Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid featuring a flaky puff pastry filled with a sweetened cream cheese mixture and juicy blueberries, finished with a light powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Egg Wash
- 1 egg (beaten)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (to make glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Blueberry Mixture: In a bowl, combine the blueberries with cornstarch and lemon juice. This will help thicken the filling during baking and add a fresh citrusy flavor. Set aside.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture will provide a rich and tangy base for the filling.
- Assemble Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, then spoon the blueberry mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Braid the Pastry: Cut strips along each side of the pastry lengthwise, then carefully braid the strips over the filling, alternating sides to fully enclose the mixture inside the pastry.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the beaten egg over the surface of the braided pastry to give it a beautiful golden shine when baked.
- Bake: Place the braided pastry on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Make Glaze: While the pastry bakes, stir powdered sugar and milk together to create a smooth glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, allow the pastry braid to cool slightly on a wire rack. Drizzle the powdered sugar glaze over the top before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen blueberries; if using frozen, do not thaw to avoid sogginess.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly with other ingredients.
- If puff pastry is not pre-rolled, roll it out gently to about 10×10 inches before assembling.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding milk gradually; it should be pourable but not too runny.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.
