Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pastry braid is the perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and buttery goodness. The cream cheese filling provides a rich and smooth contrast to the sweet blueberry filling, while the puff pastry gives it a golden, flaky texture that melts in your mouth. The addition of a lemon glaze adds a refreshing, citrusy finish to the dish, making it an irresistible dessert or breakfast treat. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour, making it a great go-to for busy days or when you want to impress guests.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1 box puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Blueberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lemon Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Blueberry Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh blueberries, sugar, water, and cornstarch.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a simmer and the blueberries begin to break down, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Remove from heat and allow the blueberry filling to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract and continue to mix until well combined.
3. Set aside until ready to assemble.

Assembling the Pastry Braid:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×9 inches).
3. Spread the cream cheese filling down the center of the puff pastry, leaving about 2 inches on each side.
4. Spoon the blueberry filling over the cream cheese layer.
5. Cut diagonal slits on both sides of the pastry to create strips (about 1-inch wide).
6. Carefully fold the strips over the blueberry filling, alternating sides to form a braid. Pinch the ends together to seal.
7. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the top of the braided pastry with the egg wash to give it a golden, glossy finish.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.

For the Lemon Icing:

1. While the pastry is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Once the pastry is done baking and has cooled slightly, drizzle the lemon icing over the top.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 8 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients, with a baking time of 25-30 minutes, for a total time of about 40-45 minutes. Allow the pastry to cool slightly before serving.

Variations

• Different Fruits: If you’re not a fan of blueberries, try using raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for the filling. You can even mix different berries together for a berry medley.
• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or almonds can be sprinkled over the blueberry filling for a nice crunch and extra flavor.
• Cream Cheese Substitution: If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese filling with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a richer flavor, drizzle melted chocolate over the top instead of the lemon icing for a decadent twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover pastry can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the pastry in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore its crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for the filling?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess liquid in the filling.

How can I make this pastry ahead of time?

You can prepare the pastry braid up to the point of baking and then refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before baking. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.

Can I use a different type of pastry?

While puff pastry gives the braid its signature light, flaky texture, you can also use crescent roll dough or phyllo dough in a pinch, though the texture may vary.

Can I omit the lemon icing?

Yes, you can omit the lemon icing if you prefer a less sweet topping, or substitute it with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a simpler finish.

Can I freeze the Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pastry braid. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from being too runny?

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature and well-beaten with the sugar. If the mixture feels too runny, add a little more cream cheese to thicken it.

How do I make the braid more golden brown?

Make sure to brush the pastry braid with an egg wash (egg and water mixture) before baking. This will give it a beautiful golden color once baked.

Can I add a crumb topping?

Yes, for extra texture, you can sprinkle a crumb topping (made from butter, flour, and sugar) on top before baking.

Can I make individual servings instead of a large braid?

Absolutely! You can cut the puff pastry into smaller squares or rectangles and assemble individual servings for a fun and personal touch.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

To make this dessert gluten-free, use gluten-free puff pastry. Just be sure to check all other ingredients for gluten content.

Conclusion

Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid is a mouthwatering dessert that combines the best of sweet and creamy fillings with flaky, buttery pastry. With the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and an easy-to-follow recipe, this pastry braid is a fantastic choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert, this treat is sure to impress and leave everyone coming back for more.

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