This braided apple puff pastry is an easy dessert recipe. It’s similar to apple strudel but with much less effort! It’s quite an impressive dessert and can be served as a delicious treat, appetizer, or even a yummy snack. And you don’t even need any fancy ingredients!
With a few basic ingredients like puff pastry, apples, lemon jam, and brown sugar, you can whip up this beautiful dessert in no time. Simply brush a sheet of puff pastry with lemon jam, top with apple slices, braid, and bake! The result is soft, flavorful apples with crispy, flaky layers. You’ll love how simple and delicious this dessert is!
Apples –any red baking apple will work, look for Honeycrisp and Pink Lady, as these will give the best results.
Puff pastry – use store-bought puff pastry from the frozen foods section; allow to thaw completely before using.
Lemon jam – you can use any other fruit preserve.
Brown sugar – this will be used to create a crispy, caramelized texture.
Making this apple puff pastry is easier than you may think.
To prepare the apples, you will first cut them into thin slices. There is no precooking step.
Coat the puff pastry with lemon jam (leave a border without jam). Arrange the apples on top of the jam.
To make a braid out of the dough, use a pastry cutter to make small cuts on the side. Create a braid by folding over the slices, alternating between the two sides.
Sprinkle the brown sugar over the braided dough. Bake at 360°F/180°C for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden and cooked through.
If you want, you can leave out the puff pastry, and use crescent roll instead.
If the roses brown too quickly, add a loose piece of foil on top to prevent further browning.
To make sure the apples are evenly sliced, you can use a mandoline slicer.
In the place of lemon jam, you can also use a mixture of butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
You can also use cream cheese, caramel, or any other fruit preserve.
Add dried fruit like cranberries or raisins to the filling.
Use premade apple filling or substitute the apples with fresh cranberries.
Serve the apple puff pastry on its own, or add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
Leftovers can be stored at room temperature (in an airtight container) for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
If you want to make them ahead of time, you can assemble and roll the braided pastry, and keep it unbaked in the fridge. Bake before serving.
Cut the apple into slices.
Cut the apple into slices.
Coat the puff pastry with lemon jam and arrange the apples on top.
Coat the puff pastry with lemon jam and arrange the apples on top.
Use a pastry cutter to create strips on the side.
Use a pastry cutter to create strips on the side.
Use the strips to make a braid out of the dough.
Use the strips to make a braid out of the dough.
Sprinkle sugar over the pastry braid.
Sprinkle sugar over the pastry braid.
Bake at 360°F/180°C for 20-25 minutes. Serve.
Bake at 360°F/180°C for 20-25 minutes. Serve.