Name: Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup frozen or fresh cranberries; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, plus more for drizzling; 1/2 tsp finely grated orange zest; 2 tbsp fresh orange juice; 2 tsp cornstarch; Kosher salt, a large pinch; A large pinch of ground cinnamon; All-purpose flour, for dusting; 1 (8-oz) sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed; 1 (8-oz) wheel brie; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 2 tbsp turbinado sugar

I’m so excited to share this delightful Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together so effortlessly. If you’ve ever struggled to wow guests with appetizers or wanted a cozy treat that screams holiday vibes, this one will be your new go-to. The combination of sweet maple syrup, tart cranberries, and that melty wheel of brie wrapped in buttery puff pastry is just irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor Harmony: The sweet maple syrup pairs beautifully with tart cranberries and creamy brie, creating a perfect balance.
Elegant Yet Simple: It looks like a restaurant appetizer, but you can easily whip it up in under an hour.
Great For Sharing: This baked brie serves 6-8, ideal for parties or family gatherings.
Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak the spice or add nuts to fit your taste.

The image shows four golden brown, triangular puff pastry pieces arranged in a circle around a thick layer of bright red cranberry sauce in the center. The puff pastries have a shiny, slightly crisp top sprinkled with coarse sugar, giving a textured look. One pastry is pulled slightly away, revealing creamy, melted cheese stretching out onto a light beige cracker positioned on the right side. The background is a white marbled surface with extra crackers scattered loosely around the pastries and sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a way that really highlights each component without overpowering the others. Fresh cranberries give it that lively tartness, and pure maple syrup adds an earthy sweetness that’s unmatched by regular sugar.

Cranberries: Fresh or frozen both work well; just make sure they’re tart and firm.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of cranberries for a smooth jam.
Pure Maple Syrup: The star sweetener that gives a warm, caramel note.
Orange Zest: Adds a fresh citrus aroma to brighten the flavors.
Fresh Orange Juice: Enhances the fruity profile and helps the jam set.
Cornstarch: Thickens the jam so it won’t run all over your pastry.
Kosher Salt: A pinch to balance sweetness and bring depth.
Ground Cinnamon: Just a touch for cozy warmth that complements the brie.
All-purpose Flour: For dusting the surface so the puff pastry doesn’t stick.
Frozen Puff Pastry Sheet: Your flaky, buttery vessel to hug all the delicious ingredients.
Wheel of Brie: The creamy center that melts into pure heaven.
Large Egg: For brushing on the puff pastry to get that gorgeous golden finish.
Turbinado Sugar: To sprinkle on top for a nice sparkling crunch after baking.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe my own by changing it up depending on the occasion and what’s in my pantry. Don’t hesitate to get creative—you’ll be surprised how adaptable this dish is!

Add nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds tossed into the cranberry jam add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
Swap spices: Instead of cinnamon, try a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a different warm note.
Fruit swaps: Dried cherries or fresh figs work beautifully if you want to mix up the fruit.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free puff pastry and this recipe is just as delightful.

How to Make Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe

Step 1: Make the Maple Cranberry Jam

Start by tossing the cranberries, sugar, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, cornstarch, and a big pinch of salt into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly and keep stirring—you’ll want to gently smash the cranberries as they pop open. This usually takes about 4 to 6 minutes. Once the mixture thickens into a jammy texture, remove it from the heat and stir in the cinnamon. Let this cool while you prep everything else—it’s key to give the jam time to set properly before you bake it wrapped in pastry.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry and Brie

Dust your work surface lightly with all-purpose flour, then unroll the thawed puff pastry and gently roll it out to about a 10-inch square. Transfer the pastry to a baking sheet lined with parchment to make cleanup a breeze. Place your brie in the center of the pastry—this is where the magic starts to happen!

Step 3: Assemble the Baked Brie

Spoon a generous amount of your cooled maple cranberry jam right over the top of the brie. Then fold each corner of the pastry towards the center to mostly cover the brie, leaving small gaps between folds. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly sealed; we want that rustic look. Next, brush the entire pastry with your beaten egg to get that irresistible glossy, golden crust. Finish by sprinkling turbinado sugar all over for a bit of sparkle and crunch.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your creation into a preheated 425°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on that beautiful crust—if it starts browning too quickly, tent some foil over the top to avoid burning. When it’s golden and puffed up, it’s ready! Transfer the baked brie to a platter and give it a little drizzle of extra maple syrup for that finishing touch. Oh, the invite to dig in is strong at this point.

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe

Don’t skip the orange zest: It brightens the jam in a subtle way that takes the flavor from good to unforgettable.
Let jam cool completely: Warm jam can make the puff pastry soggy, so give it a little time before assembling.
Use parchment paper: It ensures the pastry doesn’t stick, making clean-up and serving a breeze.
Watch the baking closely: Puff pastry can brown fast; tent with foil if needed to prevent burning.

How to Serve Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface filled with square crackers topped with coarse salt. At the center, a round baked item is divided into four triangular sections with golden brown, flaky crust sprinkled with coarse sugar. Each triangle is folded inward, revealing layers underneath: a creamy yellow melted layer close to the edges and a glossy, chunky red fruit layer in the middle, oozing out slightly onto the plate. The dish looks warm with a mix of smooth and textured surfaces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top right after baking for added crunch and a lovely nutty aroma. Sometimes I add fresh thyme leaves or rosemary sprigs for a touch of herbaceous freshness—it pairs wonderfully with the sweet and tart profile. Plus, a little drizzle of extra maple syrup never hurts!

Side Dishes

This baked brie shines when served alongside crusty baguette slices or water crackers to scoop up that melty cheese and jam. I also love pairing it with a simple mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a full party spread, adding spiced nuts or charcuterie meats turns it into an unforgettable cheese board centerpiece.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try placing the Maple Cranberry Baked Brie on a wooden cutting board surrounded by fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary and pine for a festive look. Another fun idea is to serve the brie in a mini cast-iron skillet for table-side appeal, letting guests dig right in with warm bread sticks. Trust me, presentation really ups the wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is sometimes tough!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but expect the puff pastry to soften a bit. When you’re ready, let it come to room temperature before reheating gently.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen the baked brie before baking by assembling it and wrapping tightly in plastic and foil—then popped it right into the freezer. When you’re ready, bake it from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is a great way to prep ahead for busy holiday gatherings.

Reheating

To reheat, place the baked brie on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese is gooey again and the pastry is crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible as it makes the pastry soggy. Reheated this way, it tastes almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce instead of making the maple cranberry jam?

While you could use store-bought cranberry sauce, making the maple cranberry jam fresh lets you control the sweetness and texture, giving you a less watery consistency that holds up well in the pastry. Plus, the hint of orange zest and cinnamon really lifts the flavor beyond canned versions.
Is puff pastry the only pastry that works for this recipe?

Puff pastry is ideal because it’s buttery and flaky, creating that beautiful golden crust we all love, but you can try using crescent roll dough or phyllo dough if you want something lighter or with a different texture. Just keep an eye on baking times as they’ll vary.
What can I serve with Maple Cranberry Baked Brie for a complete party spread?

Along with crusty breads and crackers, add some sliced apples or pear, mixed nuts, charcuterie meats like prosciutto or salami, and an array of olives. A crisp white or sparkling wine pairs beautifully, too—making your spread an instant hit!
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy from the jam?

Make sure the jam is thoroughly cooled before assembling, and avoid using too much jam as excess moisture can soften the pastry. Also, folding the pastry neatly and brushing with egg wash creates a seal to help keep it crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the perfect balance of ease and indulgence. I’ve served it at intimate dinners and big holiday parties, and every single time it steals the show. I love sharing it with friends because it’s like gifting a little warm love wrapped in flaky dough. If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe, give this one a try—you won’t regret it!