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Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible Chocolate Banana Puff Pastry Braid! Perfect for any occasion, this indulgent treat combines rich dark chocolate with fresh banana slices, all wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry. At just 5 WW points per serving, it’s a guilt-free dessert that will impress your family and guests alike. With its stunning braid design and melt-in-your-mouth flavors, this pastry is ideal for brunch, dessert, or any special event. Simple to make and utterly delicious, it’s sure to become your new favorite go-to recipe!
Ingredients in WW Chocolate Banana Puff Pastry Braid
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For the Weight Watchers Chocolate Banana Puff Pastry Braid, you’ll need 3 oz of a low-point dark chocolate bar (such as Lily’s Almond Dark Chocolate), some cinnamon to taste, and 2 large bananas sliced into coins. You’ll also need 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed, and 1 beaten egg white for brushing. This combination creates a delightful pastry with a sweet, chocolaty, and fruity filling.
Preheat the oven
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Set it to 400°F.
Prepare the puff pastry
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Roll out the puff pastry between two pieces of parchment paper, extending the length to about 1 foot long without widening it.
Score and cut the dough
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Score the rolled-out dough vertically into thirds. Leave the center third intact and cut diagonal strips along the outer thirds, ensuring an equal number of strips on each side. Trim the corners at the top and cut triangles out of the bottom for easier folding.
Layer the filling
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Arrange the banana slices in the center third, overlapping them in 3 rows. Sprinkle cinnamon over the bananas, then place a halved chocolate bar lengthwise on top of them.
Braid the pastry and Egg wash
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Start braiding by folding a strip from the right side over the filling, pressing gently. Then fold a strip from the left side over the first one, continuing this pattern down the pastry. Press any seams gently to secure them. Brush the braid with beaten egg white for a shiny finish.
Bake
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Place the braid in the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes until golden brown and fully baked. The chocolate should be melty, and you can lift a banana slice to check if the dough underneath is done. Mine took about 30 minutes.
Cool and serve
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Let the braid cool for a minute, then cut it into 12 equal portions and enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
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- Splurge Version: If you have extra Weight Watchers points to spare, consider using milk chocolate or your favorite high-point chocolate bar for added richness. You can also elevate the dessert by drizzling a glaze over the top after baking.
- Save a Point: To reduce the points, increase the amount of bananas and use only half a chocolate bar. Break the chocolate into pieces and scatter them randomly over the bananas. While you may not get chocolate in every bite, the dessert will remain delicious and satisfying.
- Other Fruit Options: If you prefer not to use bananas, substitute them with sliced strawberries or another favorite fruit. Keep in mind that fruits with higher water content may release moisture during baking, which could result in a slightly soggy dough.
Tips and Tricks for Making Chocolate Banana Puff Pastry Braid
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- Prevent Over-Browning: If the top of the braid is browning too quickly while the bottom still needs more time, cover it with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
- Firming Up the Dough: If the puff pastry becomes too soft, sticky, or difficult to work with, pop it in the freezer for a few minutes to firm it up.
- Egg Wash Tip: Brushing the braid with a whole egg can lead to excessive browning. I recommend using just the egg white for a more controlled golden finish.
- Scoring for Uniformity: Before cutting the dough strips, score the pastry lightly. This helps ensure both sides have the same number of strips and creates a more uniform braid.
