Dessert

Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Recipe

ByRita Bennet December 12, 2025December 12, 2025

Introduction

This Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is a delightful appetizer that combines creamy cheese with sweet-tart cranberry sauce and crunchy pecans. Whether wrapped in flaky puff pastry or served as is, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.

A round, creamy white cheese wheel sits on crumpled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface, topped with a thick layer of glossy dark red berry compote that drips slightly down the sides. Scattered on top of the compote are crunchy pecan halves and bits, along with fresh green thyme sprigs adding a touch of color and texture contrast. The cheese's smooth surface is partly covered in the syrupy berry sauce, creating a rich, inviting look with deep reds and natural browns. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 wheel of brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 sheet of puff pastry (optional)

Crackers or baguette slices, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture becomes syrupy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 3: If using puff pastry, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Place the brie wheel in the center of the pastry.
Step 4: Spoon the cranberry and pecan mixture over the brie.
Step 5: If using puff pastry, fold the pastry over the brie, sealing it completely. Trim any excess pastry and press the edges to seal.

Step 6: Place the wrapped brie, or the brie by itself if not using pastry, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is gooey and the pastry is golden brown.
Step 8: Let the baked brie cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns.

Step 9: Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy warm with crackers or sliced baguette.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme into the cranberry mixture.
Use walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty taste.

Skip the puff pastry for a lighter, simpler version and serve the cranberry topping on the baked brie.
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen work just as well—no need to thaw before cooking.

Storage

Store any leftover baked brie covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be served at room temperature if making ahead.

How to Serve

A round, thick wheel of creamy white cheese sits slightly melting on wrinkled white parchment paper, with a glossy dark red fruit compote made of cherries and cranberries generously layered on top. The compote is mixed with small chopped nuts, mainly pecans, giving a crunchy texture to the top layer. Sprigs of fresh green herbs, likely rosemary or thyme, are scattered among the fruit and nuts, adding a touch of natural green color contrast. The red sauce from the compote slightly drips down the sides, mixing with the melted cheese and pooling on the white parchment below. The scene is close-up and cozy, set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cranberry pecan topping and assemble the brie with puff pastry ahead of time. Keep it refrigerated and bake just before serving for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?

If puff pastry isn’t available, you can bake the brie without it, simply topping the cheese with the cranberry pecan mixture and baking until warm and gooey.