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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

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.

Find it online: https://www.recipeothy.com/apple-cinnamon-puff-pastry-braid-recipe/