Want a bite-sized appetizer that looks like it came from a bakery display case? These Blackberry Jam & Brie Puff Pastry Pinwheels deliver sweet, jammy blackberry sauce and melty plant-based brie rolled into golden, flaky pastry spirals.
A quick note before diving in: the reference version of this recipe actually used cranberry sauce and regular dairy brie, despite the title promising blackberry jam and a fully vegan result. This version fixes both issues, swapping in a quick homemade blackberry jam and plant-based brie so the recipe genuinely delivers on its name.
I started making pinwheels like these for holiday gatherings after getting tired of the same predictable appetizer spread every year. Rolling jam and cheese into puff pastry turns a simple combination into something that looks genuinely impressive on a platter. Now this is my go-to whenever I want something bite-sized that still feels a little bit fancy.
Why These Blackberry Brie Pinwheels Deserve a Spot on Your Appetizer Table
Appetizer recipes don’t need dairy to deliver that elegant, bite-sized appeal, and these blackberry jam and brie pinwheels prove that completely. Sweet, jammy blackberry sauce and melty plant-based brie rolled into golden pastry make for one of the more crowd-pleasing brie cheese recipes you’ll serve this season.
Here’s what makes this recipe worth the extra rolling:
- Genuinely make-ahead friendly-assemble and freeze the logs until you’re ready to bake
- Naturally dairy-free-plant-based brie melts beautifully inside the pastry
- Feeds a crowd-24 pinwheels means plenty for a full party spread
- Sweet and savory balance-the blackberry jam pairs beautifully with the melty cheese
- Genuinely portable-perfect bite-sized pieces for guests to grab easily
Ever served an appetizer that disappeared within the first ten minutes of a party? That’s exactly what these pinwheels deliver. IMO, blackberry brings a deeper, slightly tarter flavor than cranberry, which pairs beautifully with rich, melty brie.
Your Recipe Timing and Serving Details
Here’s the quick breakdown before you start on that jam:
- Prep Time- 35 minutes
- Cook Time- 25 minutes
- Total Time- 1 hour
- Servings- 24 pinwheels
- Calories- 183 kcal per pinwheel
An hour total, including the jam-making and freezing time, gets you a batch of 24 pinwheels, making this a genuinely great option for a party spread. Halve the recipe if you’re making a smaller batch, or keep it as-is since these disappear fast at any gathering.
Equipment You’ll Need For Blackberry Jam & Brie Puff Pastry Pinwheels
This recipe uses a bit more gear than your average appetizer. Here’s what to have ready:
- Medium saucepan (for making the blackberry jam)
- Two large baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin (for smoothing out the puff pastry)
- Sharp knife (for slicing the logs into pinwheels)
- Small baking sheet or cutting board (for freezing the rolled logs)
No stand mixer, no food processor required. A saucepan and a rolling pin handle nearly the entire process.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe comes together in two parts: a quick homemade blackberry jam, and the puff pastry pinwheels themselves.
For the Quick Blackberry Jam
- 12 oz fresh or frozen blackberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 sprig rosemary or 1 quarter of an orange peel (either works beautifully with blackberry)
For the Pinwheels
- 17.3 oz puff pastry, thawed (1 package, 2 sheets)
- 8 oz plant-based brie-style cheese (1 wheel)
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary or orange zest, optional
A quick note on the puff pastry: many store-bought brands use vegetable shortening instead of butter, making them naturally vegan. Double-check the ingredient label since this varies between brands.
How to Make Blackberry Jam & Brie Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Ready to roll these together? Here’s exactly how it comes together.
Step 1- Make the Blackberry Jam
Combine the blackberries, sugar, water, and either the rosemary sprig or orange peel in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook down, stirring frequently, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens to resemble jam, about 20 minutes.
Step 2- Cool the Jam
Remove the rosemary or orange peel and let the blackberry jam cool completely. It will thicken further as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a little loose right off the heat.
Step 3- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Step 4- Roll Out the Pastry
Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a sheet of parchment and roll it out just slightly to smooth out the creases.
Step 5- Spread the Jam
Evenly spread the cooled blackberry jam over the puff pastry, leaving about 1/2 inch bare along one edge for sealing.
Step 6- Add the Brie
Lay thin slices of plant-based brie over the jam. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary or orange zest if using. Brush the bare edge with a little water to help it seal.
Step 7- Roll Into a Log
Starting from the edge opposite the bare strip, roll the pastry into a tight log. Repeat the entire process with the second sheet of puff pastry.
Step 8- Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the logs, seam-side down, to a small baking sheet or cutting board. Freeze for 20 to 30 minutes, until firm enough to slice cleanly.
Step 9- Slice and Bake
Cut each log into 12 even slices with a sharp knife, transferring them to your prepared baking sheets. Bake until the pastry puffs and turns golden brown on the edges, about 23 to 25 minutes.
Step 10- Cool and Serve
Let the pinwheels cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving warm.
Serving Ideas for These Pinwheels
These bite-sized pastries work beautifully in a variety of settings. Here’s how I like to serve them:
- Holiday appetizer spread– these genuinely fit right into any festive gathering table
- Wine pairing– serve alongside a glass of wine for an elegant evening appetizer
- Party platter centerpiece– arrange on a large plate for easy grabbing
- Make-ahead entertaining– freeze the sliced pinwheels ahead and bake fresh right before guests arrive
- Brunch addition– these work surprisingly well as part of a brunch spread too
Ever wondered why freezing the log before slicing matters so much? A firm, chilled log holds its shape far better under a knife than a soft one, giving you clean, even slices instead of a messy, squished pinwheel.
