Introduction
The Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie is a warm, gooey, and festive appetizer that captures the cozy flavors of fall. Wrapped in golden puff pastry and filled with sweet apple butter and crunchy pecans, this brie transforms into a show-stopping pumpkin shape using twine and a cinnamon stick as the stem. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween gatherings, or autumn dinner parties, this dish is both elegant and playful. Serve it fresh from the oven with crackers, fruit, or bread, and watch it disappear as guests dig into its creamy, melty goodness.
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History or Background
Baked brie has been a beloved appetizer for decades, known for pairing creamy cheese with sweet or savory fillings wrapped in flaky pastry. Originating in France with brie en croûte, it became popular in the U.S. as a versatile party dish. The Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie is a seasonal spin on this classic, using twine to create pumpkin-like ridges and a cinnamon stick for the stem. With its warm filling of apple butter and pecans, it celebrates autumn flavors while keeping the tradition of indulgent, shareable baked cheese alive.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie
The Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie is more than just an appetizer—it’s a festive centerpiece. First, it’s elegant yet simple, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep. Second, it’s rich and flavorful, combining creamy brie, flaky puff pastry, sweet apple butter, and crunchy pecans. Third, it’s seasonally festive, shaped like a pumpkin to bring fall charm to your table. Finally, it’s crowd-pleasing, pairing perfectly with crackers, fruit, or bread for gatherings big and small. This dish turns ordinary baked brie into a warm, memorable fall celebration.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie
To make this festive Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie, you’ll need:
- ¼ cup apple butter – adds sweetness and fall flavor
- ½ cup pecans – chopped for crunch
- 1 wheel brie cheese (8 oz) – the creamy centerpiece
- 1 sheet puff pastry – thawed, for wrapping
- 1 large egg – for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon water – to mix with egg for brushing
- 1 cinnamon stick – the pumpkin “stem”
Optional variations: swap apple butter for pumpkin butter, walnuts for pecans, or drizzle with honey or cranberry sauce after baking.
How to Make Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie
Making a Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie is easier than it looks:
- Prep the pastry – Thaw puff pastry for 30–40 minutes. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking pan with parchment.
- Assemble the brie – Roll out puff pastry and place brie in the center. Top with apple butter and pecans. Fold pastry over the cheese until fully sealed.
- Shape the pumpkin – Cut 4 long pieces of food-safe twine. Wrap around the pastry in evenly spaced sections to form pumpkin-like ridges.
- Egg wash & bake – Whisk egg with water, then brush over pastry. Bake 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish the look – Cool for 5 minutes, then carefully remove twine. Insert a cinnamon stick into the top for the pumpkin stem.
- Serve immediately – Pair with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices for dipping.
The result is a golden, melty, pumpkin-shaped masterpiece perfect for fall gatherings.
Pro Tips for Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie
- Seal tightly – Make sure the puff pastry is well-sealed to prevent melted brie from leaking during baking.
- Chill before baking – If your pastry feels too soft, refrigerate the wrapped brie for 15 minutes before baking to help it hold its shape.
- Use food-safe twine – Regular kitchen string works well, but double-check it’s oven-safe before tying up the pastry.
Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie
The Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie is a stunning centerpiece for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or autumn dinners. Serve it warm with buttery crackers, sliced baguette, or crisp apple slices for dipping. To create a full fall grazing board, surround it with grapes, figs, candied nuts, and fresh herbs for color and flavor. For an extra festive touch, drizzle the baked brie with honey or cranberry sauce just before serving. This appetizer brings elegance and cozy autumn vibes to any gathering.

FAQs about Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie
How long should a cheese ball sit out before serving?
Cheese balls should sit out about 15–20 minutes before serving, but baked brie is best served hot from the oven.
How to keep a cheese ball cold?
Cheese balls should be kept chilled until serving. For baked brie, simply let it rest for a few minutes after baking, then serve warm.
Would you freeze a cheese ball?
Cheese balls don’t freeze well due to texture changes, and the same is true for baked brie—freezing can cause the cheese and pastry to separate.
How to keep cheese balls from going stale?
Cheese balls stay fresh when tightly wrapped and refrigerated. Baked brie should also be stored airtight in the fridge and reheated before enjoying.
Find out more: Fabulous Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball Recipe
Conclusion
The Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie is a cozy, elegant appetizer that turns simple ingredients into a festive showpiece. With creamy brie, sweet apple butter, and crunchy pecans wrapped in golden puff pastry, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for fall gatherings, this warm and melty dish will impress guests and add seasonal charm to your table. Serve it fresh from the oven and let the flavors of autumn shine.
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Stunning Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie is a festive fall appetizer filled with apple butter and pecans, wrapped in puff pastry, and baked until golden. Finished with a cinnamon stick stem, it’s a warm and elegant centerpiece for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or autumn parties.
Ingredients
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¼ cup apple butter
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½ cup pecans
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1 wheel brie cheese (8 oz)
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1 sheet puff pastry
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1 large egg
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1 tablespoon water
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1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
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Thaw puff pastry according to package directions. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
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Place brie in the center of puff pastry. Top with apple butter and pecans. Fold pastry over brie to seal.
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Wrap with four pieces of food-safe twine to create pumpkin ridges.
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Whisk egg with water and brush pastry. Bake 25 minutes until golden brown.
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Let cool for 5 minutes, then remove twine carefully. Insert cinnamon stick as the pumpkin stem.
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Serve warm with crackers, bread slices, or apple wedges.
Notes
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Seal pastry tightly to avoid cheese leakage.
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Chill the wrapped brie before baking if pastry feels soft.
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Swap apple butter for pumpkin butter or cranberry sauce for variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American