How To Make Maple Cranberry Baked Brie (with Maple Syrup Drizzle)
Warm, melty, and a little indulgent — this maple cranberry baked brie brings cozy fall flavors straight to your table.
This recipe is part of our ongoing collaboration with Whisk & Wunder — together we’re bringing you cozy, holiday-inspired recipes in English and German, straight from our kitchen to yours. Perfect for festive gatherings, weekend brunches, or a quiet night in with something melty and delicious.
Auf der Suche nach dem Rezept auf Deutsch? Klick hier 🇩🇪
There’s something magical about baked brie. It’s warm, melty, and a little indulgent — like the appetizer equivalent of wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a cold night. This version, featuring maple syrup, cranberries, and toasted pecans, is a festive favorite that instantly elevates any table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, Friendsgiving, or just need something quick that looks fancy — this maple baked brie delivers every time.
Brie might look impressive, but here’s a secret: it’s one of the easiest appetizers you’ll ever make. It takes less than 20 minutes start to finish, and even the cheapest wheel of brie will transform into something absolutely irresistible once baked with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Cranberry Baked Brie
If you’ve never made baked brie before, prepare to have your world changed (or at least your snack game). Here’s why this recipe has become one of our go-to crowd-pleasers:
- It’s quick and elegant: You only need about 5 minutes of prep, and it looks restaurant-worthy when you pull it from the oven.
- Sweet-meets-savory perfection: Maple syrup and cranberries bring just enough sweetness to balance the creamy, buttery brie.
- Seasonal and versatile: Works beautifully for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy winter movie nights.
- Customizable: Swap nuts, add herbs, or tweak the spice level — it’s foolproof either way.
- Budget-friendly: We used a $3.99 wheel from a discount store, and it still turned out incredible.
If You Love This, You’ll Love…
Classic Baked Brie: The Best Appetizer for Any Crowd
If you loved this maple-topped version, our classic baked brie is the original that started it all — simple, elegant, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of no-fuss recipe you’ll want to pull out for every dinner party or cozy night in.
Irresistible Whipped Feta Dip for Any Occasion
Creamy, tangy, and topped with honey and herbs, this whipped feta dip is another quick appetizer that never fails to impress. Serve it with pita chips or crostini and you’ve got yourself the easiest party platter ever.
Dessert craving? Try the Caramel Pumpkin Mini Bundt Cake
End your evening on a sweet note with this cozy fall favorite — soft pumpkin cake drizzled with buttery caramel glaze. It’s the perfect pairing for your baked brie night, especially with a mug of coffee or mulled wine.
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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious maple baked brie:
- 1 wheel brie cheese (about 8 oz / 225 g)
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (use the dark, robust kind if possible)
- Pinch of chili powder (optional, but gives a subtle warmth)
- Pinch of salt
- Baguette slices, crackers, or apple slices — for serving
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a small baking dish with parchment or use an oven-safe ceramic dish.
Step 2: Toast the pecans
In a small pan over low heat, toast the chopped pecans with a pinch of salt and chili powder for about 3–4 minutes. Stir often so they don’t burn. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell nutty and start releasing their natural oils.
Step 3: Score the brie
Place your wheel of brie in the center of the dish. Use a paring knife to lightly score the top in a criss-cross pattern about ½ inch deep. This helps the toppings and syrup soak in.
Step 4: Add the toppings
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top, then add the toasted pecans and cranberries. Drizzle generously with maple syrup, letting it flow into the little cuts.
Step 5: Bake until gooey
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese feels soft to the touch and just starts to ooze. Keep an eye on it — once brie overbakes, it can burst and spill out (still delicious, but messier).
Step 6: Rest and serve
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving — this helps it firm up just enough to scoop easily. Serve warm with crackers, sliced apples, or a fresh baguette.
🍪 TastyCue Tip: Try serving this with graham crackers — we swear it works. The subtle honey sweetness pairs perfectly with the maple-cranberry topping.
Tips for the Perfect Maple Baked Brie
- Make it ahead: Prep the toppings in advance; just assemble and bake right before serving.
- Switch it up: Try walnuts, pistachios, or almonds instead of pecans, or use dried cherries or figs for a different twist.
- Add herbs: A sprinkle of rosemary or thyme before baking adds a cozy, aromatic touch.
- Skip the puff pastry: Keeping it simple lets the maple and cranberry flavors shine — and saves time.
- Don’t overthink the cheese: Even an inexpensive brie melts beautifully once baked.
FAQ 🍁
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the brie up to a few hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What’s the best maple syrup for this recipe?
Go for dark or amber maple syrup — it’s richer and more robust in flavor. Avoid artificial syrups; real maple syrup makes a huge difference here.
Can I use camembert instead of brie?
Absolutely. Camembert bakes similarly and has a slightly earthier flavor, which works great with the sweet maple and cranberry combo.
How do I know when baked brie is done?
The rind should look slightly puffed, and if you press it gently, it should feel soft but not collapsing. If it’s oozing out, it’s already perfect — time to eat!
What should I serve with baked brie?
Try:
- Baguette slices or crostini
- Crackers
- Fresh apple or pear slices
- Even crispy breadsticks or pretzel crisps for a salty-sweet combo
How to Store and Reheat
If you somehow end up with leftovers (rare, but it happens), store the baked brie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place it back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, until warmed through and melty again. Avoid microwaving — it makes the texture a little rubbery.
The Final Forkful
We’ve made this baked brie so many times that it’s become a bit of a holiday tradition. It’s the kind of dish that makes people hover around the kitchen, baguette in hand, waiting for it to come out of the oven.
The creamy cheese, sticky maple syrup, and sweet-tart cranberries hit all the right notes — cozy, elegant, and completely addictive. And while it feels festive enough for the holidays, we won’t judge if you make it on a random Tuesday night.
So grab that wheel of brie, warm up the oven, and drizzle on that maple syrup. Because honestly, baked brie just makes everything better.
Much love,
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