Description
This Strawberry Mascarpone Puff Pastry Braid combines flaky buttery pastry with creamy mascarpone cheese, fresh strawberries, and fragrant basil for an elegant yet simple dessert. Perfect for brunch, afternoon coffee, or a light dessert, this bakery-style pastry comes together with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 package frozen puff pastry, 2 sheets
3 tablespoons fresh basil, chiffonade
8 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
10 to 12 strawberries, sliced
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons raw sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions.
- Slice the strawberries and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Lightly flour a work surface, sprinkle basil over the puff pastry sheets, and roll each into a 10x12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the mascarpone mixture down the center of each pastry sheet, leaving about 1 inch at the top and bottom.
- Layer the sliced strawberries over the mascarpone filling.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash.
- Cut angled 1-inch strips along both sides of the pastry filling.
- Brush the pastry strips lightly with egg wash, fold the top and bottom over the filling, and alternate strips from each side to create the braided pattern.
- Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with raw sugar.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Swap strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for seasonal variations.
Add lemon zest to the mascarpone filling for a brighter flavor.
Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze after cooling for extra sweetness.
Top with sliced almonds before baking for added crunch.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes to restore crispness.
Assemble the braid ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked until ready to bake.
Freeze cooled slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 343 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
