Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing Recipe
If you’re looking for a dazzling treat that will impress your guests at brunch or serve as a show-stopping dessert, look no further than this Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing. Picture creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese nestled beneath rivers of sweet blueberry preserves, all tucked into flaky golden pastry and finished with a delicate vanilla drizzle. It’s decadent but not heavy, and surprisingly easy to pull off, even if you don’t consider yourself a pastry pro! Every bite celebrates the harmony of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and a pop of fruit. Don’t be fooled by the gorgeous result—each ingredient plays an essential role, from flaky puff pastry to the sweet tang of fresh blueberries, and that crowning vanilla icing.
- Puff Pastry Sheet (1, thawed): The ultimate shortcut for achieving buttery, flaky layers without hours of effort. Keep it cold until just before use for the best results!
- Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Brings a luscious creamy filling and a gentle tang—a dream pairing for juicy berries.
- Granulated Sugar (3 tablespoons): Perfectly sweetens the cream cheese mixture and balances the pastry’s richness.
- Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon, divided): Adds warmth and bakery-style flavor to both the filling and icing.
- Blueberry Preserves or Pie Filling (½ cup): Amplifies blueberry flavor and gives that vibrant, gorgeous color to the braid.
- Fresh Blueberries (½ cup): Pops of tart-sweet freshness add texture and a burst of berry in every bite.
- Egg (1, beaten for egg wash): Brushed over the pastry to ensure a stunning golden, glossy finish.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup): The key to a silky smooth, sweet icing that drapes over the finished pastry.
- Milk (1 to 2 tablespoons): Loosens the icing just enough for that perfect drizzle, without making it runny.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, which gives the pastry a burst of heat and that picture-perfect crispness. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your braid from sticking and for easy cleanup—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until it’s luxuriously smooth. This simple mixture is the secret to that creamy decadence inside the Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry and Add Filling
Roll your puff pastry sheet ever so slightly on a lightly floured surface, just to even out any folds. Transfer it carefully to your prepared baking sheet. Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center third of the pastry, leaving about an inch at the top and bottom for neat edges later.
Step 4: Layer Blueberry Preserves and Berries
Spoon the blueberry preserves—or pie filling—right over the cream cheese. Sprinkle fresh blueberries on top for that delightful burst with each bite. This is where the Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing really shines in flavor and appearance!
Step 5: Cut and Braid the Pastry
Using a sharp knife, slice 1-inch-wide diagonal strips down each side of your filling, careful not to cut into the center mixture itself. Now, alternate folding these strips over the filling from each side to create a beautiful braid pattern. Tuck the ends underneath so everything looks tidy and professional.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the entire surface with the beaten egg for that delicious golden color and shine. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until your braid is puffed and deeply golden. The anticipation in your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the braid cool for a bit—just enough that your glaze won’t melt completely. While you wait, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the sweet vanilla icing liberally over the braid, adding that bakery-worthy finish to your Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing
Garnishes
For an extra pop of elegance, dust the braid with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, scatter a few additional fresh blueberries on top, or add a touch of lemon zest to echo those bright berry flavors. A handful of sliced almonds would also bring a gentle crunch and a polished look.
Side Dishes
This pastry is downright delightful with a hot mug of coffee, but it’s equally dreamy alongside a fresh fruit salad or a swirl of whipped cream. For a brunch spread, complement your Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing with crispy bacon or savory quiche to create a balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice your pastry braid into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with berries tucked between each slice. For a holiday morning, serve on a wooden board with bowls of extra icing and preserves for dipping. The dazzling braid itself will be a conversation starter—no fancy plating required!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, doesn’t happen often!), store the Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep deliciously for up to 2 days, but the pastry is best enjoyed fresh before it softens.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cooled braid tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Pop in the freezer for up to one month. For maximum crispiness, freeze before adding the vanilla icing, then thaw and ice just before serving.
Reheating
Bring your leftover braid back to life by warming it in a 325°F oven for a few minutes until heated through and the pastry is flaky again. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy. If you froze without the glaze, add the vanilla icing after reheating for a just-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of puff pastry?
Puff pastry is key for that flaky, layered texture, but if you’re in a pinch, a store-bought or homemade pie crust will work. Just know the braid will be more tender and less airy, but still totally delicious!
Is it possible to use other fruits instead of blueberries?
Absolutely! Raspberries, strawberries, or even cherries make wonderful alternatives. Just aim for the same quantity and pair them with a complementary preserve or jam for cohesive flavor.
How do I keep the bottom of my braid from getting soggy?
A well-chilled pastry, along with not overfilling with preserves, helps keep the bottom crisp. Line your baking sheet with parchment and bake on the middle rack. If needed, you can even sprinkle a little flour or ground almonds beneath the filling to absorb excess moisture.
Can I make the Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing ahead of time?
You can! Assemble the braid (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. When ready, bake straight from the fridge, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time if necessary. Glaze just before serving for the freshest result.
What’s the best way to slice the pastry neatly?
Allow the braid to cool slightly so the filling can set, then use a sharp serrated knife and slice gently using a sawing motion. This helps prevent the delicate layers from compressing and the filling from oozing out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing treat that delivers both in flavor and flourish, you’ll fall in love with the Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing. Honestly, you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to try it—give it a go this weekend and savor the sweet, creamy, berry-studded magic!
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Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delectable Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid with Vanilla Icing is a delightful treat that combines the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with a sweet and tangy blueberry cream cheese filling, all topped with a luscious vanilla icing. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special snack.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Blueberry Filling:
- ½ cup blueberry preserves or pie filling
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg (beaten)
Vanilla Icing:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a lightly floured surface and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center third of the pastry, leaving about 1 inch at the top and bottom edges. Spoon the blueberry preserves over the cream cheese and sprinkle with fresh blueberries.
- Braid the Pastry: Using a sharp knife, cut 1-inch-wide diagonal strips along both sides of the pastry, leaving the filling untouched in the center. Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided look, and tuck the ends underneath. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg.
- Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare Vanilla Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to form the icing.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the icing over the cooled braid before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can swap blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or cherries for variation.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
- This pastry tastes best the same day but can be reheated lightly in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
