Cherry Danish Puff Braid (Print Format)

Flaky pastry layers embrace creamy cheese and cherry filling, finished with a sweet glaze.

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 box puff pastry
02 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
06 - 21 ounces cherry fruit filling
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 2-3 tablespoons turbinado sugar
09 - 1 cup powdered sugar
10 - 4-5 teaspoons milk

# Steps:

01 - Place the puff pastry sheets and cream cheese on the counter to soften for 40 minutes.
02 - Beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a small bowl until creamy.
03 - Unfold the puff pastry sheets and remove any inner papers. Place on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper and roll out slightly with a rolling pin.
04 - Use a knife or pizza cutter to notch the two ends, then cut diagonal strips on either side of the pastry, leaving about a 4-inch strip in the center. Move the sheets to 2 sheet pans.
05 - Spread the cheesecake filling evenly on the center of both sheets of dough. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly on top of the cheesecake. Fold the ends up, then start braiding the strips, overlapping each one. Place the pans in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
06 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water.
07 - Use a pastry brush to carefully brush the egg wash on the strips of dough, avoiding the edges. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Place one pan in the fridge and one in the oven. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Cool before baking the second pan.
08 - Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled pastries. Serve and enjoy.

# Tips:

01 - Chill the assembled pastry before baking to ensure optimal puffing.
02 - If puff pastry becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator to chill.
03 - Use a pizza cutter for clean diagonal cuts in the dough.
04 - Avoid applying egg wash to the edges of the braid to allow the layers to puff properly.
05 - Substitute puff pastry with crescent rolls or crescent sheets if unavailable.
06 - Change the filling flavor by using apple, strawberry, peach, or blueberry fruit fillings.
07 - Skip the glaze for a lighter option and dust with powdered sugar instead.

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