The Holidays are right around the corner, the season is extremely hectic with festivities and family around. I encourage you to make my easy apple walnut pastry braid this holiday season and have more time to spend with your loved ones.
Easy Apple Dessert
This easy apple walnut pastry braid is as simple as it gets. The perfect dessert to bring to your next party or gathering, or even grace your table this thanksgiving. The puff pastry gets super buttery and crispy and we use premade pastry for ease and to save on time. Delicious crisp apples soften up in the oven for apple pie vibes with a fraction of the effort.
Warm Walnut and Apple
The flavors of this easy apple walnut pastry braid are so warm and comforting. You can use your favorite apple variety for this recipe. I went with honey crisps because of their sweetness and crisp texture. The pastry is sweetened with maple syrup, which pairs nicely with the toasted walnuts. The “braid” is super easy and fun to make, a few simple cuts and folds and into the oven it goes to caramelize and puff up.
Ingredients Needed to Make the Easy Apple Walnut Pastry Braid
Store Bought Puff Pastry
Apples (Any Variety)
Apple Butter
Toasted Walnuts (whole or pieces)
Maple Syrup
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
1 Egg (for egg wash)
How to Make Easy Apple Walnut Pastry Braids Step by Step:
STEP 1: Pre heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Make the walnut filling by adding toasted walnuts, maple syrup, and cinnamon to a food processor or blender. Blend on high until a paste forms.
STEP 2: Core and thinly slice the apples and set them aside for later. Unfold and place your defrosted puff pastry flour side down. Gently roll it out with a rolling pin to flatten. Leaving a space in the middle use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to make diagonal cuts about an inch apart, on both sides of the pastry (pictured below).
STEP 3: Spread an even layer of apple butter in the middle uncut section. Then add a layer of your maple walnut paste on top. Add an even layer of your sliced apples. Top the apples with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
STEP 4: After folding the end in, start crossing over each section do this one at time and alternate every other. When you get to the last few pieces fold in the other end and tuck underneath the last few strands. (see picture below)
STEP 5: Mix 1 egg and a splash of water. Lightly brush the top of your braid with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired. Bake for 20 minutes and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before cutting into. Enjoy!
Notes for Success
Make sure to place the puff pastry flour side down to prevent the dough from sticking. Make sure to alternate every other dough strand. Your pastry will look amazing no matter what and most importantly it will taste good. Most puff pastries come in a 2 pack, which means you could double the recipe and make 2 braids if you desire.
Storage
You can store your apple walnut braid in a seal airtight container at room temperature for 2 days and in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat cook in the oven or toaster oven to 350 degrees F. Reheat for 5 minutes.
Here are some more dessert recipes~
Gluten Free Peach and Almond Cake
Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
If you make this Easy Apple Walnut Pastry Braid, be sure to leave a comment and rating. I appreciate your support and feedback and I try my best to respond to each and every comment! Thank you!
Easy Apple Walnut Pastry Braid
Ingredients
- 1 Store bought Puff Pastry Sheet (Thawed)
- 2 Apples (Any Variety, I used honey crisps)
- ¼ cup Maple Syrup + 1 tsp for drizzling
- ¾ cup Walnuts (toasted)
- 2 tbsp Apple Butter
- ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 pinch Nutmeg
- 1 Egg + splash of water
Instructions
- Pre heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Make the walnut filling by adding toasted walnuts, maple syrup, and cinnamon to a food processor or blender. Blend on high for a minute or until a paste forms.
- Core and thinly slice the apples and set them aside for later. Unfold and place your defrosted puff pastry flour side down. Gently roll it out with a rolling pin to flatten. Leaving a space in the middle use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to make diagonal cuts about an inch apart, on both sides of the pastry.
- Spread an even layer of apple butter in the middle uncut section. Then add a layer of your maple walnut paste on top. Add an even layer of your sliced apples. Top the apples with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
- After folding the end in, start crossing over each section do this one at time and alternate every other. When you get to the last few pieces fold in the other end and tuck underneath the last few strands.
- Mix 1 egg and a splash of water. Lightly brush the top of your braid with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired. Bake for 20 minutes and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before cutting into. Enjoy!
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