Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your guests with a warm, gooey, and perfectly festive appetizer, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe. This little bundle of joy combines the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with the tangy sweetness of homemade maple cranberry jam, all wrapped around a creamy wheel of melty brie. Trust me, every single time I pull this out, my friends and family go crazy for it — it’s that good. Keep reading because I’ll fill you in on everything you need to nail it, along with tips to make it foolproof.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing fresh, quality ingredients makes all the difference here. I usually grab fresh cranberries when I can — they give that bright, tart punch that pairs beautifully with the maple syrup’s warm sweetness. And trust me, the puff pastry doesn’t need to be scratch-made to shine in this recipe.

• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen works fine; fresh gives a little more zip to your jam.
• Granulated sugar: Balances out the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.
• Pure maple syrup: Adds a rich natural sweetness with depth, way better than plain sugar alone.
• Orange zest: Brightens up the jam; freshly grated is the best here.
• Fresh orange juice: Adds acidity and moisture, balancing flavors.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the jam so it’s not too runny when baked.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a pinch adds subtle warmth and cozy spice.
• All-purpose flour: For dusting—makes handling the puff pastry easier without sticking.
• Frozen puff pastry sheet: Your buttery, flaky wrapping; make sure it’s fully thawed before working with it.
• Brie wheel: The star of the show! I prefer an 8-ounce wheel for balanced sweetness and cheese ratio.
• Large egg: Beaten for that gorgeous golden egg wash on the pastry.
• Turbinado sugar: This coarse sugar adds a delightful crunch on top after baking.

Variations

One of the best things about the Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. I often experiment with different nuts in the jam or swap out the orange zest for lemon when I want a different citrus twist. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts: I love the crunch nuts add to the jam topping — it makes the texture extra interesting and festive.
• Go vegan with dairy-free brie: If you have friends with dietary needs, I once used a cashew-based “brie” and the result was surprisingly yummy!
• Swap orange juice for apple cider: When cranberry season peaks in fall, I sometimes use warm, spiced apple cider for a cozy flavor profile.
• Try rosemary or thyme: I occasionally toss a sprig or two into the jam for an herbal hint that’s unexpected but delightful.

How to Make Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Maple Cranberry Jam

Start by heating your cranberries, sugar, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt over medium-high heat. Stir frequently and use the back of a spoon to gently smash the cranberries as they cook. This helps release their juices and creates that luscious jam texture you’re aiming for. In about 4 to 6 minutes, you’ll see the mixture thicken and the cranberries bursting — that’s the magic happening! Then, stir in cinnamon and set the jam aside to cool. I learned this step is key to balancing bitterness and sweetness just right.

Step 2: Prepare and Assemble the Brie

On a lightly floured surface, roll your thawed puff pastry into roughly a 10-inch square. Transferring it to a parchment-lined baking sheet makes the final assembly easier. Place the brie wheel smack in the center, then spoon your cooled maple cranberry jam right on top—you want a generous layer here to complement the cheese. Next, fold the four corners of the pastry inward about half an inch, then gently drape the edges up and over the brie. It won’t seal completely, but that’s perfect for letting the cheese melt beautifully while keeping that flaky crust intact.

Step 3: Egg Wash and Sugar Topping

Brush every inch of the pastry with a beaten egg — this step is what gives the crust its golden, shiny finish. Once coated, sprinkle turbinado sugar all over the top. That coarse sugar caramelizes as it bakes, adding a crackly, sweet crunch that I absolutely adore. Don’t skip on this — it’s such an easy detail that boosts the texture and flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your assembled brie into a 425°F oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out—if the pastry seems to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning. You want it just lightly golden, flaky, and irresistible smelling. Once baked, transfer it to a serving platter and drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top for that glossy, sweet finish. I love how the aroma of maple and cinnamon fills the kitchen during this step—it’s like an instant mood lifter.

How to Serve Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a few fresh rosemary sprigs or some extra orange zest around the platter—it brightens up the presentation and adds that fresh aroma as people dig in. Occasionally, I toss a handful of toasted pecans nearby just for extra texture and visual appeal. Those little finishing touches go a long way to making it look like you really planned the party.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices because they’re sturdy enough to scoop that melty cheese and jam combo. I also like to offer a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you want to go all out, sliced apples or pears are amazing for pairing with the warm, sweet flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve wrapped the baked brie in a wreath shape using two smaller brie wheels and cut puff pastry stretched creatively around them. You can also dust it with edible gold flakes for a truly elegant touch. Another idea that wowed my friends: serve individual portions by baking mini brie rounds inside puff pastry cups topped with a dollop of the maple cranberry jam.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which I rarely do!), wrap the baked brie tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for quality and freshness. The pastry won’t be as crispy after storing, but the flavor stays incredible.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked versions of this recipe after assembling but before baking — just wrap the prepared brie in plastic and foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Freezing after baking changes the texture too much, so I don’t recommend that.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to warm the cheese and crisp the pastry back up. Avoid microwaving if you can—it makes the pastry soggy and the cheese can become rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe brings festive flavors and cozy vibes in one irresistibly cheesy package. It’s become my go-to for holiday entertaining and casual weekend snacking alike. Once you try it, I bet you’ll want to make it again and again — not just because it’s delicious, but because you’ll feel like the star of the party every time. So grab that brie, get your hands on some fresh cranberries, and let’s bake up a crowd-pleaser that’s equal parts comfort food and celebration. Happy baking!

Print