Golden Braided Puff Pastry with Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
This Golden Braided Puff Pastry with Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Filling is a delightful, visually stunning pastry perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Flaky puff pastry envelops a creamy, tangy lemon cream cheese filling, finished with a sweet lemon glaze that adds the perfect touch of brightness and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the flavors are well combined.
- Prepare Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly to smooth out any creases, then transfer the pastry sheet to the prepared baking sheet.
- Assemble Filling on Pastry: Spoon the lemon cream cheese mixture down the center third of the puff pastry, leaving space at the top and bottom for folding.
- Slice Strips: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut diagonal strips on both sides of the pastry, spaced about 1 inch apart, which will be used to create the braided pattern.
- Braid Pastry: Fold the top and bottom edges over the filling to contain it, then alternate crossing the side strips over the filling from each side to form a beautiful braided design.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush this egg wash over the entire pastry braid to ensure a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the braid in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and has a deep golden brown color.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the pastry to cool slightly. Meanwhile, mix the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to create a smooth glaze, then drizzle it over the top of the braid before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy blending and a smooth filling.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor.
- Be careful not to overfill the pastry to avoid leaking during baking.
- If puff pastry is frozen, thaw it thoroughly in the refrigerator before use.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice.
- This pastry is best enjoyed the day it is made but can be stored covered at room temperature for one day.
Keywords: braided puff pastry, lemon cream cheese pastry, lemon dessert, braided pastry recipe, easy lemon pastry, puff pastry dessert
