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Flaky Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Braid

flaky strawberry cream cheese danish braid - featured image
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A quick and easy homemade pastry featuring flaky puff pastry layered with sweet strawberries and tangy cream cheese, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed; Pepperidge Farm preferred)
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for cream cheese filling)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for strawberry filling)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
  • Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp milk or lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the strawberry filling by combining sliced strawberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Toss gently and set aside to macerate and thicken.
  2. Make the cream cheese filling by beating softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a 12×12 inch square. Let it soften if too cold and stiff.
  4. Cut the pastry into a central rectangle about 5×8 inches for the filling, leaving about 3 inches on each side for braiding strips. Slice the side strips into 1-inch wide strips, about 6 per side.
  5. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the central rectangle, leaving a small border. Spoon the strawberry filling evenly over the cream cheese.
  6. Starting at the top, fold alternating strips diagonally over the filling to create a braid pattern. Press the ends to seal.
  7. Brush the entire braid with the beaten egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
  8. Place the braid on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until puffed and deep golden brown. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly.
  9. Let the Danish cool slightly on a wire rack. Optionally, whisk powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice to make a glaze and drizzle over the braid.

Notes

Thaw puff pastry completely but keep it cool to avoid stickiness. Smooth cream cheese filling ensures even baking. Cut pastry strips evenly for neat braiding. Avoid overfilling to prevent sogginess. Egg wash is essential for a golden crust. You can prepare fillings while pastry thaws for efficiency. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry danish, cream cheese pastry, puff pastry braid, easy breakfast recipe, homemade danish, flaky pastry, strawberry dessert

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