• Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  4 Tablespoons butter
• Add the chopped apples, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar to the saucepan.
  2 apples, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup brown sugar
• Stir well to combine.
• Cook the apple mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are softened and coated with the caramelized sugar and cinnamon. Add the vanilla extract, and remove the pan from the heat. Set it aside to cool slightly.
  1 teaspoon vanilla

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

• Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If it's not already in a rectangle shape, gently roll it out to a rectangular shape, approximately 10x12 inches.
  1 sheet puff pastry

Add the Ricotta and Apple Mixture:

• Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the center third of the puff pastry sheet, leaving about a 1-inch border on the top and bottom.
  1/3 cup ricotta cheese
• Spoon the cooked apple mixture on top of the ricotta cheese.

Braid the Pastry:

• With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut diagonal strips on the left and right sides of the puff pastry sheet, leaving the center third with the filling untouched.
• Starting from the top, fold the 1-inch border over the filling at an angle to cover the top.
• Alternating sides, fold the diagonal strips over the filling, creating a braided pattern. Continue until the end of the pastry is reached.
• Brush with whisked egg and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Bake:

• Carefully transfer the pastry braid onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.

Serve:

• Remove the apple pastry braid from the oven, and let it cool slightly.
• Slice and serve warm. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a decorative touch, if desired.