Best Apricot Pineapple Braid Recipes

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APRICOT AND PINEAPPLE CRISPS



Apricot and Pineapple Crisps image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 37m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Vegetable oil cooking spray
1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained and 1/2 cup juice reserved
1 cup (6 ounces) quartered dried apricots
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon arrowroot
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup quick-cook oats
1 stick unsalted butter, chilled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/4 teaspoon fine salt

Steps:

  • Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray 4 (10-ounce) ramekins with vegetable oil cooking spray. Set aside.
  • For the filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the pineapple chunks, apricots, cinnamon, arrowroot, and reserved pineapple juice. Divide the mixture equally between the ramekins.
  • For the topping: In a food processor, combine the flour, oats, butter, sugar, pecans, and salt. Pulse together until the butter is the size of peas.
  • Spoon the topping over the filling mixture. Place the ramekins on a small baking sheet and bake until golden and the filling is bubbling, 18 to 20 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and serve.

APRICOT BREAD



Apricot Bread image

This is my most asked-for recipe. I've used it for many years, which is obvious from my recipe card that's yellowed and full of stains. The fruity appearance and taste of this easy-to-make bread blend beautifully with our warm Florida sunshine. It's always a hit whenever I serve it.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 1 loaf.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup snipped dried apricots
2 cups warm water
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 large egg
3/4 cup orange juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chopped nuts

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Soak apricots in warm water for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a bowl, cream the sugar, butter and egg. Stir in orange juice. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir into creamed mixture just until combined. Drain apricots well; add to batter with nuts. Pour into a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 55 minutes or until bread tests done. Cool 10 minutes in pan before removing to a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 184 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 242mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

Apricot pineapple braid, a delectable pastry, is a perfect treat for brunch, afternoon tea, or even as a dessert. The combination of sweet and tangy apricots and pineapples with a fluffy dough makes it a go-to option for those who have a sweet tooth. This pastry can be served warm or cold, and it is great for parties or as a delightful snack.

History

The origin of the apricot pineapple braid is not precisely known. However, it is believed that the braid pastry was initially introduced to Europe and America during the medieval era, and it was popularized by the Jewish culture. Braided pastries were traditionally made during Jewish holidays, especially during the celebration of the Sabbath. Later, the trend got assimilated and modified by other cultures, and the apricot pineapple braid pastry came into existence.

Ingredients

To make an apricot pineapple braid pastry, the following ingredients are necessary:
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup of warm water
  • 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup of milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup of canned pineapple, drained and chopped
  • 1/4 cup of dried apricots, chopped

Preparation

  1. Start by activating the yeast with warm water and sugar. Let it rest for five minutes.
  2. Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Add butter and mix thoroughly with your hands.
  3. In a small saucepan, bring milk to boil and let it cool.
  4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the yeast mixture, egg, and milk.
  5. Mix until you have a sticky dough.
  6. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes.
  7. Transfer it to a large bowl, cover with cling film, and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until double the size.
  8. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  9. Punch the dough to deflate it and transfer it to a floured surface.
  10. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangular shape about 12x16 inches.
  11. Brush the rolled dough with melted butter and sprinkle chopped apricots and pineapples over it.
  12. Roll the dough from the long side, and seal the edge with your fingers.
  13. Cut the dough down the center, so you have two halves. Cut each half down the center, so you have four quarters.
  14. Twist two dough strands and braid them. Repeat the same with the other two.
  15. Place braided pastries on the prepared baking tray.
  16. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  17. Let the braid pastry cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Warm The apricot pineapple braid is best served fresh out of the oven when it's still warm. Allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes, slice them into thick pieces, and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla ice cream. Cold If you prefer to serve it cold, cover the apricot pineapple braid with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled and set, slice it into pieces, and serve it with fresh fruits, honey, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Variations

The apricot pineapple braid recipe can be modified to suit your taste and preference. Here are some variations to try:
  • Substitute dried apricots with your choice of dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, or figs.
  • Replace the canned pineapple with fresh pineapple slices or your preferred fruit such as apples or peaches.
  • Add nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the filling mixture to add crunch.
  • Drizzle caramel, chocolate sauce, or honey over the braid for an extra dose of sweetness.

