Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Braided Apple Puff Pastry is an elegant yet easy dessert that delivers bakery-style results with minimal effort. Filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry, this treat is perfect for brunches, fall gatherings, or a cozy night in. Its beautiful braided appearance makes it a showstopper on any table, while the simple ingredients keep it stress-free.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

puff pastry sheet (thawed if frozen)apples (peeled and diced)brown sugargranulated sugarcinnamonnutmeg (optional)lemon juicecornstarchvanilla extractegg (for egg wash)powdered sugar and milk (for glaze, optional)

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a saucepan, combine diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch.

Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until apples are tender and the mixture is thickened. Stir in vanilla and let cool slightly.

Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Using a sharp knife, make horizontal cuts about 1 inch apart along both long sides, leaving the center third uncut.

Spoon the apple mixture down the center of the pastry.

Fold the cut strips over the filling, alternating sides to form a braid. Tuck in the ends.

Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.

Cool slightly before drizzling with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6-8 slices.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 20-25 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Add chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling.

Use store-bought apple pie filling for a shortcut.

Try a cream cheese layer beneath the apples for extra richness.

Substitute pears or mixed berries for a twist.

Top with caramel sauce instead of glaze.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes to maintain crispness.Not recommended for freezing once baked.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.

Can I use pre-made apple pie filling?

Yes, just reduce added sugars and cornstarch accordingly.

Does the puff pastry need to be thawed?

Yes, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 30–40 minutes.

Can I use a homemade pastry?

Absolutely, though puff pastry provides the best flakiness.

How do I prevent soggy pastry?

Cool the filling and avoid overstuffing to prevent excess moisture.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, it’s optional—dusting with powdered sugar works too.

What apples are best?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji offer great flavor and texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use non-dairy milk for the glaze and ensure your puff pastry is dairy-free.

Do I need to use an egg wash?

It helps achieve a glossy, golden finish, but can be skipped or replaced with milk.

Conclusion

Braided Apple Puff Pastry is a stunning and delicious way to enjoy classic apple pie flavors with half the effort. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a light dessert with coffee, this flaky, fruit-filled braid is sure to impress every time.