Indulge in the sweet, flaky goodness of Apple Caramel Puff Pastry Braid with Cream Cheese Filling. This dessert combines luscious cream cheese, fresh apples, and a drizzle of caramel, all enveloped in a golden, flaky puff pastry. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a delightful dessert, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 apple, peeled and sliced (a tart variety like Granny Smith works well)
¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pastry will bake evenly and turn golden brown.
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. This will give you a nice, even base to work with.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture down the center of the puff pastry.
Add the Apple Slices:
Layer the sliced apples over the cream cheese filling. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apple slices for an extra touch of sweetness.
Create the Braid:
To form the braid, cut slits along each side of the pastry, about 1 inch apart. Fold the slits over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid pattern.
Brush with Egg Wash:
Brush the top of the braid with the beaten egg. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden finish when baked.
Bake:
Place the braid on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Serving Tips:
Warm Up: For the best experience, serve the braid warm. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Garnish: Consider garnishing with additional caramel sauce, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for added flavor and presentation.
Pairing: This pastry pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh whipped cream. A cup of coffee or tea can also complement the sweetness perfectly.
Slice Neatly: Use a sharp knife to cut the braid into even slices for a polished presentation. A serrated knife works well to prevent crushing the flaky layers.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the braid within a day, you can store it at room temperature. Cover it loosely with foil or parchment paper to keep it fresh.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place any leftover braid in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Freezing: If you want to save the braid for later, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled braid tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven until warm.
Reheating: To restore the pastry’s flaky texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will help re-crisp the pastry.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought caramel sauce to save time. However, if you prefer a homemade touch, you can easily make caramel sauce using sugar, butter, and cream.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for this recipe as they provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the cream cheese and caramel. However, you can use any apple variety you enjoy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the braid ahead of time. Assemble the pastry and filling, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to a few hours before baking. If you want to prepare it even further in advance, you can freeze the unbaked braid and bake it straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore their flaky texture.
Conclusion:
This Apple Caramel Puff Pastry Braid with Cream Cheese Filling is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Perfect for special occasions, brunch, or a cozy evening at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
📖 Recipe:
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Apple Caramel Puff Pastry Braid with Cream Cheese Filling
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful Apple Caramel Puff Pastry Braid with Cream Cheese Filling. This easy-to-make pastry features a rich cream cheese mixture and fresh apple slices, all drizzled with caramel, nestled between flaky layers of puff pastry. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this braid will impress your guests with its stunning presentation and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 apple, peeled and sliced
¼ cup caramel sauce
1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread this mixture down the center of the puff pastry.
- Layer the sliced apples over the cream cheese filling and drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Cut slits along each side of the pastry, about 1 inch apart, to create a braid pattern. Fold the slits over the filling, alternating sides.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Notes
For a crunchier texture, consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
You can substitute the apple with pears for a different flavor profile.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 300 kcal per serving
