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Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid

Close-up of a slice of Strawberry Flaky Puff Pastry filled with cream and fresh strawberries.
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Make an impressive, flaky pastry braid using store-bought puff pastry filled with sweet strawberries and tangy cream cheese.

Ingredients

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  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced thin
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry sheet lengthwise into two equal rectangles.
  4. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture down the center third of one pastry rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
  5. Arrange half of the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer.
  6. Score diagonal lines about 1 inch wide on both long sides of the pastry, cutting from the edge toward the center filling, but do not cut through the filling.
  7. Fold the scored strips alternately over the filling, starting from one side, overlapping each strip to create a braid pattern. Press the ends together to seal.
  8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 with the second pastry sheet, remaining cream cheese, and strawberries.
  9. Place both braids on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the entire surface of each braid with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and fully puffed.
  11. Let the braid cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Keep the puff pastry cold before baking; this helps achieve maximum flakiness.
  • For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
  • If your strawberries release too much liquid, gently pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the filling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytipster.com/strawberry-flaky-puff-pastry/