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Flaky Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Braid

strawberry cream cheese danish braid - featured image
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A quick and easy homemade pastry featuring flaky puff pastry braided around a creamy cream cheese and sweet strawberry jam filling, perfect for brunch or coffee time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 8 oz / 227 g), thawed
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (160 g) strawberry jam, smooth or with small chunks
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 small lemon (optional)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
  • 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) milk or cream (optional, to thin glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll gently to form a 12×9 inch (30×23 cm) rectangle if needed.
  4. Mark the center lengthwise on the pastry. Spread the cream cheese mixture in a 2-inch (5 cm) wide strip down the middle, avoiding edges.
  5. Top the cream cheese with spoonfuls of strawberry jam, leaving a small border to prevent leaking.
  6. Make diagonal cuts about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide strips on both sides of the filling, cutting from edge to filling but not through it.
  7. Braid the pastry by folding strips over the filling, alternating sides from the top. Press ends to seal.
  8. Brush the entire braid with the beaten egg for a golden crust.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and filling bubbles. Check after 15 minutes to avoid burning.
  10. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
  11. Optional: Whisk powdered sugar with milk or cream to make a glaze and drizzle over the cooled braid.

Notes

Keep the cream cheese mixture chilled until spreading to prevent soggy dough. Avoid overloading filling to prevent leaking. Use fresh egg wash for a glossy golden finish. Check oven early to avoid burning. Puff pastry prefers cool handling; refrigerate dough if kitchen is warm.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry, cream cheese, Danish, pastry, braid, puff pastry, brunch, easy dessert, homemade pastry

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/flaky-strawberry-cream-cheese-danish-braid-recipe-easy-homemade-pastry-tutorial/