What the heck is this?
Imagine warm spiced apples tucked inside buttery puff pastry, all braided up like a fancy bakery treat—but with zero stress. This braided apple puff pastry looks impressive, tastes incredible, and is secretly ridiculously easy to make. It’s part strudel, part Danish, part edible hug. You just need a sheet of puff pastry, some apples, a few pantry staples, and the bravery to make a few diagonal cuts. That’s it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You only need one sheet of puff pastry. ONE.
- It looks like something from a French café window.
- Warm cinnamon apples + flaky pastry = dessert magic.
- Great for brunch, dessert, or “accidentally” breakfast.
- Done in under 40 minutes.
- You’ll feel like a pastry wizard.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the filling:
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are )
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the pastry:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk or water (for the egg wash)
Optional glaze (but highly recommended):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp milk
- Dash of vanilla extract
Let’s Do This
1. Prep those apples.
In a skillet over medium heat, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, both sugars, cinnamon, salt, and cornstarch. Cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let it cool a bit—piping hot apple lava is not our friend when handling pastry.
2. Puff pastry time.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry onto a sheet of parchment. If needed, lightly flour the surface to prevent sticking.
3. Get fancy (but not really).
Imagine the pastry in thirds vertically. Place the cooled apple mixture down the center third. On the outer two thirds, make diagonal cuts (about 1 inch apart) toward the apples—these are your “braid” strips. Fold the strips over the apples, alternating sides, overlapping slightly to create a pretty braided look. Tuck the ends in if you’re feeling tidy.
4. Egg wash & bake.
Whisk the egg with the milk or water. Brush it all over the braided pastry—this helps with that golden, glossy bakery finish. Transfer the parchment and pastry onto a baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and irresistible.
5. Glaze it (if you want to be extra).
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled pastry in swoopy zigzags. Let it set for a few minutes… or don’t.
6. Slice and serve.
Use a serrated knife to slice it into thick pieces. Serve warm or at room temp with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
- With coffee or chai in the morning (you’re welcome).
- Add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for dessert.
- Serve with whipped cream and caramel drizzle if you’re feeling dramatic (in the best way).
- Perfect addition to a brunch table spread.
Switch It Up
- Use pears instead of apples for a cozy twist.
- Add chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) to the filling for crunch.
- Sprinkle in some raisins or dried cranberries.
- Add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the filling for a creamy surprise.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can prep the filling up to 2 days in advance—just keep it chilled.
- Assemble and chill the braid (unbaked) for a few hours if needed, then bake fresh.
- Leftovers reheat well in the toaster oven or air fryer.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
A: Sure, but the fresh filling takes 5 minutes and tastes way better.
Q: Do I need to defrost puff pastry first?
A: Yes! Thaw it in the fridge overnight or on the counter for 30–40 minutes until pliable.
Q: Can I freeze the baked pastry?
A: Totally. Just wrap it well and reheat in the oven to crisp it back up.
Braided Apple Puff Pastry: The Flaky, Fruity Dessert You Didn’t Know You Needed
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
Imagine warm spiced apples tucked inside buttery puff pastry, all braided up like a fancy bakery treat—but with zero stress. This braided apple puff pastry looks impressive, tastes incredible, and is secretly ridiculously easy to make. It’s part strudel, part Danish, part edible hug. You just need a sheet of puff pastry, some apples, a few pantry staples, and the bravery to make a few diagonal cuts. That’s it.
Instructions
1. Prep those apples.
In a skillet over medium heat, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, both sugars, cinnamon, salt, and cornstarch. Cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let it cool a bit—piping hot apple lava is not our friend when handling pastry.
2. Puff pastry time.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry onto a sheet of parchment. If needed, lightly flour the surface to prevent sticking.
3. Get fancy (but not really).
Imagine the pastry in thirds vertically. Place the cooled apple mixture down the center third. On the outer two thirds, make diagonal cuts (about 1 inch apart) toward the apples—these are your “braid” strips. Fold the strips over the apples, alternating sides, overlapping slightly to create a pretty braided look. Tuck the ends in if you’re feeling tidy.
4. Egg wash & bake.
Whisk the egg with the milk or water. Brush it all over the braided pastry—this helps with that golden, glossy bakery finish. Transfer the parchment and pastry onto a baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and irresistible.
5. Glaze it (if you want to be extra).
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled pastry in swoopy zigzags. Let it set for a few minutes… or don’t.
6. Slice and serve.
Use a serrated knife to slice it into thick pieces. Serve warm or at room temp with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
With coffee or chai in the morning (you’re welcome).
Add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for dessert.
Serve with whipped cream and caramel drizzle if you’re feeling dramatic (in the best way).
Perfect addition to a brunch table spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: ~38g per serving
- Protein: ~3g per serving