Ingredients

The following ingredients have 8 Servings
  • 1 sheet Puff pastry (chilled not frozen)
  • 1/2 cup Strawberry jam
  • 1/2 cup Cream cheese (25% or more)
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 Egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp Lemon zest
  • 1 Egg (beaten for egg wash)

Instruction

  • Preheat the oven at 200 C/ 390 F.
  • Cream cheese spread - combine all ingredients in a bowl - set aside.
  • Roll puff pastry to a rectangle - 12 x 6-inches wide.
  • Transfer to a parchment paper so it's easier to move to the baking tray.
  • Mark the pastry at 1 1/2" from both edges lengthways (see video).
  • Cut off two corners (triangles) from the top and bottom - see video.
  • Spread a generous amount of cream cheese down the center (I prefer to use a piping bag).
  • Then, spread a generous amount of strawberry jam over the cream cheese mixture.
  • Using a sharp knife or pizza wheel, cut slanting strips along both sides of the pastry.
  • Fold both ends at the top and bottom over the filling (this will prevent the filling coming out when baking).
  • Braid the pastry by crossing the strips over the filling overlapping each other (see video).
  • When you reach the end, you can overlap any excess strips or cut them off.
  • Pick the pastry with the parchment paper and transfer it to the baking tray.
  • Brush the pastry with beaten egg.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes- Do not try to transfer as the pastry may break and do not serve as the jam will be bubbling hot.
  • Serve warm or room temperature.