Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.Every holiday season, I can’t wait to make my Puff Pastry Christmas Tree, it’s festive, flaky, and full of sweet, fruity goodness! My family loves the warm apples and blueberries tucked inside the golden layers, and I love how quick and easy it is to make. It’s completely ready in under an hour, so there’s always time for a little holiday baking fun.
I created this recipe because I know how busy the holidays can be. My puff pastry Christmas tree is an easy way to make something show-stopping without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for more festive ideas, check out my vegan fruit cake for another holiday favorite!
This recipe was inspired by my kids, they love helping in the kitchen during the holidays, and shaping the pastry into a Christmas tree is their favorite part. Seeing their excitement makes this festive treat even more special, and it’s now a tradition we look forward to every year.
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
The main reason I love making this Christmas tree with homemade puff pastry so much is because my kids get to be part of the fun! Watching their little hands twist the pastry and decorate with such excitement is the highlight of the holidays for me. Having them involved in the kitchen is priceless: it’s messy, chaotic, and absolutely perfect! 😉
My puff pastry Christmas tree is everything I look for in a holiday recipe: easy to make, stunning to present, and versatile enough to customize with your favorite fillings. I’ve made it both savory with cheese and herbs, and sweet with chocolate or fruit fillings, it never disappoints!
What makes this recipe truly special is how it brings my family and friends together. It’s not just something to eat; it’s the centerpiece of our table, a conversation starter, and a sweet memory we create every year. And if you’re craving even more festive fun, you’ve got to try my vegan mincemeat.
And the best part? Even if you’re new to baking, you can have it ready in under an hour and still wow everyone. For me, creating something that’s both beautiful and delicious is a joy, especially during the holidays. So, sharing this recipe with you feels like inviting you into my kitchen, where the warm, buttery aroma of puff pastry fills the air. I can’t wait for you to try it!
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🥘 Ingredients
I know it might look fancy, but trust me, I kept my Christmas tree with puff pastry recipe as simple as possible, no complicated ingredients here, just everyday staples turned into something special.
Pastry
All-Purpose Flour: I use this as the base for the crust, it gives the pastry its structure and holds the tree shape perfectly.
Unsalted Butter: I love how butter adds richness and creates those flaky layers we all enjoy.
Egg: The egg helps bind the dough together and gives the pastry that gorgeous golden color when it bakes.
Vanilla Extract: I like to add a splash of vanilla to enhance the sweetness and complement the fruity filling.
Fruit Filling
Apples: I love using thinly sliced apples for their sweet, fruity flavor and the way their juices keep the pastry moist. Granny Smith or Fuji are my go-to choices because they hold their shape perfectly when baked.
Blueberries: These little gems add a pop of color and a tangy sweetness that makes the Christmas tree even more festive.
Blueberry Jam: I like to use jam as a sweet glue to hold the fruit together while adding an extra burst of blueberry flavor. A low-sugar option works great here!
🍲 Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: You can swap it for whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour for a healthier option, though the texture might be a bit different. To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free flour blend and I make sure it is one that substitutes 1:1 for regular flour.
Unsalted Butter: For a vegan twist, I like using coconut oil or plant-based butter, it gives a similar flaky texture.
Egg: A flax egg works perfectly as a vegan substitute! Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Alternate Spreads: I like experimenting with different spreads like raspberry jam, peanut butter, or even chocolate spread. Each one gives a fresh flavor to the classic recipe.
🔪 How To Make
I’m so excited to impress my guests this holiday season with this festive puff pastry Christmas tree! How about you? Let’s get baking!
Preheat The Oven: I start by preheating my oven to 350°F, it’s the first and most important step to ensure my Christmas tree bakes up perfectly!
Mix The Ingredients: I start by mixing the flour and butter in a bowl with a fork until it’s crumbly. Then I add the egg and vanilla, mixing everything together. I include 2 tablespoons of water and keep stirring, if the dough feels too dry, I just add a little more water until it comes together perfectly.
Rest The Dough: I let the dough rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is key, it makes the dough much easier to roll out and shape into a Christmas tree!
Roll Dough: I roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. A good rolling pin makes this step quick and easy.
Bake Dough: I transfer the dough to a prepared baking sheet and bake it for 15 minutes. This gives it a head start and sets the base for my Christmas tree.
Cut The Dough: Once the dough is out of the oven, I grab a sharp knife or pizza cutter and cut it into the shape of a Christmas tree. This is the fun part, I love getting creative and my kids too! Sometimes, I’ll use a parchment paper outline as a guide to make it easier.
Spread The Jam: I spread my favorite jam all over the tree-shaped dough, making sure to cover it evenly.
Place Apples: I start from the edges of the tree and layer the apple slices all the way to the center, making sure the entire tree is covered. The apples add such a lovely texture and flavor.
Apply Brown Sugar: I sprinkle brown sugar generously over the apples, giving them a sweet, caramel-like touch as they bake. It’s the perfect finishing touch.
Bake Again: I pop the Christmas tree back into the oven and bake it for another 20 minutes. This step gets the pastry golden and crisp while the apples become perfectly tender.
Decorate: Once the Christmas tree is out of the oven, I decorate it with fresh blueberries for a bright pop of color and flavor. To finish, I dust it lightly with powdered sugar, it gives the perfect snowy, festive touch. Then it’s time to dig in and enjoy!
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for making the best Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is to always use cold butter. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rushed and ended up with a flat, bad looking pastry because the butter wasn’t cold enough! Keeping it chilled is the key to those gorgeous, flaky layers that make this dessert so irresistible. Now, I never skip this step, it’s my fail-proof way to get that perfect puff every time!
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Let Your Dough Rest: I always let my dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Skipping this step can lead to dense dough that doesn’t puff up properly.
- Apply A Thin Layer Of Jam: I make sure to spread just a thin layer of jam. Too much can make the pastry soggy and ruin that perfect crispiness.
- Arrange Your Apples Properly: I start placing the apple slices from the edges to the center for a neat, uniform look. This helps them bake evenly and keeps the tree shape intact.
- Monitor Your Baking Time: I keep a close eye on the pastry while it bakes, since ovens can vary. This way, I avoid overbaking or burning the pastry.
📖 Variations
I absolutely love making this puff pastry Christmas tree, and if you’re looking to mix things up, try my favorites variations:
Store-Bought Pastry: If I’m short on time, I love using thawed store-bought puff pastry sheets. They save me time and still give that perfect, flaky texture.
Star-Studded Tree: For a fun twist, I cut my apples into star shapes and add them as ornaments on the tree. It’s a cute, festive touch that looks amazing.
Savory version: I swap the sweet filling for basil pesto and parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect appetizer for those who prefer savory treats. Other savory fillings include cherry tomatoes and some marinara sauce instead of pesto sauce.
Sweet and Salty: I love spreading peanut butter and Nutella between the layers of puff pastry for a sweet and salty combo. My kids are obsessed with this variation of my recipe! I mean, seriously, who wouldn’t be?! Ha!
🍽 Serving Suggestions
My puff pastry Christmas tree is such a versatile dish that I love pairing with different meals to add some fun to my holiday spread. Here are a few serving suggestions that always work great for me:
Breakfast: I love serving this puff pastry Christmas tree with a hearty Santa pancake to start Christmas day. It’s the perfect pairing with a warm bowl of vegan baked oatmeal topped with cinnamon sugar and fresh fruit.
Appetizer: It’s always a hit as an appetizer at my holiday gatherings. I like to serve it alongside mini quiches, stuffed bell peppers, or vegan sliders for a fun, festive start to the meal.
Main: When I’m putting together my table, this puff pastry tree fits right in with other meals like my vegan turkey roast or my impressing vegan wellington.
Snack: I love having this as a midday snack, especially with a cozy cup of my healthy hot chocolate. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a sweet bite while getting into the holiday spirit.
🫙 Storage Directions
Refrigerating: Leftovers can easily be stored in the refrigerator. I just place them in an airtight container, and they stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Freezing: Unfortunately, I’ve found this recipe doesn’t freeze well because the puff pastry can become soggy when defrosted, losing its crispy, flaky texture.
Reheating: When reheating, I preheat my oven to 350°F (Gas Mark 4), place the pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and heat it for about 10-15 minutes. It comes out warm and crispy again, but I keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning!
❓Recipe FAQs
Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead of homemade dough?
