Thursday, May 25, 2017

Strawberry-Rhubarb Puff Pastry Braid


If you love the combination of strawberries and rhubarb, I have a treat for you. The almond frangipane on the inside and sliced almonds on top make this a triple-delicious dessert any time of day. Easier than pie since you don't have to make a crust when you use store-bought puff pastry dough.


The puff pastry dough is braided over the top of the filling, although it's difficult to see with the almonds and confectioners sugar sprinkled on top. Here is a very good tutorial on how to braid puff pastry: 


Don't worry if you aren't a perfect 'braider', the almonds and powdered sugar can hide any flaws :)


I loved this so much that I could honestly say it's one of my top 3 favorite rhubarb desserts! I had never made frangipane before but it was super easy using a food processor.  If you don't have time to make homemade frangipane you could also substitute almond paste, which is found in the baking aisle near the canned pie fillings.  I added a splash of Aperol to the rhubarb and strawberry filling, but any concentrated fruit juice or fruit liqueur would taste good.  I usually have Aperol on hand to make Aperol Spritz with Prosecco in the summer and rhubarb is actually one of the ingredients in Aperol!


Along with a lot of rain, May has brought many wonderful moments in the garden and with family! Planting is 99% finished and the weeds are still winning a million to one! 


Happy Memorial Day to all who are celebrating this weekend and heartfelt condolences to Manchester.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Puff Pastry Braid

Printable Recipe

1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed overnight

Filling Ingredients:

3/4 cup diced rhubarb
3/4 cup diced strawberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Aperol, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec liqueur (any fruit-flavored alcohol will do)
1 egg used for egg wash
1 tablespoon sliced almonds for sprinkling on top
Confectioners sugar for garnish after pastry has cooled

Frangipane ingredients:

1 cup sliced almonds
4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup AP flour
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Preheat oven to 350F.

To make frangipane:

In the work bowl of a food processor, add the flour, almonds and sugar and pulse to a course powder. Add the butter and pulse until just incorporated.  Add the eggs and almond extract and process until smooth, about 1 minute.  Pour mixture into a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

To make filling:

Combine the diced rhubarb and strawberries in a bowl with the sugar, cinnamon and liqueur of choice. Set aside.

To assemble:

On a well-floured surface, roll out the pastry to an approximately 15x9" rectangle. Gently transfer rolled pastry to a parchment or silicone mat-lined baking sheet.

Spoon the frangipane down the middle of the pastry, lengthwise. Spoon the fruit filling over the top of the frangipane, being careful not to 'over fill'.  

Make inch-wide, diagonal incisions on either side of the filling, stopping an inch short of the filling. Fold the cuts across the fruit on a slight angle, pulling gently to cover the filling, first folding one side over and then the other, creating a braid, pressing down gently.  See this tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd3PMaMt4j4

Using egg wash to seal ends, tucking them under then egg wash the entire pastry. Sprinkle top with almond slices.

Bake until pastry is golden brown, about 35-40 minutes, depending on your oven.  Start checking after 25 minutes and every 5 minutes thereafter. 

Cool completely and then dust with confectioner's sugar, if desired. 

Inspired by The Lemon Apron and David Tanis

50 comments:

  1. What a delicious treat Susan...the combination of strawberry and rhubarb and the layer of frangipane in this pastry just sound and look awesome. Thanks for the inspiration!
    Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend :)

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    1. Thank you, Juliana! Trying to make the best of my little rhubarb patch while I can ;)

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  2. I agree with you on the Frangipane Susan! I just made strawberry rhubarb crisp with the Frangipane in the crumb topping. Oh my! I will try this soon.

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  3. I have to look for rhubarb, this delicious recipe attracts me very much, lovely pics dear Susan, your smile is so charming! A warm hug

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    1. Thank you, Chiara :) I know is difficult to find rhubarb in the warmer climates of Europe. Warm hugs xo

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  4. Susan I love this strawberry rhubarb puff pastry ! is absolutely beautiful and delicious and the pictures stunning!! xoxoxo

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    1. I think you would love it! Can you get rhubarb in Chile, Gloria? Thank you, Dear :)

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  5. Hmmmm...oh my! That looks so good! Great photo of you and your girls!

