Apricot Almond Chocolate Twists
Delight in the decadent layers of our Apricot Almond Chocolate Twists, a stunning fruit-filled pastry that combines the sweetness of dried apricots and cranberries with the rich indulgence of chocolate, all enveloped in a tender, flaky bread. This delightful treat is made effortlessly with refrigerated French bread dough, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or a sweet afternoon snack. The addition of sliced almonds adds a satisfying crunch, while a dusting of powdered sugar tops it off for a beautiful presentation. Perfect for any occasion, this twist will surely be a crowd-pleaser, adapted from Pampered Chef's beloved cookbook, "All The Best"!
16
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried apricots
1 cup (diced)
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup (or use white chocolate chips)
Dried sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup
All-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (plus additional for sprinkling)
Almond extract
1/2 teaspoon
Water
1 tablespoon
Refrigerated French bread dough
2 (11 ounce) packages
Egg white
1 (lightly beaten)
Sliced almonds
1/3 cup
Powdered sugar
to taste (optional for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Prepare the filling: Dice the dried apricots and combine them with semi-sweet chocolate chips, dried cranberries, all-purpose flour, and almond extract in a mixing bowl. Stir until well mixed, then add water and mix again until combined.
3
Prepare the dough: Unroll each package of refrigerated French bread dough and place them seam side up on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice each loaf lengthwise from end to end, cutting about halfway through to create a pocket.
4
Gently spread open the sliced dough. Sprinkle a little additional flour evenly over each loaf, then roll the dough crosswise with a rolling pin to create a well about 4 inches wide down the center.
5
Fill the dough: Spoon half of the apricot filling mixture down the center of each loaf. Bring the edges of the dough up over the filling and pinch to seal tightly.
6
Shape the twists: Place the filled loaves seam side down on a baking sheet in an X pattern, crisscrossing the ends to form a large figure 8 while leaving an opening of about 1.5 inches in the center.
7
Finish the preparation: Brush the lightly beaten egg white over the tops of the dough. Cut a 3-inch slit in each of the top sections of the twist to allow the filling to peek through.
8
Top with almonds: Evenly sprinkle the sliced almonds over the dough, pressing down gently to adhere.
9
Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 32 minutes, or until the twists are deep golden brown.
10
Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Optionally sprinkle with powdered sugar before slicing and serving warm. Enjoy the delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
9.4g
Fat
25g
Carbs
3.1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Apricot Almond Chocolate Twists?
They are decadent fruit-filled pastries made with layers of dried apricots, cranberries, and chocolate chips enveloped in flaky French bread dough.
What kind of dough is used for this recipe?
The recipe uses two 11-ounce packages of refrigerated French bread dough.
Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, the recipe specifies that you can use white chocolate chips as an alternative to semi-sweet chocolate chips.
What is the baking temperature for the twists?
The oven should be preheated and the twists baked at 375°F (190°C).
How long should I bake the Apricot Almond Chocolate Twists?
Bake the twists for 30 to 32 minutes or until they are a deep golden brown.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 16 servings.
What ingredients are in the filling?
The filling consists of diced dried apricots, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, all-purpose flour, almond extract, and water.
How do I shape the dough into a twist?
Place the two filled loaves in an X pattern on a baking sheet and crisscross the ends to form a large figure 8.
Do I need to use an egg wash?
Yes, a lightly beaten egg white is brushed over the dough before baking to help the almonds stick and provide a finish.
What should I sprinkle on top of the dough before baking?
Sprinkle 1/3 cup of sliced almonds evenly over the dough, pressing down gently.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Is there a recommended way to prepare the dried apricots?
Yes, the dried apricots should be diced before being combined with the other filling ingredients.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the fruit filling?
Flour is mixed into the filling to help bind the ingredients and manage moisture during baking.
How do I prepare the refrigerated French bread dough for filling?
Unroll the dough, slice it lengthwise halfway through with a serrated knife, and roll it crosswise to create a 4-inch wide well.
Should the loaves be seam side up or down when filling?
The dough should be placed seam side up when you are cutting and filling it, then placed seam side down on the baking sheet.
How long should the twists cool before serving?
Allow the twists to cool for about 10 minutes after removing them from the oven.
Can I add a topping after the twists have baked?
Yes, you can optionally sprinkle the twists with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Is this recipe considered a bread or a dessert?
It is categorized as a bread, but its sweet ingredients make it suitable for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert snack.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 9.4 grams of fat.
How much protein is in a serving of this pastry?
There are approximately 3.1 grams of protein per serving.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from Pampered Chef's cookbook titled "All The Best".
How much almond extract is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.
How wide should the well in the dough be for the filling?
The dough should be rolled to create a well about 4 inches wide down the center.
Do I need to cut slits in the top of the dough?
Yes, cut a 3-inch slit in each of the top sections of the twist to allow the filling to be visible.
How much carbohydrate is in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
What type of cranberries should be used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of dried sweetened cranberries.
Is water added to the filling?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of water is added to the filling mixture to help combine the ingredients.
Can these be served warm?
Yes, they are best enjoyed when sliced and served warm.
How much apricot is needed?
You will need 1 cup of dried apricots.
What is the approximate ingredient count for this recipe?
The recipe uses 10 main ingredients.