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Flaky Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Braid

strawberry cream cheese Danish braid - featured image

A quick and easy homemade Danish braid featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberry filling, perfect for brunch or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, diced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fillings: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and fluffy. Set aside.
  2. In another bowl, toss diced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Let sit to macerate and thicken slightly.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a roughly 12×10 inch rectangle.
  5. Cut a vertical strip about 3 inches wide down the center of the pastry. On each side, cut parallel strips about 1 inch wide for braiding.
  6. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly along the center strip, leaving a small border at the ends.
  7. Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer evenly, avoiding excess liquid.
  8. Braid the pastry strips alternately over the filling, pinching the ends to seal.
  9. Brush the braid gently with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown, checking at 18 minutes to prevent over-browning.
  11. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes before drizzling the optional powdered sugar glaze.

Notes

Drain excess liquid from strawberries to avoid soggy pastry. Chill puff pastry if too soft before cutting. Start checking bake at 18 minutes to prevent over-browning. Optional glaze adds a sweet finishing touch.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry Danish, cream cheese braid, puff pastry dessert, easy brunch recipe, homemade Danish braid