Description
Sweet “strawberry puff pastry braid with cream cheese” delivers elegant European dessert magic in one stunning pastry. Delicate layers of buttery pastry and luscious strawberry filling promise delightful moments of pure culinary pleasure you’ll savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Filling:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping and Garnish:
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions, ensuring it’s pliable but still cold.
- In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Carefully unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, rolling it slightly to even out any creases.
- Position the pastry vertically and mark the center third of the dough for filling placement.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly down the center third of the pastry, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top and bottom edges.
- Arrange sliced strawberries in a neat row directly on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, make diagonal cuts along the outer thirds of the pastry, creating even strips on both sides.
- Carefully fold the pastry strips over the filling in an alternating, braided pattern, overlapping each strip slightly to create a woven effect.
- Whisk egg and milk together to create an egg wash, then gently brush the entire surface of the pastry braid.
- Preheat oven to 400°F and transfer the prepared braid to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and puffy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle lemon zest before serving.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry remains chilled before rolling to maintain its flaky texture and prevent sticking during preparation.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free filling that spreads easily across the pastry.
- Slice strawberries uniformly to create an even layer and prevent uneven baking or structural instability in the braid.
- Brush egg wash sparingly to achieve a golden, glossy finish without weighing down the delicate pastry surface.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg