Strawberry Cream Cheese Braid
This braided pastry is an absolute treat. Buttery, flaky puff pastry is filled with delicious cream cheese and strawberry jam. Baked until golden brown. Use store-bought puff pastry sheets or make your own from scratch.
Puff pastry is a wonderfully versatile dough known for its light, flaky layers and rich, buttery flavor. Cream cheese filling is a luscious, tangy addition that adds richness and smoothness to any dessert. Combining cream cheese and strawberry jam inside puff pastry creates a wonderful combination of textures and flavors.
Braiding puff pastry elevates your dish visually, creating a show-stopping presentation. The simple technique of folding strips of pastry over the filling adds an elegant touch, making the pastry look intricate and sophisticated. It’s a beautiful way to make a delicious dessert feel special, perfect for serving at gatherings or special occasions.
Why you’ll love this strawberry braid
- Perfect Flavor Combination: The rich, tangy cream cheese filling with lemon zest balances beautifully with the sweet strawberry jam, making every bite a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Flaky and Buttery Puff Pastry: Using puff pastry ensures a light, crispy, and buttery texture that complements the smooth cream cheese and fruity filling, making the pastry irresistible.
- Visually Impressive Braid: The braided design adds an elegant touch, making this dessert look sophisticated and professional, while still being simple to execute.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With the convenience of store-bought puff pastry and a simple cream cheese filling, this recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for both special occasions and everyday treats.
Ingredients for this puff pastry braid
- Puff Pastry provides a flaky, buttery base for the pastry. You can substitute homemade puff pastry or crescent roll dough for a softer, quicker version.
- Cream Cheese adds a rich, creamy filling. You can substitute mascarpone for a smoother, slightly sweeter filling or ricotta cheese for a lighter texture.
- Strawberry Jam adds sweetness and fruity flavor. You can substitute with raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jam for a different flavor profile.
- Egg Yolk: Helps bind the cream cheese filling, adding richness. If you’re avoiding eggs, try using a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of milk as a substitute.
- Lemon Zest: Adds brightness and a slight tang to balance the sweetness. You can substitute with orange or lime zest for a different citrus twist.
Step by step: Braided Strawberry Puff Pastry
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
Roll the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle (approximately 9×12 inches) on a lightly floured surface. Transfer the rolled-out pastry to the prepared baking sheet.
Divide the Puff Pastry:
Visualize the puff pastry in three equal sections (don’t cut).
Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut diagonal slits (about 1 inch apart) on both side panels of the pastry, leaving the center panel intact for the filling.
Fill the Pastry:
Spread the cream cheese filling down the center of the pastry, leaving a small border at the top and bottom. Next, spread the strawberry jam evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture.
Create the Braid:
Starting at the top, fold one strip from the left over the filling, then a strip from the right, overlapping them. Continue alternating strips, creating a braided look down the length of the pastry. Tuck the ends of the pastry underneath to seal.
Egg Wash & Bake
Gently brush the braided puff pastry with the egg wash to give it a golden sheen when baked.
Bake the pastry for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
Cool and Serve:
Let the pastry cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Cream Cheese Strawberry Braided Pastry
This braided pastry is an absolute treat. Buttery, flaky puff pastry is filled with delicious cream cheese and strawberry filling and baked until golden brown. Use store-bought puff pastry sheets or make your own from scratch.
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113.5 g) Cream cheese 25% or more
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 large Egg yolk
- 1 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- ½ tsp Lemon zest
- 1 sheet (245 g) Puff pastry chilled not frozen
- ½ cup (170 g) Strawberry jam
- 1 Beaten egg for egg wash
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Set aside.½ cup Cream cheese, 2 tbsp Sugar, 1 large Egg yolk, 1 tbsp All-purpose flour, 1 tsp Vanilla extract, ½ tsp Lemon zest
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Roll the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle (approximately 9×12 inches) on a lightly floured surface. Transfer the rolled-out pastry to the prepared baking sheet.1 sheet Puff pastry
- Divide the Puff Pastry: Visualize the puff pastry in three equal sections. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut diagonal slits (about 1 inch apart) on both side panels of the pastry, leaving the center panel intact for the filling.
- Fill the Pastry: Spread the cream cheese filling down the center of the pastry, leaving a small border at the top and bottom. Next, spread the strawberry jam evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture.½ cup Strawberry jam
- Create the Braid: Starting at the top, fold one strip from the left over the filling, then a strip from the right, overlapping them. Continue alternating strips, creating a braided look down the length of the pastry. Tuck the ends of the pastry underneath to seal.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Gently brush the braided puff pastry with the egg wash to give it a golden sheen when baked.1 Beaten egg
- Bake: Bake the pastry for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pastry cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Work with cold puff pastry for the best flaky texture. If it becomes too soft while braiding, chill it in the fridge for 10 minutes before continuing.