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  6. I definitely love the these two spring ingredients together. They are just super together. A super treat, Susan.

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    1. Thank you, Angie! A favorite combination of mine and so delicious.

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  7. Hmmm..I commented from my IPad..in bed LOL..two comments..where the heck are they?:)I don't want to repeat myself..lol:)Maybe they will publish?:)BEAUTIFUL..the tart..the girls..and I love Frangipane.
    Let's see if they pop up..Happy MD weekend :)

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    1. Ha-ha, I've done the same thing! I wonder why sometimes it doesn't go through with the iPad? Thank you, Dear, M. I see you just published too - I'll be right over ;)

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  8. What a wonderful photo of you! And great pictures of your garden. I can't seem to get outside enough to make anything happen in the garden. We may let it go this year. Anyway - LOVE this pastry braid - and that frangipane is calling my name. Such a great combination of flavors. Beautiful treat - hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Thanks so much, Tricia! We had a great time with the family again yesterday :)

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  9. I like strawberry rhubarb anything and can almost taste this delicious dessert. Great looking presentation.

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  10. Absolutely beautiful Susan. Love the picture of you and the girls. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend.

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    1. Thank you, Penny! Enjoyed the family here yesterday and taking it easy today :)

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  11. What a wonderful pastry braid Sue! And you photos of your girls are beautiful! And you as well! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Can't wait to see more! xo anna and liz

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    1. Thank you, Ladies! Hope you're enjoying some fun times this weekend also :)

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  12. This is a delightful combination Susan. I love rhubarb and strawberries but add puff pastry and frangipane and I would be in heaven!

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  13. Well this looks so good. Yes I adore strawberries and rhubarb (I love raspberry and rhubarb more) and then add frangipani and pastry. It's the jackpot!

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    1. It's is indeed the jackpot of combinations, Dom! Thank you :)

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  14. Hi Susan, this is probably one of my favorite kind of sweets to enjoy. Love strawberry and rhubarb. Watched the video and she certainly made the process look very easy, will definitely have to try this. How wonderful that you are almost done in your garden, that is certainly an accomplishment for May. Way to go!

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    1. It is certainly mine also, Cheri, as you can tell by the number of rhubarb recipes here ;)

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  15. This is too pretty to eat!!! Beautiful pics.

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  16. Bev made this today and we thought it was delicious.

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    1. Wow, that's great! Thanks for letting me know, Larry :)

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  17. In the top three, that is really saying something, but I can certainly understand. It looks delicious and would be hard not to want a second slice.

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  18. Oooh anything made with puff pastry will hold a special place in my belly (I'll definitely make room for them hehe). This looks incredibly delicious!

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  19. This is beautiful. I think its a delicious taste of summer.

    The weeds always win (laugh). Hope you are enjoying the warm weather months.

    Velva

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    1. Thank you, Velva! Yes, the weeds do win :) I keep fighting, though!

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  20. Be still my heart...all my favorites are in this gorgeous bread!

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    1. My favorites too! I love this time of year ;) Thanks, Sue!

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  21. I love baking with puff pastry and this bread looks so irresistible and delish!

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  22. This looks like total perfection to me! This might be dessert, but I also see it as breakfast, and tea and in between! Gorgeous and delicious, Susan!

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  23. What a beautiful dessert and I'm sure tasty. Great photos of you with your family. Hope you're doing well!

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  24. Such a beautiful and delicious looking dessert! Wow! :)

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  25. OH WOW, this is an so beautiful. It must taste absolutely amazing. Is'nt it great cooking with veg which you grow in your garden? I really love it and cannot wait to try out this recipe. Definitely saving and pinning!!!😃

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  26. wow looks divine have a fab summer.

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