Description
Crisp, buttery puff pastry shines with zesty lemon in this elegant French-inspired dessert. Simple ingredients create a delightful treat you can confidently bake for special occasions or spontaneous sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 lemons
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- Zest from 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the conventional oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, silky texture.
- Pastry Assembly: Unfold the puff pastry sheet and spread the cream cheese mixture in the center, then evenly distribute the lemon pie filling across the layer.
- Shaping: Fold the pastry edges inward, creating an elegant braided pattern that secures the filling and prevents leakage during baking.
- Egg Wash: Whisk an additional egg and brush the entire pastry surface to enhance color and achieve a golden, glossy finish.
- Baking: Place the prepared pastry in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the exterior turns a rich golden brown with crisp, flaky edges.
- Cooling and Glazing: Remove from the oven and let the pastry cool for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. Prepare a glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk until reaching a drizzling consistency.
- Finishing Touch: Elegantly drizzle the glossy glaze across the warm lemon puff pastry, adding a sweet and visually appealing final layer.
Notes
Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pat lemon filling dry before spreading to avoid excess moisture that can make pastry base soggy and less crisp.
Temperature Precision: Allow puff pastry to remain slightly chilled when handling to maintain its delicate, flaky structure and prevent butter from melting prematurely.
Egg Wash Technique: Apply egg wash gently with a soft pastry brush using light, even strokes to create a uniform, golden-brown exterior without pooling.
Cooling Strategy: Let pastry rest for exactly 10-15 minutes after baking to allow filling to set and prevent burning while ensuring optimal texture and flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg