If you’re craving a dessert that feels both elegant and effortlessly impressive, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid Recipe is exactly what you need. The flaky, buttery puff pastry envelops a luscious, tangy cream cheese filling, perfectly balanced with the sweet freshness of ripe strawberries. Every bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, a special afternoon treat, or a lovely finish to dinner, this braid is as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three side-by-side images show a white bowl with a metal mixer inside on a white marbled surface. In the first image, a woman’s hand pours dark brown liquid into the bowl containing thick white cream. The second image shows the cream turning light yellow as a soft white solid is added on top beside the mixer. The third image shows the mixture as a smooth light yellow cream with swirl marks from the mixer. A white cloth napkin is in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but play crucial roles in making the pastry sing—each one contributes to the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

2 sheets puff pastry: Whether store-bought or homemade, puff pastry creates that flaky, golden crust everyone loves.
8 oz. cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, it brings creaminess and a mild tanginess that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right without overpowering it.
1 large egg yolk: Adds richness to the filling and helps with binding ingredients.
1 tsp lemon juice: Brightens the filling and balances the sweetness.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Infuses the cream cheese with warm, fragrant notes.
2 cups sliced strawberries: Fresh, juicy, and ripe strawberries are essential for the fruity contrast inside the braid.
1 egg: Used for brushing the pastry to achieve a shiny, golden crust.
¼ cup coarse sugar: Sprinkled on top of the pastry for a subtle crunch and sparkle after baking.
1 cup powdered sugar: The base for a sweet glaze that finishes the braid beautifully.
2 to 4 tbsp milk: Adjust the glaze consistency to your liking for drizzling over the baked braid.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by combining the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Beat everything until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will not only add a tangy, sweet richness but also help keep the strawberries nestled perfectly inside the braid.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. This will be the base where you’ll place the filling and berries. Having the pastries at the right temperature—chilled but pliable—will make braiding easier and maintain that flaky texture after baking.

Step 3: Assemble the Filling and Strawberries

Spread the cream cheese filling down the center strip of the puff pastry, leaving edges on the sides free. Layer the sliced strawberries evenly on top of the cream cheese, making sure not to overfill to prevent leakage during baking.

Step 4: Cut and Braid the Pastry Strips

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice strips along both sides of the filling about 1-inch wide. Then, fold the strips over the filling in an alternating pattern, creating a beautiful braid that seals in all the yumminess inside.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Sprinkle Sugar

Beat the remaining egg and brush it gently over the braid. This egg wash ensures a gorgeous golden hue. Then sprinkle the coarse sugar on top to add a delightful crunch and sparkle once baked.

Step 6: Bake

Place the braid on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s puffed and golden brown. The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly waiting to dig in!

Step 7: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze

Mix powdered sugar with milk, adding the milk gradually until you reach a drizzling consistency. Once the braid is slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze on top for that sweet finishing touch that completes the dish beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

The dish shows a braided pastry with fresh strawberry filling. The first layer is a rectangular light-colored dough base with vertical strips cut on the sides. The second layer is fresh red strawberry halves placed neatly in the center of the dough base. The third layer shows strips of dough being braided over the strawberry layer, alternating from both sides to the center, creating a woven pattern. The final layer is a golden yellow brushed egg wash coating the braided dough with a sprinkle of sugar on top. The pastry is on a white baking tray lined with parchment paper, with a white marbled surface background, and a woman's hand is shown brushing the egg wash on the dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a stunning presentation, add a few fresh strawberry slices and a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the glaze. A few mint leaves also add a fresh pop of color and aroma that complements the fresh strawberries perfectly.

Side Dishes

This braid pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for a cozy snack or breakfast. For a light brunch spread, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the braid into individual portions and serve on pretty plates with a drizzle of extra glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This recipe’s visual appeal and flavor make it ideal for special occasions like brunch parties or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap any leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, where it will stay delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to keep the braid longer, freeze the fully cooled pastry in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain the flaky crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy and lose its signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best because they retain their texture and juiciness without making the puff pastry soggy. If you must use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them very well before adding to the filling.

Is it possible to make this braid vegan?

Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese option, use a plant-based puff pastry, and replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup for that lovely golden sheen.

Can I prepare the braid in advance?

Absolutely. You can assemble the braid and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the pastry from drying out.

What can I use instead of coarse sugar on top?

If you don’t have coarse sugar, sparkling sugar or sanding sugar is a great alternative. If neither is available, a light sprinkle of regular granulated sugar works too, though it won’t add quite the same crunch.

How do I make sure the braid stays sealed during baking?

Cut strips carefully and fold them snugly over the filling, pressing slightly to seal. Also, avoid overfilling and make sure the edges of the pastry are dry before assembly to prevent slipping or oozing out during baking.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid Recipe is a true showstopper with minimal fuss—a perfect blend of flaky, creamy, and fruity that’s bound to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try soon and watch it disappear at any gathering or cozy day in. You’re going to love every luscious, flaky bite!