Description
An elegant and easy-to-make pastry braid with a creamy ricotta and almond filling, wrapped in flaky puff pastry. This impressive dessert looks professional but requires minimal effort, perfect for brunches, gatherings, or a special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat recommended)
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sliced almonds (for topping)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional: lemon zest (for added flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry into a 12×8 inch rectangle.
- In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta, powdered sugar, almond flour, and almond extract until creamy and smooth.
- Cut 1-inch diagonal strips along both sides of the pastry, leaving the center intact.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly down the center of the pastry.
- Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to form a braid. Tuck the ends underneath to seal.
- Brush the braid with beaten egg and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, slicing, and serving warm.
Notes
- For best results, ensure ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 30 minutes before using.
- For extra flavor, mix lemon zest into the ricotta filling.
- To refresh leftovers, reheat in oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- You can prepare the braid the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pastries
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250-300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg