Lemon Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid is a delightful treat that combines tangy lemon curd with rich cream cheese, all wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry. It’s a perfect dessert or brunch centerpiece that’s both impressive and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 13 oz ready rolled puff pastry
• 1/2 cup lemon curd
• 5 oz full fat cream cheese
• 3 tbsp icing (powdered) sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 medium egg (lightly beaten)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking tray with greaseproof paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: Place the puff pastry sheet onto the prepared tray. Score it into thirds lengthwise, leaving the center third open for the filling.
3. Step 3: Cut the corners diagonally at the top of the outer two-thirds to create the angles for the braids.
4. Step 4: Slice diagonally down one side of the pastry to create 3/4 to 1-inch thick strips on both sides.
5. Step 5: Remove the small triangle of pastry left between the middle section and the last strip.
6. Step 6: Spoon the lemon curd into the center of the middle third, spreading it evenly.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and cornflour until smooth. Spoon this mixture over the lemon curd.
8. Step 8: Fold one strip from the left side over the filling, then do the same with a strip from the right side, repeating to form the braid.
9. Step 9: Seal the end by folding the small piece of pastry over the filling.
10. Step 10: Brush the braid with the lightly beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden finish.
11. Step 11: Bake for 17-22 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden.
12. Step 12: Cool the braid on a rack for 30 minutes before slicing into 1-inch pieces.
13. Step 13: Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet, decorative finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra lemony flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• You can substitute lemon curd with orange marmalade or raspberry jam for a different twist.
• Make sure not to overfill the pastry to avoid leakage during baking.
• If you prefer, use low-fat cream cheese, but full fat will give the best texture and richness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave before serving to maintain the pastry’s crispness and the filling’s creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works well, but store-bought ready rolled puff pastry saves time and effort. Just make sure it is fully thawed if frozen before using.

What can I do if I don’t have lemon curd?

If lemon curd isn’t available, you can use lemon marmalade or a thick lemon jam as a substitute. Alternatively, blend lemon juice with sugar and a bit of zest to create a quick homemade curd.

Lemon Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x

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Description

This Lemon Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring a flaky puff pastry filled with tangy lemon curd and rich cream cheese. The braid is beautifully golden, with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

• 13 oz Ready rolled puff pastry

Filling

• 1/2 cup Lemon curd
• 5 oz Full fat cream cheese
• 3 tbsp Icing/powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1/2 tbsp Cornflour/cornstarch

Finishing

• 1 Medium egg (lightly beaten)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking tray with greaseproof paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Place the puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking tray. Using a knife, lightly score the pastry into three equal lengthwise sections, leaving the center section uncut as this will hold the filling.
3. Create Braids: Cut the corners diagonally at the top edges of the outer two-thirds of the pastry. Then slice diagonal strips about 3/4 to 1 inch thick down each side of the pastry to form the braids on both sides.
4. Remove Extra Pastry: Remove the small triangular pieces of pastry left between the middle section and the last strip on each side to make folding easier and neater.
5. Add Lemon Curd: Spoon the lemon curd evenly along the center third of the puff pastry, distributing it carefully to create a tangy base for the filling.
6. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and cornflour. Mix until smooth and creamy, then spoon this mixture over the lemon curd layer.
7. Form the Braid: Starting on one side, fold a strip of pastry over the filling, then alternate sides, overlapping the strips to form a braided pattern. Continue until the braid is fully formed over the filling.
8. Seal the Ends: Fold the small remaining pastry pieces over the end of the braid to seal it and prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
9. Egg Wash: Brush the entire braid with the lightly beaten egg. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden and shiny finish once baked.
10. Bake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 17-22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
11. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the braid to cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes to set. Slice into 1-inch pieces before serving.
12. Optional Garnish: Dust the cooled braid lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

Notes

• For best results, keep the puff pastry cold until just before use to help it puff properly when baked.
• You can use homemade lemon curd if preferred, but store-bought works well for convenience.
• Ensure the cream cheese mixture is smooth without lumps to get an even filling texture.
• If you like a stronger lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
• The braid can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Reheat slices briefly in the oven or microwave before serving to restore flakiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon cream cheese pastry, puff pastry braid, lemon curd dessert, easy dessert braid, cream cheese dessert