Go Back

Golden Braided Puff Pastry with Zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

Warm, flaky puff pastry braided and filled with a bright, tangy lemon cream cheese filling—perfect for cozy mornings, brunches, or elegant desserts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest fresh
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg egg for egg wash
  • 1 tbsp milk for egg wash
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar for glaze
  • 1-2 tsp lemon juice for glaze

Equipment

  • Oven
  • baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Lightly flour your surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry just enough to smooth out creases. Transfer it onto the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the lemon cream cheese mixture down the center third of the pastry, leaving space at top and bottom edges.
  5. Step 5: Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal strips about 1 inch apart along both sides of the pastry from top to bottom edges.
  6. Step 6: Fold the top and bottom edges over the filling to seal, then alternate folding the side strips over the filling to create a braid.
  7. Step 7: Whisk the egg with milk and brush generously over the pastry for a golden, shiny crust.
  8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, until puffed and golden.
  9. Step 9: Let the braid cool slightly. Mix powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice to make a glaze, then drizzle over the warm braid.

Notes

Make it dairy-free by using a dairy-free cream cheese and puff pastry. Add fresh berries into the filling for extra sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 day or refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness.