If you’ve ever wondered how to make a show-stopping appetizer that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple, I’ve got you covered with my Cinnamon Apple Baked Brie in Puff Pastry Recipe. This dish combines warm cinnamon-spiced apple sauce with gooey, melty brie, all wrapped in crisp, buttery puff pastry. Seriously, when you bring this to a gathering or serve it for a cozy night in, people can’t get enough of it. Stick around because I’m sharing everything you need to know—from ingredient tips to pro tricks—to help you nail it perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Balanced Flavors: The sweet cinnamon apple filling perfectly complements the creamy brie and flaky puff pastry for a sweet-savory bite you’ll crave.
- Impressive Yet Simple: It looks like something from a fancy restaurant but takes just about an hour and simple ingredients to make.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, weekend brunch, or a casual snack, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Proven Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: I share the kitchen tricks that helped me avoid soggy pastry or a dry apple filling, so you get it just right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient adds its own magic to this Cinnamon Apple Baked Brie in Puff Pastry Recipe. I like choosing sweet, crisp apples since they break down nicely but still hold texture, and good-quality puff pastry makes the whole thing buttery and flaky without fuss.
- Unsalted butter: Helps build the buttery base for your apple sauce and keeps the flavors rich but balanced without extra salt.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and apples.
- Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that makes the apple filling taste like fall in a bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Apples: Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala are my favorites here because of their natural sweetness and crisp texture—perfect for the filling.
- Puff pastry sheet: Pre-rolled frozen puff pastry saves time and guarantees that flaky texture when baked.
- Brie cheese wheel: The star of the show! The rind is edible and helps hold everything together.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds crunch and a nutty note that complements the creaminess of the brie and apples.
- Maple syrup: Brushed on the top to give that beautiful golden glaze and subtle sweetness.
- Raw sugar: Sprinkled on top before baking for texture and sparkling color.
Variations
I’m all about making recipes fit your style, so feel free to tweak this Cinnamon Apple Baked Brie in Puff Pastry Recipe however you like. I’ve played around with a few different versions, and they all turn out delicious in their own way.
- Spiced up: I love adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling for an extra cozy flavor boost, especially near the holidays.
- Nut-free: If you’ve got nut allergies or just prefer it nut-free, you can skip the pecans or walnuts without losing much—though I do miss that little crunch!
- Fruit swap: Pears work well here too, if you want to put a twist on the classic apple filling, just adjust cooking time until tender.
- Vegan-friendly: Use a dairy-free brie alternative and a vegan puff pastry to recreate this for plant-based diets; it’s just as flavorful once you get used to the subtle differences.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Baked Brie in Puff Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Cinnamon Apple Sauce to Perfection
Start by melting your butter in a large skillet over medium heat—this is the base that brings creaminess and flavor. Then add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt while stirring to help everything dissolve nicely. While the liquid mixture heats, peel, core, and dice your apples into about half-inch pieces—that size keeps them tender but not mushy. Once simmering, toss your apples in, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium low, and let everything cook for about 10 minutes. After uncovering, keep cooking until the apples are tender and the sauce thickens a bit—this usually takes another 10 minutes. Pro tip: Keep an eye so the sauce doesn’t overcook and turn syrupy; you want it thick but still saucy enough to stay moist inside the brie.
Step 2: Assemble Your Brie and Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 350°F if you want a lighter golden color or up it to 400°F for a deeper brown. I usually go with 350°F to make sure it bakes evenly without getting too dark. Cut your brie wheel lengthwise into two halves—the rind is totally edible and super helpful for holding everything together, so keep it on both halves. Roll out your puff pastry on a silicone mat or parchment paper to about an 11×11 inch square; working on parchment helps with easy transfer to the baking sheet later. Place one half of the brie on the pastry center, rind side down with the cut side facing up.
Step 3: Add the Apple Filling and Nuts
Spoon the apple sauce onto the brie’s cut side, but be gentle with the amount—you want filling, not a soupy mess—too much liquid can make the pastry soggy, which you definitely want to avoid. Sprinkle your chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the apples for added texture and earthiness. Then carefully place the other half of the brie on top, cut side down, rind side up, creating a delicious pocket of cheese and apples.
Step 4: Wrap, Glaze, and Bake
Here’s a little trick I learned: Pull up the corners of the puff pastry one at a time, snugly wrapping the sides of the brie and apple filling. Use a basting brush and dip it into the remaining apple sauce liquid to brush along each edge of the puff pastry you’re folding — this sticky sweet layer helps seal the dough sections together so they don’t come apart while baking. Trim any excess pastry dough at the top, but don’t toss those scraps! Use cookie cutters to cut fun shapes like leaves or hearts, then brush a little apple sauce on their underside to stick them on top decoratively. Brush the whole bundle with maple syrup for that gorgeous glaze and sprinkle raw sugar on top for a little crunch and sparkle once baked.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on it the last few minutes if you’re baking at a higher temperature to prevent over-browning. When it comes out of the oven, let it cool a couple minutes before serving so you don’t burn your mouth—though it’s super tempting to dig in right away!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Baked Brie in Puff Pastry Recipe
- Choose Crisp Apples: I discovered Fuji or Honeycrisp apples cook down just enough without becoming mush, giving your filling great texture and natural sweetness.
- Brush with Apple Sauce as Glue: Brushing the folded pastry edges with apple sauce before sealing prevents the dough from pulling apart while baking—game changer!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: If you choose 400°F, watch closely after 20 minutes to avoid overly dark pastry; I prefer 350°F for a safer, slower bake.
- Don’t Overload the Filling: Too much sauce makes the pastry soggy; I stick to just enough to coat the apples for moistness and flavor.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Baked Brie in Puff Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this gorgeous baked brie with a handful of fresh apple slices on the side to echo the apple filling, plus a few sprigs of rosemary for some color and a subtle pine scent that compliments the cinnamon. A drizzle of extra maple syrup on the plate is an optional sweet touch. Toasted pecan halves scattered on top work beautifully too, adding a little extra crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Apple Baked Brie pairs wonderfully with crostini or thin crisp crackers, both ideal for scooping up melty cheese and apple chunks. I’ve also served it alongside fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette which cuts through the richness nicely. For an extra cozy touch, something like spiced cider or a light white wine works perfectly as a drink pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, I like to place the baked brie on a wooden serving board surrounded by a mix of seasonal fruit, nuts, and sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme or sage. You can also bake mini versions in muffin tins for individual servings—super cute and practical! Another fun idea is wrapping the pastry loosely into a wreath shape and decorating the top pastry pieces as leaves and acorns using cookie cutters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I’ve found this recipe reheats nicely when wrapped tightly and stored in the fridge for up to two days. The puff pastry might lose a bit of its crispness overnight but still tastes delicious. Just let it come to room temperature before reheating for even results.
Freezing
Freezing works best if you freeze the assembled, unbaked pastry wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake fresh the next day. This way, you keep that buttery flakiness intact—pre-baked and frozen versions tend to get soggy.
Reheating
To reheat leftover Cinnamon Apple Baked Brie in Puff Pastry, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the pastry regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving since it makes the pastry chewy and the cheese can get rubbery (learned that one the hard way!).
FAQs
-
Can I make Cinnamon Apple Baked Brie in Puff Pastry Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling and assemble the brie in puff pastry the day before. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This helps save time on busy days.
-
What temperature is best for baking puff pastry with brie?
I recommend baking at 350°F for an even, golden crust without risk of burning. If you want it browner and faster, you can do 400°F but watch it carefully to avoid over-baking.
-
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
You can try camembert or another soft, creamy cheese with an edible rind, but brie’s mild buttery flavor and melty texture make it perfect for this recipe.
-
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Use just enough apple sauce filling to coat the apples without excess liquid, brush pastry edges with apple sauce for sealing, and bake on parchment or a baking mat to allow airflow. Also, avoid cutting into it immediately after baking to keep the pastry’s crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Baked Brie in Puff Pastry Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen for good reason. It’s cozy, elegant, and downright addictive. Every time I make it, I can’t help but watch my family’s faces light up when they taste the melty cheese, warmly spiced apples, and crisp pastry together. I know you’ll enjoy this sweet-savory combo just as much as we do. Give it a try—you’ll have your new favorite appetizer or party showstopper in no time!
PrintCinnamon Apple Baked Brie in Puff Pastry Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Cinnamon Apple Baked Brie in Puff Pastry is a perfect appetizer combining warm, gooey brie cheese with a spiced cinnamon apple filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry. It offers a beautiful blend of sweet and savory flavors, enhanced by crunchy nuts and a touch of maple syrup glaze, making it an ideal appetizer for any gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Apple Sauce Filling
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch salt
- 2 apples (Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala recommended)
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 8 ounces brie cheese wheel
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 Tablespoon raw sugar (or regular granulated sugar)
Instructions
- Make the Cinnamon Apple Sauce Filling: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the melted butter and stir until dissolved. While heating, peel, core, and dice the apples into approximately 1/2 inch chunks. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the chopped apples. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until the apples are tender and the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F for a lighter bake or 400°F for a darker golden pastry. The recommended temperature is 350°F.
- Prepare the Brie and Puff Pastry: Cut the brie wheel in half lengthwise, leaving the rind intact to help hold the cheese together. Roll out the puff pastry on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to an 11 by 11-inch square. Place the puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment or the silicone mat.
- Assemble the Brie: Place one half of the brie wheel in the center of the puff pastry, rind side down with the cut side facing up. Spoon the cinnamon apple filling onto the cut side of the brie, adding minimal sauce to avoid excess moisture. Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple mixture. Place the remaining half of the brie wheel on top, cut side down and rind side up.
- Wrap the Brie: Pull one corner of the puff pastry up and over the brie, pressing gently against the cheese. Using a basting brush, apply some apple sauce from the filling onto the folded pastry to help pieces stick. Continue pulling each edge of the puff pastry up and brushing it with apple sauce all the way around. Remove any excess dough gathered at the top.
- Decorate and Glaze: Optionally, use small cookie cutters or dough cutters to create shapes from the excess dough and attach these to the top with a little apple sauce. Brush the entire pastry surface with maple syrup, then sprinkle raw sugar evenly over the top to add texture and golden color.
- Bake: Bake the assembled brie in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully cooked. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning, especially if baking at the higher temperature.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with crostini bread slices, apple wedges, or crackers for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- Use crisp, mildly sweet apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for the best flavor balance.
- This appetizer serves 8 but stretches further if complemented by other dishes.
- Monitor the puff pastry during baking to avoid over-darkening, especially at 400°F.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of whole)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *