Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet (10×15 inch) frozen Puff Pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
- 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Blueberries
- 1 large Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Milk or water (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and lay it on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center third of the pastry, leaving the outer edges clean. Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the cream cheese filling.
- Step 3: Cut diagonal slits, about 1 inch apart, from the filling to the edge on both sides of the pastry. Fold the top and bottom edges of the pastry over the filling, then alternate folding the cut strips over the filling at an angle, creating a braided appearance.
- Step 4: Brush the entire surface of the pastry braid with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Allow the braid to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Step 5: While the pastry cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk/water until a smooth glaze forms. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm pastry braid before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Store cooled leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 24 hours for best texture, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To revive the pastry's flaky crunch, reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes until slightly warm and the edges feel crisp again.
- For an enhanced serving experience, pair warm slices alongside a strong cup of coffee or a small dollop of fresh lemon curd.
- For the best rise, handle the puff pastry quickly while it is still cool to the touch; if it becomes sticky, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before braiding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American