Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish

This Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish combines flaky puff pastry, creamy cream cheese filling, and sweet peach slices, topped with a light glaze and a sprinkle of coarse sugar. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy-to-make danish offers a delicious balance of tangy cream cheese and juicy peaches, creating a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a simple yet impressive dessert, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a great choice for anyone craving a flavorful pastry with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 6 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice

For the Peach Filling:

• 1 (15 oz) can Del Monte Garden Quality® sliced peaches (raspberry-flavored, optional), drained

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet store-bought frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions

Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg mixed with 1 Tbsp water

Toppings:

• Coarse sugar (e.g., raw sugar)
• Glaze: 1/3 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1/2 Tbsp milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
   In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar on low speed until smooth. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon juice, and mix until well combined. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Peach Filling:
   Slice the drained peaches into 1/4-inch thick slices.
4. Assemble the Pastry:
   Dust a sheet of parchment paper with flour. Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet on top and lightly roll it out to flatten. Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture down the center third of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border at the top and bottom. Evenly arrange the peach slices on top of the cream cheese.
5. Cut and Braid the Pastry:
   Trim the top corners of the pastry and make diagonal notches along the sides, creating 1-inch wide strips. Be sure to leave at least a 1/2-inch border before reaching the filling. Fold the strips over the filling in a crisscross pattern to form a braid.
6. Egg Wash:
   Beat the egg and water together to make an egg wash. Brush the top of the braided pastry with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
7. Bake:
   Bake at 400°F for 25-28 minutes or until the top is golden brown and puffed.
8. Glaze and Serve:
   Once the danish has cooled to room temperature, mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastry.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flaky, Buttery Pastry: The puff pastry creates a light, crisp, and airy texture, perfectly complementing the creamy filling.
• Rich and Tangy Cream Cheese: The cream cheese filling provides a smooth and slightly tangy contrast to the sweet peach slices.
• Versatile: This pastry can be made with different fruits or fillings for variety.
• Easy to Make: Using store-bought puff pastry makes the preparation simple, while still delivering an impressive and delicious result.

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Tips

• Cream Cheese Softening: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Peach Alternatives: You can use other fruits such as apricots, strawberries, or even a mix of berries.
• Egg Wash: If you prefer a lighter finish, use a milk wash instead of egg wash for a softer shine.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Fruit Filling: Swap peaches for other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or apples for different flavor profiles.
• Glaze Alternatives: Instead of powdered sugar glaze, you could drizzle honey or a fruit syrup for extra sweetness.
• Vegan Options: Use plant-based cream cheese and egg substitute to make the danish vegan-friendly.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the braided danish ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Bake it the next day for a fresh, warm treat.

Can I freeze this pastry?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled danish before baking. Simply wrap it well and store it in the freezer. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, if you prefer homemade puff pastry, you can use it in place of store-bought puff pastry for an even more personalized touch.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a Breakfast or Brunch Item: This peach cream cheese braided danish is a perfect addition to any brunch spread or as a sweet breakfast treat.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: Complement the pastry with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a light and satisfying snack.
• Make it a Dessert: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.