Description
A flaky puff pastry braid filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese and tangy lemon curd, baked until golden and beautifully crisp. This elegant yet simple pastry is perfect for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
13 oz ready-rolled puff pastry
1/2 cup lemon curd
5 oz full-fat cream cheese
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tbsp cornstarch
1 medium egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Place the puff pastry on the tray and lightly score it into thirds lengthwise.
- Cut diagonal strips along both outer sections, about 3/4 to 1 inch wide, and trim top corners.
- Spread the lemon curd evenly down the center section.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the lemon curd.
- Fold strips over the filling alternately from each side to create a braid.
- Tuck and seal the ends of the pastry.
- Brush the braid with beaten egg.
- Bake for 17 to 22 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Cool for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Add fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for extra flavor.
Substitute lemon curd with orange curd for a sweeter variation.
Top with sliced almonds before baking for added texture.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle lemon glaze after cooling.
Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven.
Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