Conclusion

The apricot pineapple braid recipe is a simple yet delicious pastry that can be enjoyed anytime. The fluffy dough, combined with the sweetness of the apricots, tanginess of the pineapples, and the taste of butter, makes for an irresistible treat. With this recipe's many variations, you can get creative with your toppings and make it unique to your taste buds. Serve it warm or cold for an impressive brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert.

Valuable Tips for Making Apricot Pineapple Braid Recipes

Apricot pineapple braid is a scrumptious pastry made with layers of soft, fluffy dough filled with a flavorful blend of apricots and pineapples. Making this delicious pastry at home requires a little bit of patience, but the end product is definitely worth the effort. If you are new to making apricot pineapple braid or are looking to improve your baking skills, here are some valuable tips that you need to keep in mind:
Tip 1: Choose high-quality ingredients
One of the essential things to keep in mind when making apricot pineapple braid is to choose high-quality ingredients. This includes the flour, yeast, apricots, pineapple, sugar, and butter. Using fresh and high-quality ingredients will not only improve the overall taste of the pastry but will also ensure that it is healthy for consumption. You can also experiment with different types of flours, such as whole wheat or pastry flour, to add more depth and richness to the pastry.
Tip 2: Follow the recipe instructions precisely
The key to making an excellent apricot pineapple braid is to follow the recipe instructions precisely. Start by reading the recipe thoroughly and understand every step involved. You also need to measure your ingredients accurately, as it can make a significant difference in the texture and flavor of the pastry. Do not try to improvise or substitute ingredients unless you are an experienced baker and know how to make the necessary adjustments.
Tip 3: Ensure the yeast is activated
Yeast is one of the critical ingredients in making apricot pineapple braid as it helps the dough to rise and become fluffy. However, it is essential to ensure that the yeast is activated before adding it to the dough. To do this, mix the yeast with warm water and a pinch of sugar and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. If the yeast does not froth, it means it is expired, and you need to get fresh ones.
Tip 4: Knead the dough appropriately
Kneading the dough is an essential step when making apricot pineapple braid. It helps to distribute the yeast evenly throughout the dough and develop the gluten that is responsible for giving the pastry its airy texture. You should knead the dough for at least ten minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead the dough manually by hand.
Tip 5: Allow the dough to rise twice
Another crucial step in making apricot pineapple braid is allowing the dough to rise twice. The first rise should be for at least an hour until the dough doubles in size. Punch the dough down, and then let it rise for an additional thirty minutes before shaping it into the pastry crust. Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures that it is fluffy and airy, adding more depth and texture to the final product.
Tip 6: Spread the filling evenly
When spreading the apricot and pineapple filling on the dough, ensure that you do it evenly to prevent the pastry from being too thick in some parts and too thin in others. You can use a pastry brush or a spoon to spread the filling gently on the dough, leaving some space around the edges to seal the pastry. Ensure that the filling does not spill over the edges, as it can cause the pastry to become soggy.
Tip 7: Seal the edges carefully
Sealing the edges of the pastry is an essential step in making apricot pineapple braid. You can do this by using a fork or your fingers to press the edges together gently. Ensure that the edges are sealed correctly to prevent the filling from oozing out while baking. You can also brush the top of the pastry with egg wash to give it a shiny and golden appearance.
Tip 8: Bake at the right temperature
The final step in making apricot pineapple braid is baking it at the right temperature. Ensure that your oven is preheated to the required temperature before putting the pastry inside. Bake it for about forty-five to fifty minutes or until it is golden brown and cooked through. You can test whether the pastry is cooked by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the pastry is ready. In conclusion, making apricot pineapple braid is a delightful experience that requires patience, precision, and attention to detail. By following the valuable tips outlined above, you can create a scrumptious pastry that your family and friends will love. Remember to have fun and experiment with different variations to explore different flavors and textures. Happy baking!

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