Some desserts are meant to impress, and this Apple Puff Pastry Braid is one of them. Golden, flaky layers of buttery pastry wrap around a luscious apple filling, kissed with cinnamon and a touch of lemon for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Add a smooth, creamy cheesecake-like layer, and you have a show-stopping treat that’s as easy to make as it is stunning to serve.
It’s no wonder this recipe is trending—home bakers love it for its bakery-style elegance with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a cozy brunch, a holiday gathering, or just a midweek indulgence, this braid comes together effortlessly with store-bought puff pastry.
The best part? No complicated dough to knead or roll! For a complete meal, serve it alongside Cilantro Lime Shrimp Wraps for a fresh, zesty contrast or enjoy it with a slice of Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread for an extra apple-infused treat.
The aroma alone—warm cinnamon apples baking into crisp, buttery perfection—will have everyone gathering in the kitchen before it’s even out of the oven. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back to it.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Again and Again!
- Flaky, Bakery-Style Goodness Without the Hassle – Store-bought puff pastry makes this braid foolproof, yet it looks like it came straight from a pastry shop.
- The Perfect Balance of Sweet & Tangy – Granny Smith apples add just the right amount of tartness to complement the rich cream cheese filling.
- Ideal for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday brunch, a weekend breakfast, or an elegant dessert, this braid fits right in.
- Customizable & Fun to Make – Try adding nuts, caramel drizzle, or even a touch of nutmeg for a personal twist.
Apple Puff Pastry Braid Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Knife or pizza cutter
Materials
Apple Filling:
- 2 Granny Smith apples peeled, core removed and diced into small pieces
- ¾ cups water
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounce cream cheese
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Coarse sugar for topping.
- 1 box puff pastry sheets
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling – In a saucepan, cook diced apples, water, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon until soft and thickened. Let it cool.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling – Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry – Roll out the pastry sheet on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make diagonal cuts along the edges for braiding.
- Assemble the Braid – Spread cream cheese filling in the center, followed by apple filling. Fold pastry strips over, overlapping to create a braid.
- Apply Egg Wash – Brush the top with an egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar for a golden finish.
- Bake – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
- Cool & Serve – Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 377kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 39g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Sodium | 168mg |
Most Useful Tips For This Recipe!
- Let the Apple Filling Cool Completely – If it’s too warm, it can make the pastry soggy. A quick trick? Spread it on a plate and pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Work with Cold Puff Pastry – Keep the pastry in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. If it gets too soft, chill it for a few minutes before assembling to keep it crisp and flaky.
- Don’t Overload the Filling – Too much apple or cream cheese filling will make braiding difficult and can cause leaks while baking. Aim for a generous but balanced layer.
- Use a Pizza Cutter for Even Strips – When cutting the pastry for the braid, a pizza cutter gives you clean, straight lines without dragging the dough.
- Sprinkle a Light Layer of Breadcrumbs – A tiny amount under the apple filling absorbs excess moisture, keeping the pastry from getting soggy while baking.
- For an Extra Glossy Finish, Double Up on Egg Wash – Brush once before baking and again five minutes before it’s done for that deep golden shine.
- Cool Slightly Before Slicing – This prevents the filling from spilling out and gives the layers time to set, making for neater slices.
- Try a Sweet-Savory Twist – If you love contrast, add a pinch of sea salt or finely chopped rosemary to the filling. It enhances the apple’s sweetness beautifully!
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
