A buttery, flaky pastry filled with creamy cheesecake filling and juicy blueberries—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

This easy-to-make pastry braid looks impressive but comes together in under an hour. The sweet-tart blueberries pair perfectly with the rich cream cheese, all wrapped in golden, crispy puff pastry. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick & easy – Uses store-bought puff pastry
✅ Stunning presentation – Looks bakery-worthy
✅ Versatile – Great for special occasions or weekend treats
✅ Customizable – Swap blueberries for strawberries, raspberries, or apples

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Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup fresh blueberries
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven

• 375°F (190°C) – Let it heat while you prep.

2️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Filling

• Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
• Stir in lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor.

3️⃣ Assemble the Pastry

• Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface.
• Spread filling down the center, leaving 1-inch borders.
• Top with fresh blueberries.

4️⃣ Braid the Pastry

• Cut 1-inch strips along the sides (5-6 per side).
• Fold strips diagonally over filling, alternating sides.
• Pinch ends to seal.

5️⃣ Egg Wash & Bake

• Whisk egg + milk, brush over pastry.
• Bake 25-30 mins until golden and puffed.

6️⃣ Cool & Serve

• Let cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, slice, and enjoy!

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Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Carbs: 20g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 18g

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Expert Tips for Success

🔹 Thaw puff pastry properly – Leave in fridge overnight or at room temp for 30-40 mins.
🔹 Prevent soggy bottoms – Bake on parchment paper or a silicone mat.
🔹 Add crunch – Sprinkle sliced almonds before baking.
🔹 Serve warm – Best fresh, but reheats well in the oven.

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Make It Your Own!

• Lemon Blueberry: Add a drizzle of lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice).
• Mixed Berry: Use raspberries + blackberries.
• Apple Cinnamon: Swap blueberries for sautéed cinnamon apples.

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Perfect for…

• Brunch gatherings 🎉
• Holiday breakfasts 🎄
• Coffeehouse-style treats ☕

Tag us if you make it! #BakingWithJoy #PastryPerfection

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