Puff Pastry Cranberry Star Bread
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This Cranberry Star Bread is a quick and easy twist on the classic bread recipe. Made with puff pastry, there is no need for rising and lengthy prep times. It’s simple to make with a homemade cranberry filling that’s utterly delicious and a perfect holiday dessert!
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And simple? Absolutely! With an easy-to-make cranberry sauce using prepared ingredients, and simple cuts in ready-made puff pastry, this festive Christmas dessert is on it’s way to completion.
With a few twists and 20 minutes to bake in the oven, this sweet danish-like treat is ready for party time. Everytime I make this festive treat, it’s doesn’t last long.
It also makes a fun addition to the Christmas table, whether you’re entertaining, serving brunch or dinner… or for Christmas Eve party food.
Here’s what I love About This Puff Pastry Star Bread
- Uses mostly prepared ingredients: Even the base of the cranberry sauce is canned. It’s amazing what you can do with ready-made ingredients!
- Takes minutes to make: Unlike traditional cranberry star bread, this version is quick & easy.
- Holiday worthy! Much like my Spinach Puff Pastry Christmas Tree this sweet danish brings festive cheer to the table in no time at all.
What You Need to Make this Simple Holiday Appetizer:
Here is a quick list of the simple ingredients needed to make this cranberry star bread the easy way!
- Canned whole-berry cranberry sauce
- Orange juice
- Brown sugar
- Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger
- Frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed but still cold
- Egg for an egg wash
How to Make Puff Pastry Cranberry Star Bread
Step-by-step instructions are on the recipe card below, but here’s a quick overview of how to make this sweet puff pastry recipe.
Step 1: Make the cranberry sauce filling
Combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until thickened. With the back of a spoon, crush the cranberries until the mixture is jam-like. Let cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Assemble the star bread
Roll each puff pastry sheet into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface and place on parchment paper. Spread the cranberry sauce over the surface and top with the second puff pastry sheet.
Step 3: Cut the puff pastry into sections
Place a 3-4 inch bowl, cup, or jar in the center of the puff pastry. Use a sharp knife or pizza wheel and cut 4 equal sections from the edge of the pastry to the bowl.
Cut the 4 sections in half to make 8 sections. Then, cut the 8 sections in half to make 16 sections.
Carefully lift 2 adjacent sections, and twisting outward, make two twists. Pinch the edges together and tuck under. Continue until you have 8 twisted sections.
Step 4: Bake
Refrigerate the puff pastry while the oven preheats to 400℉.
Remove from the refrigerator, carefully brush the surface with a beaten egg, and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Kitchen Tools
You will need a large baking sheet. I like to use a half-sheet size plus parchment paper to fit. A sharp knife or pizza wheel for cutting the pastry and an offset spatula spreads the filling easily. Although this can also be done with a rubber spatula or a butter knife.
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Puff Pastry Cranberry Star Bread
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 package frozen puff pastry sheets (2 sheets) thawed but still cold
- 1 egg beaten with 1 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes or until thickened. Crush the cranberries with the back of a spoon until the mixture is jam-like. Let cool to room temperature.
- Roll each puff pastry sheet into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface and place on parchment paper. Spread the cranberry jam over the surface and top with the second puff pastry sheet.
- Place a 3-4 inch bowl, cup, or jar in the center of the puff pastry. Use a sharp knife or pizza wheel and cut 4 equal sections from the edge of the pastry to the bowl.
- Cut the 4 sections in half to make 8 sections. Then, cut the 8 sections in half to make 16 sections.
- Carefully lift 2 adjacent sections, and twisting outward, make two twists. Pinch the edges together and tuck under. Continue until you have 8 twisted sections.
- Refrigerate the puff pastry while the oven preheats to 400℉.
- Remove from the refrigerator and carefully brush the surface with a beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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