LEMON CREAM CHEESE PASTRY RING

A Lemon Cream Cheese Pastry Ring is a delightful and elegant treat that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with rich cream cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry. Here’s a recipe to create this delicious pastry ring:

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
• Fresh berries, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
3. On a lightly floured surface, unfold one sheet of puff pastry. Roll it out slightly to smooth any creases and to create a larger rectangle.
4. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the cream cheese layer. Press down gently to seal the edges.
6. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into strips, about 1 inch wide, starting from the long side of the rectangle.
7. Twist each strip a few times and then form it into a ring shape, overlapping the ends slightly to seal. Continue with all the strips until you have a complete ring.
8. Brush the beaten egg over the pastry ring to give it a golden brown color when baked.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
10. Allow the pastry ring to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring it to a serving platter.
11. Optionally, dust the cooled pastry ring with powdered sugar for a decorative touch. Garnish with fresh berries if desired.
12. Slice and serve the Lemon Cream Cheese Pastry Ring while still slightly warm. Enjoy!

This pastry ring is perfect for brunches, afternoon teas, or as a sweet treat for any occasion. The combination of creamy lemon filling and flaky pastry is sure to be a hit!