If you’re craving something irresistibly sweet, delightfully creamy, and bursting with juicy flavor, look no further than the Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid. This bakery-style treat folds together layers of flaky puff pastry, tangy cream cheese, and a vibrant blueberry filling, all drizzled with a bright glaze. Whether you’re planning a brunch, need a showstopping dessert, or just want to treat yourself to something special, this braid is as gorgeous as it is delicious. No fancy pastry skills required: a few simple ingredients and a little love transform into a centerpiece worthy of a celebration.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised by just how few items you need for such a stunning breakfast or dessert. Each ingredient brings its own magic—think luscious texture, vivid color, and layers of flavor that blend into every bite.

Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): The golden, flaky foundation that makes the braid light and elegant, ready to encase the luscious fillings.
Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): For a rich, creamy center that hugs the berries and lifts every bite.
Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Sweetens the cream cheese filling just enough, enhancing its luxuriousness.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Adds brightness and zing, balancing the sweet and creamy elements.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the filling with warmth and depth, making the pastry bakery-worthy.
Blueberries (1 cup, fresh or frozen): Bursting with juicy flavor and color, they’re the star of the show.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the blueberry mixture so your braid stays neat and sliceable.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Lifts the flavor of the berries and keeps everything tangy and refreshing.
Egg (1, beaten): For brushing—the secret to that gorgeous golden finish.
Coarse sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): Sprinkled for shine and a pleasing crunch on top.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): The base for a sweet, silky glaze that melts over the braid.
Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Just enough to whisk with the sugar and create a perfect drizzle.

How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to keep your braid from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. This little bit of prep sets you up for buttery, golden success!

Step 2: Make the Blueberry Mixture

Toss your blueberries in a bowl with the cornstarch and fresh lemon juice. Gently mix until the berries are evenly coated. This quick step helps create that luscious, jammy filling inside your Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid.

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat your softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract together until you have a creamy, dreamy filling. It should be smooth with no lumps—this is what gives your braid its indulgent, tangy core.

Step 4: Assemble the Pastry

Lay the thawed puff pastry on your lined baking sheet. Down the center third, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, making sure to leave about an inch at the top and bottom. Carefully spoon the blueberry mixture straight over the cream cheese—layering flavor upon flavor in the heart of your braid.

Step 5: Create the Braid

Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal strips about an inch apart along both sides of the pastry, leaving the filling untouched in the center. Fold the top and bottom edges over first, then gently cross the side strips over the fillings, alternating to form a beautiful braided look. No need for perfection—the more rustic, the more charming!

Step 6: Brush and Sprinkle

Brush the entire surface of your pastry braid with beaten egg to help it bake up with that enviable, shiny sheen. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if you like for extra sparkle and a touch of crunch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your assembled Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. It’s ready when it’s puffed, gloriously golden, and your kitchen smells like a bakery. Let it cool just slightly on the baking sheet before glazing—anticipation is part of the fun!

Step 8: Glaze and Slice

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and a touch of milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled braid, then slice and admire your handiwork. It’s time to enjoy the fruits (and cream cheese!) of your labor.

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar, a few extra fresh blueberries, or some lemon zest confetti make your Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid look as fabulous as it tastes. These little touches highlight the flavors and add instant wow-factor, perfect for photos or impressing your brunch guests.

Side Dishes

This pastry shines alongside something simple and fresh—think a fruit salad, Greek yogurt, or even a crisp green salad if serving at brunch. Coffee, tea, or a mimosa also pair beautifully, playing off the sweet and tangy notes in every slice.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the braid into elegant individual pieces and stacking them on a cake stand, or serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luscious dessert. For a crowd, cut into finger-sized strips for the ultimate portable treat at potlucks or baby showers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The pastry stays beautifully flaky, and the flavors meld for an even richer bite the next day—just warm it slightly to bring back that fresh-baked magic.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unglazed slices tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. They’ll keep for up to a month and can be thawed overnight in the fridge whenever the craving strikes. Add glaze after reheating for the freshest flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices of your Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This keeps the pastry crisp and the filling soft, so every bite tastes like it’s straight from the oven—just drizzle with fresh glaze before serving, and you’re good to go!

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work beautifully in this recipe; just use them straight from the freezer and toss with the cornstarch and lemon juice as directed. The cornstarch will help absorb any extra juice released during baking.

Can I prepare the pastry braid ahead of time?

You sure can—assemble the braid up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Brush with egg wash just before baking for a perfect finish, and add the glaze after it cools.

How do I keep my braid from getting soggy?

The cornstarch in the blueberry mixture is key; it thickens the filling and keeps the puff pastry crisp. Make sure not to overload the braid with berries, and always let it cool slightly before slicing to avoid a soggy bottom.

Can I use a different fruit instead of blueberries?

Definitely! Try blackberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite berries. If using strawberries, chop them up and keep the quantity about the same—just be mindful of the extra juice some fruits release during baking.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?

Puff pastry really gives this braid its signature texture, but in a pinch, crescent roll dough can work, though the outcome will be softer and less flaky. Whatever you choose, the classic flavor combination of the Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid will always shine through.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again—easy, impressive, and full of homemade charm. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or just with your morning cup of coffee, the mix of tangy berries, creamy filling, and flaky pastry always feels like something special. Don’t be surprised if it disappears in minutes—enjoy every slice!

Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry Braid Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of blueberry and cream cheese wrapped in a flaky puff pastry braid. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or dessert and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)

Cream Cheese Filling:

4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Blueberry Filling:

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Additional:

1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Blueberry Mixture: Mix blueberries with cornstarch and lemon juice; set aside.
Make Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
Assemble Pastry: Spread cream cheese on pastry, top with blueberry mixture. Cut strips on sides, braid, brush with egg, sprinkle sugar.
Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk for glaze. Drizzle over cooled braid.