Name: Easy Braided Puff Pastry with Cream Cheese and Berries Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries); 1 egg white; 1 teaspoon water; Demerara sugar, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 73 reviews

If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet effortless dessert that’s bursting with flavor and looks absolutely stunning, then this Easy Braided Puff Pastry with Cream Cheese and Berries Recipe is your new best friend. The flaky, buttery puff pastry wraps around a luscious cream cheese filling, sweetened just right and brightened with fresh berries, creating a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fruity notes. Plus, the braided design is as delightful to make as it is satisfying to eat, turning simple ingredients into a bakery-worthy masterpiece that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several pieces of braided pastry with a golden-brown crust and a visible filling of red berries and cream inside. The pastry slices are arranged on a clear glass stand against a dark background. Powdered sugar is falling from a metal sieve held by a woman's hand, creating a soft dusting over the pastries and adding texture to the scene. The pastry layers look flaky and the filling adds a colorful contrast to the light crust. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of basic pantry and fresh ingredients is all it takes to bring this delicious braid to life. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crisp puff pastry providing texture, the cream cheese adding smooth richness, to the fresh berries lending vibrant color and lively sweetness.

Puff Pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery base that creates those irresistible layers and structure for the braid.
Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds creamy, tangy richness that complements the dessert perfectly.
Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese smoothly with no graininess.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Gives a fresh, zesty lift balancing the sweetness.
Vanilla (½ teaspoon): Introduces a warm, aromatic note enhancing the flavor complexity.
Mixed Berries (1 cup): Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries provide natural sweetness and vibrant pops of color.
Egg White: Used for brushing the braid to help it achieve that gorgeous golden shine.
Demerara Sugar: Sprinkled on top to add an extra layer of crunch and a hint of caramelized sweetness.

How to Make Easy Braided Puff Pastry with Cream Cheese and Berries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Cream Cheese Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 375º, giving it ample time to reach the perfect heat for baking. While it warms, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla in a bowl using a handheld mixer until luxuriously smooth and creamy. This filling is the heart of your braid, so take your time to make it silky.

Step 2: Roll Out Puff Pastry

Thaw the puff pastry just enough so it’s soft but still cold to the touch. Gently roll it out on parchment paper into a neat 14 by 11 inch rectangle. This careful rolling ensures even thickness for perfect puffing and crispness during baking.

Step 3: Add Filling and Berries

Spread the cream cheese mixture lengthwise down the center of the dough, keeping it about two inches wide. Next, scatter the fresh berries on top of the cream cheese, letting the juicy, colorful fruit peek through the braid’s openings for a beautiful contrast.

Step 4: Create the Beautiful Braid

Use a sharp knife to carefully cut 1-inch strips along both sides of the filling, making sure the cuts are even from top to bottom. Starting from the top, gently fold one strip over the filling at an angle, then alternate sides like you’re weaving a basket. This interlacing not only looks impressive but locks in all the delicious fillings as it bakes.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Sugar Topping

Mix the egg white with a teaspoon of water and brush it over the entire braid to achieve that irresistible golden shine once baked. Sprinkle demerara sugar generously on top for added texture and a caramelized crunch. For an extra layer of crispness, briefly chill the pastry in the freezer for 5 minutes before baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the braid on a jelly roll pan—perfect for catching any juicy drips as the fruit cooks down. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the pastry turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling has set. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing to keep the layers intact and to let the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Braided Puff Pastry with Cream Cheese and Berries Recipe

The image shows several slices of a braided pastry arranged on a clear glass cake stand. Each slice has a golden brown, flaky crust with a sugary sparkle on top. Inside, there are visible layers of creamy white filling mixed with purple and red berries, giving a vibrant contrast to the light crust. The pastry’s braided pattern adds texture and an inviting look. The background features a white marbled texture surface and some stacked white plates with silver forks in the back, slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Bring your braid to life with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate snowy effect, or add a few fresh mint leaves as a refreshing pop of green. You can drizzle a little honey or a berry glaze to amplify the sweetness and give it a glossy finish that’s pure eye candy.

Side Dishes

This puff pastry braid pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning it into a dessert fit for any occasion. For a brunch spread, serve alongside a light fruit salad or a cup of freshly brewed coffee to complement the rich textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the braid into individual portions and arrange them on a platter with a mix of berries scattered around for a rustic, inviting look. Alternatively, serve smaller bites at a party by cutting the braid into mini squares—each filled with cream cheese and berry goodness that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover braid tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep the pastry crisp and the cream cheese filling fresh. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal taste and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this braid either before baking or after it has cooled. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently to revive that flaky texture.

Reheating

Reheat the braid in a preheated oven at 350º for about 10 minutes to soften the filling and crisp the pastry again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the puff pastry soggy. This will bring back that delightful bakery-fresh experience every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the filling to avoid excess moisture that could make the pastry soggy.

What if I don’t have puff pastry sheet? Can I use phyllo dough?

Phyllo dough is much thinner and more delicate, so it won’t create the same fluffy layers or hold the braided shape as beautifully. Puff pastry is best for this recipe for its texture and structure.

How long can I keep the braid before baking?

If assembling ahead, it’s best to bake the braid within a few hours and keep it refrigerated. For longer storage, freeze it and bake from frozen when needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan alternative, use a plant-based puff pastry, and replace the egg wash with a little almond milk or aquafaba for brushing.

Can this braid be made smaller or larger?

Definitely! Adjust the size of your puff pastry sheet accordingly and proportionally increase the filling ingredients. Just make sure to keep the braid balanced for even baking and presentation.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Braided Puff Pastry with Cream Cheese and Berries Recipe is one of those delightful creations that turns simple ingredients into something magical with just a little love and effort. Whether you’re making it for a casual brunch, a special celebration, or just because you deserve a treat, you’ll find joy in every flaky, creamy, berry-filled bite. So go ahead, give this braid a try, and watch it become your new favorite way to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!