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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

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This puff pastry Christmas tree recipe is a festive holiday treat. Flaky puff pastry is filled with apples, blueberries, and jam that’s lightly sweetened with brown sugar. Crispy on the outside and warm and sweet on the inside, it’s the easiest pastry recipe, perfect for Christmas day, that everyone is sure to enjoy!

easy homemade puff pastry Christmas tree recipe with berries

This easy puff pastry Christmas tree dessert will add a touch of magic to your holiday season. Not only is it so tasty, but it’s also a fun and creative way to engage the whole family in the kitchen during this special time of year.

Made from simple ingredients, it’s wholesome and delicious. The sweet combination of apples, blueberries, and blueberry jam, nestled within a golden-brown pastry sheet is stunning, It creates a delightful contrast that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

The adorable tree shape made by the sheets of puff pastry adds a playful touch, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas day spread. With minimal effort, you’ll have an ideal puff pastry tree.

The best part? This recipe is so versatile and you can easily swap out the filling for your favorite jam or even try some savory filling options like cream cheese and spinach. Once you try it, you will quickly add this one to your list of favorite Christmas recipes (like this vegan Christmas pudding and vegan mincemeat)!

👩🏽‍🍳 Why You’ll Love This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

  • Plant-Based: This puff pastry Christmas dessert is a great option for those following a plant-based diet. With ingredients like apples, blueberries, and jam, it is a delicious way to incorporate more fruits into your holiday desserts.
  • Quick And Easy: This delightful recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for the busy holiday season. With a simple dough recipe and a straightforward filling, you can have this tree-shaped pastry ready in no time.
  • Family-Friendly: This is family-friendly recipe that everyone will love. Its sweet and savory flavor profile appeals to both adults and kids, making it a hit at any holiday gathering. It’s perfect for Christmas parties too!
  • Great For Beginners: If you’re new to baking, this recipe is a great place to start. The instructions are easy to follow, and the result is a fun, delicious dessert that’s sure to impress.

Latest Recipe Video!

🥘 Ingredients

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this Christmas tree puff pastry recipe. And I’m sure most of them are already in your pantry, while the rest can easily be found at your local grocery store. For full ingredients list, check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

ingredients for easy homemade puff pastry Christmas tree recipe with berries

Pastry

  • All-Purpose Flour: This is the main ingredient and the backbone of our crust. It gives structure to our puff pastry, guaranteeing that it holds its tree shape.
  • Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness to the pastry and creates the flaky layers we all love in a good puff pastry. 
  • Egg: The egg acts as a binder for our crust, helping all the ingredients stick together. It also gives the pastry a beautiful golden brown color when baked.
  • Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the sweet flavors in our pastry, complimenting the filling perfectly.
  • Water: A little bit of water is needed to bring the dough together

Fruit Filling

  • Apples: Thinly sliced apples add a sweet, fruity flavor to our filling, and their natural juices keep the pastry moist on the inside. I prefer to use Granny Smith or Fuji, as they make for perfect baking apples and hold their form.
  • Blueberries: These little stars of the fruit world add a pop of color and a burst of tangy sweetness to our Christmas tree.
  • Blueberry Jam: It acts as a sweet glue, holding our fruit together and adding an extra layer of blueberry flavor. Use a low-sugar jam if possible.
  • Brown Sugar (optional): Used to sprinkle over the apples and blueberries for a bit of extra sweetness. Mix with a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for a cinnamon sugar finish.

🍲 Ingredient Substitutions

  • All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour can also be a healthier substitute, just keep in mind the texture of your pastry may change slightly.
  • Unsalted Butter: For a plant-based option, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter. Both will give you a similar texture to butter.
  • Egg: You can substitute the egg with a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
  • Vanilla Extract: If you don’t have it on hand, you can use almond extract or maple syrup. You can also try any of these vanilla extract substitutes instead!
  • Apples & Blueberries: You can use pears or peaches instead of apples and other fresh berries such as raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor profile.
  • Brown Sugar: You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier, plant-based option.

🔪 How To Make Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Get ready to impress your guests this holiday season with this Christmas tree using puff pastry! For more detailed instructions and nutrition facts, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Preheat The Oven: Start off by preheating your oven to 350 F. This is an essential first step for baking your Christmas tree dessert.

butter and flour mixed in a bowl

Mix The Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour and butter using a fork. Add the egg and vanilla, continuing to mix well. Include 2 tablespoons of water and continue mixing. If you find the dough too dry, gradually add more water.

pastry dough in a bowl

Rest The Dough: Allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll and shape later.

pastry dough in a bowl

Roll Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch using a rolling pin.

homemade pastry dough rolled out

Bake Dough: Place the dough on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

puff pastry dough on a baking sheet

Cut The Dough: After removing the dough from the oven, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut it into the shape of a Christmas tree. Be creative and have fun with this step! You can draw an outline of a Christmas tree on a piece of parchment paper to use as a guide.

puff pastry cut into christmas tree shape

Spread The Jam: Spread your chosen jam all over the tree-shaped dough. This will add a sweet and tangy flavor to your puff pastry Xmas tree.

puff pastry Christmas tree topped with jam

Place Apples: Starting from the edge of the tree, place the apple slices all the way to the center until completely covered.

pastry topped with apple slices

Apply Brown Sugar: Sprinkle brown sugar all over the apples for an extra touch of sweetness.

pastry topped with brown sugar

Bake Again: Bake your puff pastry Christmas tree for an additional 20 minutes.

