Description
Panera Pecan Braid brings sweet southern charm to your kitchen with golden pastry twisted into delicate layers of buttery pecan filling. Warm cinnamon and caramelized nuts promise a delightful breakfast treat you’ll savor with pure morning bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet frozen store-bought puff pastry – thawed
- ⅔ cup (66 g) pecan chips – or finely chopped pecans
- ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar – packed
- ¼ cup (81 g) maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons (44 ml) salted butter – very soft
- 1 large egg – beaten with 1 tablespoon of water
Spices and Flavoring:
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons (44 ml) milk – plus more as needed
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
- Combine chopped pecans, pure maple syrup, dark brown sugar, unsalted butter, and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl, stirring until the ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry onto a parchment-lined surface, using a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and create an even rectangular shape.
- Distribute the pecan filling along the central third of the pastry, maintaining approximately 1-inch margins at the top and bottom edges.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza wheel, create diagonal cuts along the outer thirds of the pastry, ensuring consistent spacing between each slice.
- Carefully fold the pastry strips over the filling, alternating sides to form an intricate braided pattern, then neatly tuck and seal the top and bottom edges to prevent filling from leaking.
- Whisk an egg and gently brush the entire surface of the pastry to achieve a glossy, golden finish during baking.
- Transfer the pastry and parchment paper to the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the dough transforms into a rich golden brown and the filling begins to bubble.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pastry to cool completely before applying the glaze.
- In a separate bowl, blend powdered sugar, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and milk, whisking until smooth and adjusting the liquid to create a drizzle-able consistency.
- Once cooled, generously drizzle the prepared glaze over the pastry, allowing it to set before serving.
Notes
- Transform ordinary weekends into gourmet moments with this bakery-worthy pecan pastry that looks far more complicated than it actually is.
- Maple and brown sugar melt together, creating a luscious filling that caramelizes into a rich, deep flavor profile during baking.
- Diagonal cutting technique turns simple puff pastry into an elegant braid, making home bakers feel like professional pastry chefs.
- Crispy golden-brown layers develop a stunning texture that crackles delicately when you bite into the warm, flaky pastry.
- Vanilla glaze drizzled over the top adds a sweet finishing touch that elevates this dessert from good to absolutely irresistible.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg