Cherry Pastry with Cream Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries, (pitted, cut in half)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 4 ounces cream cheese, (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoon water
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box puff pastry sheets

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. 2

   --- Cherry Filling ---

3. 3

   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stirring continuously, cook until cherries are soft and a thick sauce forms. If needed, use your spatula or spoon to smash the cherries a bit.

4. 4

   Remove from heat and let cool.

5. 5

   --- Pastry ---

6. 6

   Cut each pastry sheet into 8 strips.

7. 7

   Take two strips of puff pastry and pinch the ends together to create one long strip.

8. 8

   Twist the strip until it forms a braided piece.

9. 9

   Place one end of the long, twisted strip down onto the parchment paper and wrap the dough around it, starting in the center and creating a pinwheel base.

10. 10

    --- Cream Cheese Mixture ---

11. 11

    In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

12. 12

    Add egg yolk, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. Beat for 2 more minutes.

13. 13

    Add a heaping spoonful of cream cheese mixture to the center of each pastry followed by a spoonful of the cherry filling.

14. 14

    --- Egg Wash ---

15. 15

    In a small bowl, whisk egg and water together until combined.

16. 16

    Brush easy pastry with egg wash.

17. 17

    Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

18. 18

    Remove from the oven and let cool.

19. 19

    --- Glaze Drizzle ---

20. 20

    Once the pastries have cooled, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice and vanilla together.

21. 21

    Drizzle each pastry with glaze and enjoy.