puff pastry dough topped with apples

Decorate: Once your pastry Christmas tree is baked, decorate it with blueberries for a pop of color and added flavor. Finally, dust your Christmas puff pastry dessert with powdered sugar for a wintery, snowy finish. Enjoy!

easy homemade puff pastry Christmas tree recipe with berries

💭 Expert Tips

  • Use Cold Butter: For the perfect, flaky texture of puff pastry, make sure that the butter is cold. If the butter isn’t cold, you won’t achieve the desired texture for your pastry.
  • Let Your Dough Rest: Make sure to allow your dough to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Skipping this step may result in a dense dough that doesn’t puff up properly.
  • Get Creative With Shapes: Don’t limit yourself to a Christmas tree shape. You can use cookie cutters to create several smaller Christmas trees or even other holiday shapes for a fun twist.
  • Apply A Thin Layer Of Jam: When spreading the jam over your pastry, make sure that it is a thin layer. Too much jam can make the pastry soggy and affect the crispness.
  • Arrange Your Apples Properly: Start placing your apple slices from the edge of the tree to the center. This helps to guarantee a uniform look and even baking.
  • Monitor Your Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your puff pastry in the oven. The baking time can vary based on your oven, so check regularly to avoid burning.

📖 Variations

  • Store-Bought Puff Pastry Sheets: For those who prefer convenience, try using thawed puff pastry sheets instead of making your own dough. This not only saves time but also guarantees a consistently flaky texture for your Christmas tree pastry.
  • Star-Studded Tree: Give your Christmas tree appetizer an extra decorative touch by cutting your apples into little star shapes using a sharp knife or a small star cookie cutter. Arrange these adorable tree ‘ornaments’ all over the pastry or add a bigger one to the top of the Christmas tree.
  • Alternate Spreads: Experiment with different spreads to discover new flavors. Whether it is raspberry jam, strawberry jam, peanut butter, or a chocolate spread, each offers a unique twist to the classic recipe. You can even use cream cheese for a tangy contrast to the sweet fruit.
  • Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Trees: Replace the sweet filling with a savory one by spreading a layer of basil pesto on the puff pastry sheets and sprinkling with parmesan cheese. Other savory fillings include cherry tomatoes and some marinara sauce instead of pesto sauce.
  • Nutella Christmas Tree With Puff Pastry:  For chocolate lovers, spread a layer of peanut butter on the first sheet of puff pastry and a layer of Nutella or homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread on the second sheet of puff pastry. This variation is a delicious blend of sweet and salty flavors that kids will love.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This puff pastry Christmas idea is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of meals to add fun to your holidays. Here are some great serving suggestions:

🙌 Dietary Adaptations

This puff pastry appetizer is delicious and can easily be modified to make it vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Here’s how you can adapt the recipe to fit these dietary needs:

  • Vegan And Dairy-Free Option: The crust of this recipe calls for butter and an egg. To make it vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil or any other plant-based butter. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or any other vegan egg substitute.
  • Gluten-Free Option: The recipe uses all-purpose flour for the crust. To make it gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it is one that substitutes 1:1 for regular flour.

🫙 Storage Directions

  • To Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator. Simply place them in an airtight container and they should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
  • To Freeze: Unfortunately, this recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate nature of the puff pastry. The pastry can become soggy when defrosted, losing the flaky and crisp texture that makes it so delicious.
  • To Reheat: Preheat your oven to medium heat (around 350°F or Gas Mark 4). Place the pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is warmed through and the pastry is crispy again. Be sure to watch it closely to avoid over-browning.

❓Recipe FAQs

Is puff pastry healthy?

While most pastries aren’t considered healthy, this puff pastry Xmas tree is a bit healthier than most. It has less added sugar, only about 6 grams per slice from the refined brown sugar and jam. The rest of the sweetness comes from fresh apples and blueberries. However, moderation is key when enjoying sweets.

Can I make different shapes using this recipe?

Yes, feel free to modify this easy recipe to fit the occasion! You can make hearts for Valentine’s Day or even cut it out into numbers for a birthday party.

easy homemade puff pastry Christmas tree recipe with berries

🎄More Christmas Dessert Recipes!

Love this plant based recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page!

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📋 Recipe Card

🎥 Watch How to Make It

easy homemade puff pastry Christmas tree recipe with berries
Print Recipe
5 from 12 votes

Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

This puff pastry Christmas tree recipe is a festive holiday treat. Flaky puff pastry is filled with apples, blueberries, and jam that’s lightly sweetened with brown sugar. Crispy on the outside and warm and sweet on the inside, it’s the easiest pastry recipe, perfect for Christmas day, that everyone is sure to enjoy!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 206kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

Crust

Filling

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

Tips for Making Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
  • Use cold butter, so the pastry turns out properly. If the butter isn’t cold, you won’t get a flaky texture.
  • Be sure to let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. Otherwise, you may end up with dense dough. 
  • Make these into several smaller Christmas trees by using a cookie cutter, or choose another holiday shape!
  • This recipe has only 6.25 grams of added sugar per slice!

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

18 responses to “Puff Pastry Christmas Tree”

  1. Oh this puff pastry Christmas tree is so cute! This is going to be a fun one to make with the kiddos this year!5 stars

  2. 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.5 stars

  3. Delicious and the best Breakfast I could have on a festive day. Love every combination gone into making this amazing Puff Pastry creation.5 stars

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