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Easy Overnight Cream Cheese Danish Braid Recipe Perfect for Brunch

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A simple and impressive cream cheese Danish braid that you prep overnight and bake fresh in the morning, perfect for a stress-free brunch with flaky layers and a tangy cream cheese center.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed (preferably Pepperidge Farm)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream (to thin glaze)
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add lemon zest if using.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, unfold one thawed puff pastry sheet into a 12×9 inch rectangle. Sprinkle flour if dough is sticky.
  3. Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center third of the pastry, leaving about 1 inch space on top and bottom edges.
  4. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart on both sides of the filling, cutting towards but not through the cream cheese, creating 6-8 strips per side.
  5. Fold the strips over the filling alternately to create a braid pattern. Press ends to seal.
  6. Repeat the process with the second puff pastry sheet if making a larger Danish or more servings.
  7. Brush the top of the braid with beaten egg for a golden crust.
  8. Place the braid(s) on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the braid for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden brown with bubbling cream cheese filling.
  10. While the braid cools for 10 minutes, whisk powdered sugar with milk or cream until smooth to make glaze.
  11. Drizzle glaze over the slightly cooled braid. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Keep cream cheese softened but not melted for smooth filling. Chill puff pastry if too soft before cutting. Use egg wash for a golden crust. Rotate baking sheet halfway if baking multiple braids. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast. Let braid cool before glazing to prevent glaze from melting into pastry.

Nutrition

Keywords: cream cheese Danish, Danish braid, brunch recipe, puff pastry, easy pastry, overnight recipe, cream cheese filling, sweet pastry

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/easy-overnight-cream-cheese-danish-braid-recipe-perfect-for-brunch/