- Prevent Soggy Pastry: Ensure the cream cheese filling isn’t too runny by thoroughly softening the cream cheese and beating the ingredients until smooth. This will prevent excess moisture during baking.
- Seal the Edges Well: When folding the pastry strips, press gently to seal the edges, ensuring the filling doesn’t spill out while baking.
- Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the bake time to ensure the pastry is evenly golden brown on all sides. This will give you a perfectly crisp and flaky braid.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @veenaazmanov_kitchen or tag #veenaazmanovkitchen!Tips for success
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Work with cold puff pastry for the best flaky texture. If it becomes too soft while braiding, chill it in the fridge for 10 minutes before continuing.
- Prevent Soggy Pastry: Ensure the cream cheese filling isn’t too runny by thoroughly softening the cream cheese and beating the ingredients until smooth. This will prevent excess moisture during baking.
- Seal the Edges Well: When folding the pastry strips, press gently to seal the edges, ensuring the filling doesn’t spill out while baking.
- Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the bake time to ensure the pastry is evenly golden brown on all sides. This will give you a perfectly crisp and flaky braid.
more puff pastry recipes
- Classic Puff Pastry from Scratch – Pate Feuilletée
- Braided Blackberry Puff Pastry
- Braided Apple Puff Pastry: Simple & Easy
- Maple Mille Feuille (Napoleon
- Red Pesto Puff Pastry Pizza
Frequently asked questions
The braided puff pastry is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to crisp it up before serving.
Cut even strips on both sides of the puff pastry and alternate folding each strip over the filling. Tuck the ends neatly underneath to secure everything in place and give it a polished look.
To prevent a soggy pastry, make sure the cream cheese filling is well-beaten and thickened, and don’t overfill with jam. Baking the pastry until it’s fully golden and crisp will also help keep it flaky.
Fruit fillings have more moisture than jams, which can leak out of the pastry. However, you can cook the filling until all excess moisture is evaporated, cool it, and then use it as a filling.
Yes, you can add additional ingredients like sliced almonds, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of chocolate for extra texture and flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content to avoid a soggy pastry.
more pastry recipes
- Homemade Croissants
- Raisin Danish Pastry – Pain Au Raisin
- Buttery Flaky Puff Pastry Apple Galette
- Danish Pastry – Cream Cheese Cylinders
- Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry
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I made this with homemade pastry dough and homemade fig preserves and it was absolutely perfect. It was exactly what I was looking to do with my preserves. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you so much for the lovely feedback, Renee – so happy you enjoyed this lovely recipe.
could you use canned pie filling instead of jam?
Yes, of course, Leah. Just drain excess liquid so it does not become soggy.
I made a “shortcut” puff pastry recipe then made your filling with Cherry Preserves which I had on hand and it was nice and thick. It was a winner! Really delicious cream cheese mixture would be wonderful with any flavor jam. Thank you for your recipe, detailed directions and video.
You are welcome Java. Happy you enjoyed it.
Hello Veena,
I plan to try the cream cheese strawberry braided pastry for Thanksgiving. Do the ingredients make 2 braided pastries or 1? Step 3 reads ‘cut the puff pastry sheet in half. Then roll EACH puff pastry to a rectangle…’ If it makes 2, then 1/4 cup strawberry jam, 1/4 cup cream cheese, etc for each pastry?
Thank you!
Susan
Ah, Susan. No, actually we make one braid with this. I presumed the puff pastry sheet is large. I need to cut mine in half.
But, thanks for bringing it to my attention. I have corrected it to use one sheet. I hope that helps.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Wow, this strawberry braided pastry is AWESOME! It was so easy to make using your step by step instructions and turned out spot on! I loved the flavor and wished I had made another one. Great recipe! I wish I could give it 10 stars instead of 5!
Thank you so much, Heidy. I am so happy to hear that. Aww love that 10 / 5
This is such a beautiful dessert. I also love that I can use my homemade jam for this recipe too!
Thank you, Erika. Yes, I always have jam on hand
Mm, my mom would make us similar, she would just make them into individual little pastries. Delicious! 🙂
Yes, you can also make individual one Julia.
Oh my!! These Braided Puff Pastry looks so delicious. Simply perfect to grace the table!
Thank you, Sandhya. I hop you try them
I love that this isn’t that difficult to make yet looks fancy and special. It’s perfect for entertaining!
Nooo. In fact, it’s so easy Lauren. You will love it