Berry Puff Twists
Berry Puff Twists are a delightful treat featuring flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around a sweet and tangy berry filling. These twists are light and crispy on the outside with…
Tip: save now, read later.
Berry Puff Twists are a delightful treat featuring flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around a sweet and tangy berry filling. These twists are light and crispy on the outside with a juicy burst of mixed berries inside, making them a perfect snack or dessert for any time of the day.
I love making these because they’re surprisingly easy to prepare and always wow friends and family. The combination of the flaky pastry with the fresh berries creates a wonderful texture contrast that I can’t get enough of. Plus, they look so pretty and inviting with their twisted shapes, making them a fun bake to share.
I usually enjoy Berry Puff Twists warm from the oven, maybe with a little dusting of powdered sugar on top or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, and I find they’re great for a casual brunch or an after-school treat. Whenever I make them, everyone ends up asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the heart of your twists—flaky, buttery, and light. Store-bought sheets are perfect for saving time. If you want gluten-free, look for specialty gluten-free puff pastry, or try phyllo dough for a crispier texture.
Berry Jam & Fresh Berries: Use any mixed berry jam you like—raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry all work well. If fresh berries aren’t available, frozen (thawed) berries can be a great substitute, just be sure to drain excess liquid to avoid soggy pastry.
Egg Wash: This helps the twists turn a golden brown and adds a nice shine. If avoiding eggs, try brushing with milk or a little melted butter instead—it won’t brown quite the same but still looks nice.
Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting adds a lovely touch. You can skip this or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a different twist in flavor.
How Can I Make Perfect, Crispy Puff Pastry Twists?
Getting puff pastry to rise and stay crispy can feel tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Keep it cold: Work quickly with your pastry and keep it chilled until just before baking. This keeps the butter layers solid for that flaky puff.
- Thin layers: Roll your dough evenly to ensure an even bake and proper puff.
- Don’t overload: Use a thin layer of jam and just a few berries to prevent sogginess.
- Twist gently: Twist the strips without stretching, which can tear the dough or cause uneven baking.
- Space them out: Leave enough room on the baking sheet for air circulation so each twist can puff up nicely.
- Use egg wash: Brushing lightly helps with color and shine—don’t skip it!
Following these tips, your Berry Puff Twists will come out beautifully golden, crisp, and full of flavorful berry goodness every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat, rimmed sheet lets your twists bake evenly and puff nicely.
- Parchment paper – keeps the twists from sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
- Rolling pin – helps you flatten the puff pastry smoothly to the right thickness.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – cuts the pastry into neat, even strips for twisting.
- Small bowl and pastry brush – for mixing and applying the egg wash evenly.
- Wire cooling rack – to cool twists properly and keep them crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use apricot or peach jam instead of berry for a sweeter, summery twist.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the jam for a warm spiced flavor.
- Include a thin layer of cream cheese under the jam for extra richness and tang.
- Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios on the jam layer for crunch and texture.
Berry Puff Twists
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup mixed berry jam or berry preserves (such as raspberry, strawberry, or mixed berries)
- ½ cup fresh mixed berries (optional: raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 15-18 minutes to bake. Allow a few minutes more to cool the twists before dusting them with powdered sugar and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Setup:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup quick and easy.
2. Roll and Cut the Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12×9 inch rectangle. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
3. Add Berry Filling:
Spread a thin layer of berry jam along each strip, leaving a small margin on the edges. For extra freshness and flavor, sprinkle a few fresh berries on top of the jam if you like.
4. Twist and Arrange:
Carefully twist each strip several times to create a beautiful spiral effect. Place the twists on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart to allow for rising.
5. Brush with Egg Wash and Bake:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to make an egg wash. Lightly brush each twist to help them develop a lovely golden color. Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes until puffed up and golden brown.
6. Cool and Finish:
Remove the twists from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Before serving, dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty and tasty finish.
Enjoy these crispy, flaky Berry Puff Twists warm or at room temperature as a delightful breakfast pastry or elegant snack!
Can I Use Frozen Berries Instead of Fresh in the Twists?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the frozen berries completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Berry Puff Twists?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them crisp, reheat briefly in a toaster oven or conventional oven before serving.
Can I Make These Twists Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the twists and keep them on the baking sheet covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting them in the oven.
What’s a Good Alternative to Egg Wash?
If you prefer not to use eggs, brushing the twists with milk or melted butter works well too. They won’t brown quite as much, but still get a nice finish.
