Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Irresistible Flavor Combination: The rich cream cheese pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon filling, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy.
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Simple and Quick: Using store-bought puff pastry and canned lemon pie filling streamlines the process, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
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Versatile Delight: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a midday snack, this pastry suits various occasions and can be customized with different fillings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Store-bought puff pastry sheets
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Lemon pie filling
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Cream cheese
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Granulated sugar
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Egg yolk
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Lemon juice
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Vanilla extract
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Large egg
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Water
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Powdered sugar
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Milk
Directions
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add granulated sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
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Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and roll them out slightly to ensure even thickness.
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Assemble the Pastries: Place the pastry sheets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of each sheet, leaving space at the edges. Top with lemon pie filling.
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Braid the Pastry: Make diagonal cuts along the sides of the pastry, then fold these strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided effect.
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Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the large egg and water. Brush this mixture over the braided pastries to promote a golden finish.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pastries for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Glaze: While the pastries cool, mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled pastries before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
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Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Variations
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Fruit Fillings: Substitute lemon pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or apple for a different twist.
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Nut Addition: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the filling before braiding for added texture and flavor.
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Spiced Version: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese mixture for a warm, spiced note.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: To freeze, place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and store for up to a month.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the pastry in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure that the puff pastry is properly thawed and avoid overfilling with the cream cheese and lemon mixture. Additionally, baking until golden brown helps achieve a crisp texture.
Can I use homemade lemon pie filling instead of canned?
Yes, homemade lemon pie filling can be used and will provide a fresher flavor.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the pastries after baking?
Yes, due to the cream cheese filling, it’s advisable to store the pastries in the refrigerator.
Can I prepare the pastries in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the pastries ahead of time and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for optimal freshness.
How do I achieve a flaky puff pastry?
Ensure the puff pastry remains cold before baking, and avoid overhandling the dough to maintain its flakiness.
Can I add other flavors to the cream cheese filling?
Absolutely! Adding zest from other citrus fruits or a dash of almond extract can introduce new flavor profiles.
What can I serve alongside this lemon puff pastry?
These pastries pair well with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
Sealing the edges properly and not overfilling the pastry helps prevent leakage.
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
While possible, phyllo dough will result in a different texture and requires a different preparation method.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese filling?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese substitutes available in most grocery stores.
Conclusion
This lemon puff pastry recipe offers a delightful blend of creamy and tangy flavors encased in a flaky crust. Its simplicity and versatility make it an ideal choice for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a special treat, it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Lemon Puff Pastry
Light, flaky, and perfectly zesty, this Lemon Puff Pastry recipe combines buttery layers with a fresh lemon filling for an irresistible treat. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, this easy-to-make dessert brings together the rich flavor of puff pastry and the bright citrusy tang of lemon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 pastries
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup lemon curd (or homemade lemon curd)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares or rectangles (approximately 3-4 inches per piece).
- Place a teaspoon of lemon curd in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the pastry into a triangle or rectangle shape, pressing the edges to seal.
- Whisk the egg and brush it over the surface of the pastry for a golden finish.
- Optionally, sprinkle a little sugar over the top for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crisp.
- Let the pastries cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar (if desired). Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use store-bought lemon curd for convenience or make your own.
- These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon curd based on your preference for tanginess.