Absolutely! If I’m short on time, I find that store-bought puff pastry works wonderfully. I just make sure to let it thaw according to the package instructions before using it, super easy and still delicious!
How far in advance can I make this recipe?
I love preparing the dough and assembling the pastry up to a day ahead of time. I just store it in the refrigerator until I’m ready to bake. For the best results, I always bake it fresh to get that perfect golden, flaky texture!
How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
To avoid sogginess, I make sure not to overload the pastry with wet fillings. If I’m using fruits like apples, I always pat them dry before layering them on the pastry. I also like to bake the crust partially before adding the filling, this helps keep it crispy and perfectly flaky!
Is this recipe suitable for vegans or gluten-free diets?
With a few simple modifications, you can easily make this recipe work for different dietary needs:
For a vegan version, I use a plant-based butter alternative and an egg substitute.
For a gluten-free version, I opt for a gluten-free flour blend when making the dough or just use store-bought gluten-free puff pastry.
You can find all the details for these swaps in the “Substitutions” section of my post!
🎄More Christmas Desserts!
- Snowman Cupcakes
- Reindeer Holiday Sandwiches
- Fruit And Nut Cookies
- Christmas Muffins
- Healthy Cinnamon Rolls
- Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
- Healthy Vegan Scones with Pumpkin
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📋 Recipe Card
🎥 Watch How to Make It
Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Every holiday season, I can’t wait to make my Puff Pastry Christmas Tree, it’s festive, flaky, and full of sweet, fruity goodness! My family loves the warm apples and blueberries tucked inside the golden layers, and I love how quick and easy it is to make. It’s completely ready in under an hour, so there’s always time for a little holiday baking fun!
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 206kcal
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp water
Filling
- 3 apples thinly sliced
- ½ cup blueberries
- ¼ cup blueberry jam
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- In a bowl, mix the flour and the butter with a fork. Add the egg and the vanilla and keep mixing. Add 2 tablespoons of water and keep mixing. If the dough is too dry, gradually add more.
- Allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface 1/4 of an inch thick. Place the dough on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the dough from the oven. With a knife, cut it into a Christmas tree shape.
- Spread the jam all over the tree. Place the apples from the edge of the tree to the center until completely covered up. Sprinkle brown sugar all over the apples.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Decorate with blueberries and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Always use cold butter. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rushed and ended up with a flat, bad looking pastry because the butter wasn’t cold enough! Keeping it chilled is the key to those gorgeous, flaky layers that make this dessert so irresistible. Now, I never skip this step, it’s my fail-proof way to get that perfect puff every time!
- I let my dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Skipping this step can lead to dense dough that doesn’t puff up properly.
- I make sure to spread just a thin layer of jam. Too much can make the pastry soggy and ruin that perfect crispiness.
- I start placing the apple slices from the edges to the center for a neat, uniform look. This helps them bake evenly and keeps the tree shape intact.
- I keep a close eye on the pastry while it bakes, since ovens can vary. This way, I avoid overbaking or burning the pastry.
Nutrition
Serving: 1slice | Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 284IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
Love apples and blueberries together! This is such a festive and simple dessert!
Yes!! Thanks Michelle!
This was so yummy thank you for the inspo!
For sure! Hope you love it when you try it!
Oh this puff pastry Christmas tree is so cute! This is going to be a fun one to make with the kiddos this year!
Aw thanks Lauren! Enjoy!
This tart is adorable and ever so festive. I can’t wait to impress my guests at Christmas with this treat.
Thanks so much!! I hope they all love it!
Such a fun puff pastry idea! My kids would want to make this for Christmas!
Thanks so much Michelle!! I can’t wait for you all to try this!
What a precious Christmas recipe! I couldn’t wait until December to try it. I made this puff pastry tree this morning. It was a huge hit with the family! So delicious.
Aw yay! So happy to hear that Denay! I will often make this dessert at random times (not during the holidays) too! 🙂
Delicious and the best Breakfast I could have on a festive day. Love every combination gone into making this amazing Puff Pastry creation.
Yay!! So glad you liked this recipe!
What a pretty dessert. Perfect for any Holiday table.
Thanks so much Andrea! Enjoy!
Such an easy but elegant dessert!
Totally! It looks much harder than it is to make! 🙂