetness.
  • Ground cinnamon & cinnamon sugar: These warm spices elevate the flavor, giving the braid its signature cozy taste.
  • Egg: Used for brushing the pastry, it ensures a golden, shiny finish.
  • Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses note that complements the apples beautifully.
  • Vanilla extract: Brings subtle warmth and rounds out the filling’s flavors.
  • Puff pastry sheet: The star crust—light, flaky, and buttery, perfect for braiding.
  • Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, providing a luscious layer inside the braid; you can substitute with cream cheese if preferred.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your puff pastry won’t stick and will bake evenly into that irresistible golden puff you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add your chopped apples, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir everything together and let the apples cook until they soften and the sugar caramelizes, about 5-7 minutes. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract and set this warm, fragrant apple filling aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base

Unroll your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If it’s not a perfect rectangle, gently roll it out to about 10 by 12 inches. This size gives you plenty of room to create that beautiful braid and hold the delicious filling snugly inside.

Step 4: Add Ricotta and Apple Mixture

Spread the creamy ricotta cheese evenly down the center third of the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border at the top and bottom edges. Then, spoon your warm apple mixture right on top of the ricotta, letting those cinnamon-spiced apples steal the show.

Step 5: Craft the Braid

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice diagonal strips along each side of the filling, about 1 inch wide. Fold the top edge over the filling, then alternate folding right and left strips across the center, creating a gorgeous braided pattern filled with that apple-ricotta goodness. Brush the top with whisked egg and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a shiny, sweet finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your braided masterpiece to the lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is puffed, golden, and smelling absolutely irresistible. Let it cool just a bit before slicing — patience here will make serving easier and tastier.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

Three pieces of golden brown puff pastry are laid out on a white marbled surface with visible sugar crystals on top. Each piece has multiple flaky layers with a shiny, slightly caramelized surface. Inside the pastries, there are chunks of orange-colored fruit, likely cooked peaches, mixed with a glossy brown sauce that slightly spills over the edges. Dried small rosebuds are scattered around, adding a touch of color and decoration. The overall texture looks crisp and crunchy on the outside while soft and juicy inside photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid, apple cinnamon dessert, puff pastry breakfast idea, easy fruit pastry, flaky apple pastry

Garnishes

The finishing touch is key! A light dusting of powdered sugar over the warm braid adds a pretty touch and a hint of extra sweetness. For an indulgent twist, drizzle some warm caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your slices—pure bliss!

Side Dishes

This Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of your favorite coffee or spiced tea for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack. Serve alongside fresh fruit or a light green salad if you want to balance sweetness with something fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve slices individually drizzled with honey or a dusting of cinnamon. You can also cut mini braids from the same dough for adorable, bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing or party platters!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid is best kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve the pastry’s flakiness. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the fridge is fine but bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze an unbaked braid wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with egg wash and cinnamon sugar before baking as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a slice or two in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispness and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving to keep that flaky, golden crust intact.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta in this Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid Recipe?

    Absolutely! While ricotta provides a creamy but mild base, cream cheese can be a great substitute for a slightly tangier flavor and a richer texture. Just be sure to soften it well for easy spreading.

  2. What type of apples work best for this recipe?

    Firm apples that hold shape well when cooked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala, are ideal. They create the perfect balance between tartness and sweetness without turning into mush.

  3. Can I prepare the braid ahead of time and bake later?

    Yes, you can prep the braid and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just cover it well to prevent drying out, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

  4. Is it possible to make this Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid Recipe gluten-free?

    While the traditional puff pastry contains gluten, there are several gluten-free puff pastry options available in stores. Just make sure to follow the package instructions and handle the dough gently to maintain its delicate layers.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid Recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth, flavor, and a bit of show-stopping magic to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy breakfast treat or a dazzling dessert, it’s sure to become a beloved classic. Dive in, get a little flour on your hands, and prepare to wow your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share it!

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Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Susan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Puff Pastry Braid is a delightful and elegant dessert featuring a flaky puff pastry filled with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple and ricotta cheese mixture. The pastry is braided for a beautiful presentation and baked until golden and crisp, making it perfect for a cozy dessert or a special brunch treat.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Apple Filling

  • 4 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 apples, cored and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pastry

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastry from sticking during baking.
  2. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped apples, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir to combine well. Cook the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are softened and the sugar has caramelized. Stir in the vanilla extract, then remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet. If necessary, gently roll it out into a rectangle approximately 10 by 12 inches in size.
  4. Add the Ricotta and Apple Mixture: Spread the ricotta cheese evenly down the center third of the puff pastry sheet, leaving about a 1-inch border on the top and bottom edges. Spoon the cooled apple mixture evenly over the ricotta layer.
  5. Braid the Pastry: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut diagonal strips about 1 inch wide along both the left and right sides of the puff pastry, leaving the middle section with the filling intact. Fold the top 1-inch border over the filling at an angle to seal the beginning of the braid. Alternately fold the diagonal strips from each side over the filling, overlapping them to create a braided effect all the way down to the bottom edge.
  6. Apply Egg Wash and Topping: Brush the entire pastry braid with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish upon baking. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar generously over the top for added sweetness and crunch.
  7. Bake: Carefully transfer the braided pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and crisp.
  8. Serve: Remove the baked pastry from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Slice into portions and serve warm. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a decorative touch before serving.

Notes

  • Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
  • Let the apple filling cool slightly before spreading to prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy.
  • Make sure your puff pastry is well thawed but still cold for easier handling and better puffing.
  • Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to achieve clean, even strips for braiding.
  • Serve this pastry warm for the best texture and flavor.
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