If you are searching for that perfect crowd-pleaser with a delightful twist, this Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe is a must-try. The combination of warm, gooey brie cheese wrapped in golden puff pastry, complemented by a vibrant, tangy-sweet maple cranberry jam, creates a harmony of flavors that is utterly irresistible. This recipe brings together the festive charm of cranberries and the rich, earthy sweetness of pure maple syrup, making it ideal for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings, or anytime you want to impress your guests with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step towards making your Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe shine. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tart, juicy cranberries that brighten the dish to the flaky puff pastry that offers a perfect, buttery crunch.

Cranberries (1 cup): Use fresh or frozen to bring a vibrant tartness and striking color to your jam.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Balances the tart cranberries with a smooth sweetness.
Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup, plus extra for drizzling): Adds deep, rich sweetness and signature warmth for that unforgettable flavor.
Orange zest (1/2 teaspoon finely grated): Infuses a bright, citrusy aroma that lifts the entire dish.
Fresh orange juice (2 tablespoons): Enhances the jam’s freshness and acidity.
Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Helps thicken the maple cranberry jam to the perfect consistency.
Kosher salt (a large pinch): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
Ground cinnamon (a large pinch): Adds cozy warmth and depth to the jam.
All-purpose flour: For dusting your workspace to roll out puff pastry smoothly.
Frozen puff pastry sheet (8-ounce, thawed): Provides a buttery, crispy exterior that encases the brie marvelously.
Brie wheel (8-ounce): The star of the show, it melts into a luscious, creamy center.
Large egg (lightly beaten): Creates a gorgeous golden finish on the pastry after baking.
Turbinado sugar (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled on top to add a subtle crunch and hint of caramelized sweetness.

How to Make Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe

Step 1: Make the Maple-Cranberry Jam

Start by combining cranberries, sugar, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently, gently smashing the cranberries with the back of a spoon as they soften and burst. This process takes about 4 to 6 minutes until the mixture thickens into a luscious jam. Finish by stirring in ground cinnamon, then set the jam aside to cool completely. This homemade jam is the flavorful heart of the Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe.

Step 2: Prepare Your Oven and Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready for baking. On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry into a neat 10-inch square. Transfer this to a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready to embrace the brie and jam filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Brie

Center the wheel of brie on the puff pastry square. Generously spoon the cooled maple-cranberry jam over the top, making sure it spreads across the surface for every bite to deliver that sweet-tart pop of flavor.

Step 4: Wrap the Brie with Puff Pastry

Fold the corners of the puff pastry inward about half an inch, then gently bring each corner up and over the brie. The dough should cover most of the cheese but can leave small gaps where the layers meet—this not only looks charming but helps the brie to ooze out gently as it bakes.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Sugar

Brush the entire puff pastry surface with the beaten egg, which promises a golden, glossy finish once baked. Then sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top for a delightful crunch and an extra hint of sweetness that makes this dish truly special.

Step 6: Bake Your Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns a beautiful golden brown. If the pastry starts to brown too fast, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly inside.

Step 7: Serve

Once baked, gently transfer your masterpiece to a serving platter and drizzle extra maple syrup atop before serving to add that extra layer of luscious sweetness. The aroma alone will pull everyone to the table instantly!

How to Serve Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a lovely aroma and a hint of earthiness that complements the sweetness and creaminess of the dish. You can also scatter a few fresh cranberries on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This baked brie pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices, crisp apple slices, or crackers. The textures and mild flavors of these sides provide the perfect balance to the rich, melty cheese and vibrant jam.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe in an edible bread bowl or nestled inside a wooden cheese board surrounded by nuts and fruits. For a festive touch, garnish with pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of honey to impress your guests visually and delightfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep refrigerated. The flavors will stay vibrant, and the texture will still be enjoyable within 2 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked assembled brie wrapped in puff pastry for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes to revive the crispy puff pastry and encourage the cheese inside to soften once again without overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit instead of cranberries?

Absolutely! While cranberries provide a beautiful balance of tartness, you can experiment with cherries, raspberries, or even mixed berries. Keep in mind that the flavor profile and texture will shift accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as it uses no meat. Just verify that your puff pastry does not contain animal-derived ingredients like lard if you want a fully vegetarian version.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Rolling the dough properly and thoroughly cooking the maple cranberry jam before assembly reduce excess moisture. Also, baking at a high temperature ensures the puff pastry crisps nicely.

Can I make the maple cranberry jam ahead of time?

Definitely! The jam can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. This actually allows the flavors to deepen, making your Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe even more spectacular.

What type of brie is best to use?

Choose a mild, creamy brie without a thick rind for easier melting. An 8-ounce wheel is perfect for individual servings or small gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings a smile every time. It’s easy to make yet impressive to serve, bursting with flavor and offering a comforting, festive vibe. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself and loved ones, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. Go ahead and treat yourself to this warm, gooey, sweet and tangy delight—you deserve it!

Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe

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4 from 37 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Maple Cranberry Baked Brie recipe is a festive and elegant appetizer featuring creamy brie topped with a homemade maple-cranberry jam, wrapped in flaky puff pastry, and baked to golden perfection. The sweet and tangy cranberry jam infused with fresh orange zest and cinnamon adds a perfect contrast to the rich, melty cheese, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Maple-Cranberry Jam

1 cup frozen or fresh cranberries
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup, plus more for drizzling
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Kosher salt, a large pinch
Ground cinnamon, a large pinch

Baked Brie

All-purpose flour, for dusting
1 (8-ounce) sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 (8-ounce) wheel brie
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar

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Instructions

Make the Maple-Cranberry Jam: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, cornstarch, and a large pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil while stirring frequently, gently smashing cranberries with the back of a spoon. Cook until cranberries burst and jam thickens, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in cinnamon, and let cool completely.
Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the brie later.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lightly dust a surface with flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10-inch square. Transfer the square onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Assemble the Brie: Place the 8-ounce wheel of brie in the center of the puff pastry. Spoon the cooled maple-cranberry jam generously over the top of the brie.
Wrap the Brie: Fold the edges of the four corners of the puff pastry inward by about 1/2 inch, then gently drape each corner up and over the brie, covering the cheese mostly but leaving small gaps between each folded corner.
Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the lightly beaten egg to achieve a golden glaze. Sprinkle the dough generously with turbinado sugar for added sweetness and a crunchy texture.
Bake the Brie: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the puff pastry turns a light golden brown. If it browns too quickly, loosely tent the brie with foil to prevent burning.
Serve: Transfer the baked brie carefully to a serving platter. Drizzle additional maple syrup on top just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

You can prepare the maple-cranberry jam a day ahead and refrigerate it to save time.
Let the jam cool completely before assembling the brie to prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy.
If puff pastry browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil while baking to avoid burning.
Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit for a complete appetizer.
Warm the baked brie slightly before serving if it has cooled down to help the cheese become melty and gooey again.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American