When you need a dessert that looks fancy but takes almost no effort, this chocolate puff pastry braid is the answer! Buttery, flaky pastry with a rich chocolate filling - this is the kind of treat that disappears the minute you set it on the table!
The best part? You only need 5 simple ingredients and you have a gorgeous dessert ready in less than an hour! No stress, no complicated steps - a few cuts, a quick braid, and into the oven it goes. And you get a golden, chocolate-filled pastry that everyone will love. Simple, fun, and guaranteed to be the star of the table!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
✨ This recipe comes together in less than an hour!
✨ Looks bakery-worthy but is still beginner-friendly
✨ This decadent dessert needs just 5 simple ingredients - except for puff pastry, you'll probably have the rest in your pantry right now!
✨ It looks like a showstopper and is a total crowd-pleaser. Loved by kids and adults alike!
Recipe Ingredients
Puff pastry: You can use either homemade or store-bought puff pastry. I use store-bought, it's a big time-saver and so convenient.
Nutella: For that rich, luscious chocolate filling! Feel free to use a homemade version if you wish.
Egg: For egg wash that gives the pastry a beautiful sheen. You can use cream instead.
Toppings: Almond flakes make the chocolate pastry puffs look so pretty, and they add an extra nuttiness and crunch.
Please see the recipe card below for full information about the ingredients and quantities.
Variations
I love how versatile this puff pastry dessert idea is. You can make a couple of easy additions to the filling:
- Sliced bananas
- Fresh or frozen raspberries or strawberries
- Chopped hazelnuts or almonds
How To Make Chocolate Puff Pastry Braid
Step 1: Preheat your oven. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or Silpat. Thaw your puff pastry according to package instructions. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the puff pastry into a large rectangle.
Step 2: Create two creases that act as markers to divide the dough into three parts. On each of the side sections of the rolled-out puff pastry, cut equal-sized diagonal strips.
Step 3: On the center section, spread Nutella, leaving about ½ inch of space on top and bottom.
Step 4: Fold over the top and bottom empty ends of the middle section. Now begin braiding the puff pastry with Nutella by taking one strip from the left section and crossing it over to the right. Then, take a strip from the right section and fold it over to the other side so it overlaps the first strip at an angle.
Step 5: Continue crisscrossing the cut strips over each other till you have a complete braid. Chill the puff pastry with chocolate in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Brush with the beaten egg. Sprinkle granulated sugar and almond flakes on top.
Step 7: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden and toasty. Let the pastry rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- I got about 10 stripes on each side of the chocolate puff pastry. You can make as many or as few cuts as you want, as long as both sides have the same number.
- Once braided, chill the pastry for 10-15 minutes in the freezer. This will give your pastry flakier, crispier layers.
- You can assemble this pastry 3-4 hours ahead of time, keep it refrigerated, and bake when needed.
- If you use homemade nut butter or homemade Nutella in this chocolate puff pastry recipe, make sure they are not runny. Refrigerate them until they are firm enough to handle, or else you’ll have a super messy pastry at hand.
How To Serve Chocolate Puff Pastry
This Nutella puff pastry is wonderful served warm as-is or with a dusting of powdered sugar. I love it with a cup of tea or coffee!
However, if you want to make it super indulgent, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, my creamy chocolate almond ice cream, or even this delicious vegan coffee ice cream!
How To Store
Puff pastry desserts are best eaten the day they are baked. If you have any leftovers, keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Please reheat in an oven, air fryer, or toaster oven. The microwave will make the pastry soggy!
More Valentine's Day Desserts
Half the joy of cooking is sharing it with others. That’s why I’m always eager to hear from you. So go right ahead and drop a comment or reach out on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, or Facebook. I hope you love this chocolate puff pastry as much as we do!
📖 Recipe
Easy Chocolate Puff Pastry Braid
Ingredients
- 17 oz Puff pastry
- 12 oz Nutella chocolate spread
- 1 Egg, beaten, for egg wash
- 2 tbsp Almond flakes, for topping
- 1-2 tbsp Granulated sugar, for topping
- 2 tbsp Icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200 C / 400 F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or Silpat.
- Thaw your puff pastry according to package instructions.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll the puff pastry into a large rectangle (approx 14 by 17 inches).
- Divide the rectangle into three equal parts. You can either eyeball it or fold the dough to create two creases that act as markers.
- On each of the side sections of the rolled-out puff pastry, cut equal-sized diagonal strips.
- On the center section, spread Nutella, leaving about ½ inch of space on top and bottom.
- Fold over the top and bottom empty ends of the middle section.
- Now begin braiding the puff pastry with Nutella by taking one strip from the left section and crossing it over to the right. Now take a strip from the right section and fold it over to the other side so it overlaps the first strip at an angle.
- Continue crisscrossing the cut strips over each other till you have a complete braid.
- Chill the puff pastry with chocolate in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Brush with the beaten egg. Sprinkle granulated sugar and almond flakes on top.
- Bake at 200 C / 400 F for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden and toasty.
- Let the pastry rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- I got about 10 stripes on each side of the chocolate puff pastry. You can make as many or as few cuts as you want, as long as both sides have the same number.
- Once braided, chill the pastry for 10-15 minutes in the freezer. This will give your pastry flakier, crispier layers.
- You can assemble this pastry 3-4 hours ahead of time, keep it refrigerated, and bake when needed.
- If you use homemade nut butter or homemade Nutella in this chocolate puff pastry recipe, make sure they are not runny. Refrigerate them until they are firm enough to handle, or else you’ll have a super messy pastry at hand.
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