You wouldn’t believe the look on my mother-in-law’s face when I presented this show-stopping Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry at our family gathering last year. I mean, she’s a tough critic when it comes to holiday treats, but one bite and she was raving about how melt-in-your-mouth flaky and festive it was. To be honest, I was a little nervous to try this Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry recipe for the first time, but it ended up being so easy and the flavors just popped. Now, it’s the first thing I make when Christmas rolls around!
Why This Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry
The secret to this Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry is all in the flaky, buttery puff pastry base and the way the cranberries, creamy camembert, and crunchy pistachios work together to create the ultimate holiday flavor explosion. It’s not overly sweet, but the tart cranberries and rich cheese create the perfect balance. Plus, the Christmas tree shape is just so festive and fun – your guests are going to go crazy for it!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Puff pastry – The foundation of this Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry. Look for all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and texture.
- Cranberries – Fresh or frozen cranberries add a pop of festive red color and irresistible tart flavor.
- Camembert cheese – This soft, creamy cheese melts beautifully and complements the cranberries so well.
- Pistachios – Chopped pistachios bring a delightful crunch and nutty taste.
- Egg wash – Brushing the pastry with an egg wash gives it a beautiful golden sheen.
Step-by-Step Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry Instructions
Preparing Your Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry
This Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry comes together quickly, with just a few simple steps. You’ll need about 1 hour total from start to finish, including 30 minutes of baking time. Grab a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a sharp knife – let’s get started!
1- Unfold the puff pastry sheet and place it on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently roll it out into a 12×12-inch square.
2- In the center of the pastry, arrange the cranberries in a circular pattern, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Top the cranberries evenly with the sliced camembert cheese.
3- Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into 16 triangular slices, starting from the outside and working your way in towards the center.
4- Carefully lift each triangular slice and twist it 2-3 times to create a tree-like shape. Arrange the twisted slices on the baking sheet, making sure they’re evenly spaced.
5- Whisk the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the twisted pastry slices generously with the egg wash.
6- Sprinkle the chopped pistachios evenly over the top of the Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 400°F until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Pro Tips for Success
To prevent the bottom of the Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry from getting soggy, be sure to use a rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.
Don’t overfill the center – you want just enough cranberries and camembert to create a nice, even layer without spilling out.
Let the pastry cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the tree shape hold together perfectly.
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry
Perfect Pairings for Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry
This Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry makes a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a classic holiday ham for a complete and impressive meal. It also pairs beautifully with a glass of sparkling wine or mulled cider.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftovers of this Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
You can also prepare the Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry in advance. Assemble it completely, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just remember to allow a little extra baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry
Creative Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry Variations
For a different twist, try swapping out the camembert for brie or goat cheese. You could also add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of thyme for an herby element. And if you want to get really festive, try using puff pastry dyed with natural food coloring to create a bright red or green tree.
Making Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry Diet-Friendly
To make this Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free puff pastry brand. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the camembert with a vegan cheese alternative. Just be sure to check the labels to ensure all the ingredients fit your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work great in this Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry recipe. You don’t even need to thaw them first – just toss them directly onto the puff pastry.
Q: How do I get the pastry to hold its shape?
A: The key is to not overfill the center and to twist the pastry slices before arranging them on the baking sheet. This helps the Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry maintain its beautiful tree-like shape.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry up to 1 day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Q: How many people does this Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry serve?
A: This recipe makes one large Christmas tree-shaped puff pastry that serves 8-10 people as a holiday appetizer or side dish.
Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in this divine Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry, a mouthwatering holiday appetizer that’s ready in just 10 minutes! Flaky puff pastry is filled with a irresistible combination of sweet-tart cranberries, creamy camembert, and crunchy pistachios for a show-stopping festive treat.
Ingredients
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 8 oz camembert cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
– 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. 3. Arrange the cranberries, camembert cubes, and chopped pistachios in the center of the puff pastry, leaving a 2-inch border.
4. 4. Fold the pastry edges over the filling, pleating it as you go to create a Christmas tree shape.
5. 5. Brush the pastry with the egg wash.
6. 6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown.
7. 7. Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
For best results, use fresh, high-quality cranberries. You can also try this recipe with brie or goat cheese instead of camembert. Garnish with extra chopped pistachios or fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry is the ultimate holiday showstopper – it’s so impressive looking but surprisingly simple to make. The combination of flaky pastry, tangy cranberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts is absolutely irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the rave reviews from your family and friends. Let me know in the comments how your Cranberry, Camembert & Pistachio Christmas Tree Puff Pastry turns out!