Tips for Getting These Pinwheels Right
A few things I’ve picked up from making this more times than I can count:
- Let the jam cool completely before spreading. Warm jam can melt the puff pastry and make it harder to roll.
- Roll the log tightly. A loose roll leads to pinwheels that unravel during baking.
- Don’t skip the freezer step. This genuinely makes slicing so much cleaner and more precise.
- Check your puff pastry brand. Not all brands are vegan, so double-check the ingredient label.
I once tried slicing the log without freezing it first because I was in a hurry, and the slices ended up squished and uneven instead of neat spirals :/ That freezer step genuinely matters for a clean presentation.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Pinwheel)
Here’s exactly what you’re getting per pinwheel, based on 24 total pinwheels from this recipe:
- Calories- 183 kcal
- Carbohydrates- 19g
- Protein- 4g
- Fat- 10g
- Saturated Fat- 4g
- Sodium- 111mg
- Potassium- 38mg
- Fiber- 1g
- Sugar- 9g
- Vitamin A- 65 IU
- Vitamin C- 2mg
- Calcium- 21mg
- Iron- 1mg
Since this version uses plant-based brie, it comes in naturally cholesterol-free while still delivering that same rich, flaky, melty appetizer experience.
Get the Full Printable Recipe Here
Baked Brie Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Bowl
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These pinwheels keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, though they’re genuinely best fresh out of the oven. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back some crispness instead of using the microwave.
The unbaked, sliced pinwheels also freeze beautifully. Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Common Questions About These Pinwheels
Can I use store-bought blackberry jam instead of making my own? Yes, store-bought works fine if you’re short on time, though the homemade version has a fresher, less overly sweet flavor.
Can I use a different berry instead of blackberry? Yes, raspberries or a mixed berry combination both work well using the same jam method.
Is puff pastry always vegan? Not always. Some brands use butter, so check the ingredient label to confirm before buying.
Can I make these ahead for a party? Absolutely. Freeze the sliced, unbaked pinwheels and bake fresh right before your guests arrive.
My Final Thoughts
These Blackberry Jam & Brie Puff Pastry Pinwheels prove that a genuinely elegant appetizer doesn’t need dairy to impress a crowd. Sweet, jammy blackberry filling and melty plant-based brie rolled into golden pastry spirals make for one of the more crowd-pleasing brie cheese recipes you’ll serve this season.
Make a batch once, and they’re likely earning a permanent spot on your appetizer table for every gathering going forward. Whether you serve these at a holiday party or a casual get-together, these pinwheels deliver real, sweet-savory flavor every single time. Grab that puff pastry your next favorite party appetizer is just an hour away.
Blackberry Jam & Brie Puff Pastry Pinwheels Brie Cheese Recipes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1- Make the Blackberry Jam
- Combine the blackberries, sugar, water, and either the rosemary sprig or orange peel in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook down, stirring frequently, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens to resemble jam, about 20 minutes.
- Step 2- Cool the Jam
- Remove the rosemary or orange peel and let the blackberry jam cool completely. It will thicken further as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a little loose right off the heat.
- Step 3- Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
- Step 4- Roll Out the Pastry
- Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a sheet of parchment and roll it out just slightly to smooth out the creases.
- Step 5- Spread the Jam
- Evenly spread the cooled blackberry jam over the puff pastry, leaving about 1/2 inch bare along one edge for sealing.
- Step 6- Add the Brie
- Lay thin slices of plant-based brie over the jam. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary or orange zest if using. Brush the bare edge with a little water to help it seal.
- Step 7- Roll Into a Log
- Starting from the edge opposite the bare strip, roll the pastry into a tight log. Repeat the entire process with the second sheet of puff pastry.
- Step 8- Freeze Until Firm
- Transfer the logs, seam-side down, to a small baking sheet or cutting board. Freeze for 20 to 30 minutes, until firm enough to slice cleanly.
- Step 9- Slice and Bake
- Cut each log into 12 even slices with a sharp knife, transferring them to your prepared baking sheets. Bake until the pastry puffs and turns golden brown on the edges, about 23 to 25 minutes.
- Step 10- Cool and Serve
- Let the pinwheels cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Pinwheel)
Here’s exactly what you’re getting per pinwheel, based on 24 total pinwheels from this recipe:- Calories- 183 kcal
- Carbohydrates- 19g
- Protein- 4g
- Fat- 10g
- Saturated Fat- 4g
- Sodium- 111mg
- Potassium- 38mg
- Fiber- 1g
- Sugar- 9g
- Vitamin A- 65 IU
- Vitamin C- 2mg
- Calcium- 21mg
- Iron- 1mg
Hi — I’m Rachel. I’m a wife, a mom, and a home cook who believes that food should bring comfort, joy, and compassion to the table. I live with my family — two hungry little foodies who are my most honest recipe testers — and together we’ve built a kitchen culture that’s all about good food that happens to be 100% vegan. I started this blog because I wanted a place to share the recipes that keep our days moving, the dishes that make weeknights feel a little easier, and the meals that become our little family traditions.