Braided Apple Puff Pastry: An Easy, Elegant Fall Dessert

There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of flaky puff pastry, warm cinnamon-spiced apples, and a sweet glaze. This Braided Apple Puff Pastry is a stunning yet simple dessert that looks like it came from a bakery—but requires minimal effort! Perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe delivers buttery layers, juicy apple filling, and a gorgeous braided presentation that will wow everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Easy Yet Impressive – Looks fancy but is beginner-friendly.
✅ Quick to Make – Ready in under 45 minutes.
✅ Versatile – Serve for breakfast, dessert, or with ice cream.
✅ Customizable – Swap apples for pears, berries, or Nutella.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pastry & Filling:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken filling)

For the Egg Wash:

  • egg, beaten
  • 1 tbsp milk or water

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Powdered sugar
  • Caramel drizzle
  • Vanilla ice cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Apples

  1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Sprinkle cornstarch, stir, and cook 1 more minute until thickened. Set aside to cool.

2. Roll & Cut the Puff Pastry

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Roll out puff pastry slightly (about 10×12 inches).
  3. Use a knife to make 1-inch diagonal cuts along both long sides, leaving a 3-inch center strip untouched.

3. Add the Filling & Braid

  1. Spoon the apple mixture down the center of the pastry.
  2. Fold the cut strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid.
  3. Press ends to seal.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

  1. Brush with egg wash (egg + milk).
  2. Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden.

5. Glaze & Serve

  1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze; drizzle over warm pastry.
  2. Slice and serve with ice cream or whipped cream!

Expert Tips for Success

🍏 Apple Choice: Firm apples (like Granny Smith) hold shape best.
🌀 Easy Braiding: Work quickly to keep pastry cold for flakier layers.
🔥 Avoid Sogginess: Don’t overfill, and blot excess liquid from apples.
⏳ Make Ahead: Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate overnight.

Serving Suggestions

  • Brunch: Pair with coffee or mimosas.
  • Dessert: Top with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.
  • Holiday Twist: Add cranberries or pecans to the filling.

Variations to Try

🍐 Pear & Almond: Swap apples for pears; add almond slices.
🍫 Chocolate-Hazelnut: Spread Nutella under apples.
🍂 Savory Option: Fill with Brie & caramelized onions.

Final Thoughts

This Braided Apple Puff Pastry is a foolproof way to impress with minimal effort. Flaky, sweet, and beautifully presented, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Bake, slice, and watch it disappear! 🍎✨

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