Strawberry Mascarpone Puff Pastry Braid Recipe
Puff pastry braid filled with sweet strawberries, creamy mascarpone cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh basil is the perfect dish to bring to brunch or serve for dessert this summer! So simple to put together but looks like it came from a professional bakery!
How to Make the Best Strawberry Mascarpone Puff Pastry Braid
This strawberry mascarpone puff pastry braid is the ultimate show-stopper dessert that looks far more complicated to make than it actually is. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create something that belongs on a professional bakery shelf. The combination of buttery, flaky puff pastry, creamy mascarpone cheese, and fresh strawberries creates a dessert that’s light yet indulgent—perfect for brunch gatherings or special summer dinners.
The secret to this recipe is using quality ingredients and not overcomplicating the assembly. The fresh basil adds an unexpected herbal note that elevates the flavors beyond a typical strawberry dessert, while the mascarpone provides a luxurious, creamy counterpoint to the bright tartness of the berries. Whether you’re impressing guests at a garden party or treating yourself to something special, this braid proves that impressive doesn’t have to mean difficult.
With a beautiful golden exterior and stunning braided design, this pastry will have everyone asking for your recipe—and you’ll be happy to share just how easy it truly was.
Strawberry Mascarpone Puff Pastry Braid
Puff pastry braid filled with sweet strawberries, creamy mascarpone cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh basil is the perfect dish to bring to brunch or serve for dessert this summer! So simple to put together but looks like it came from a professional bakery!
Ingredients
Pastry & Filling
Egg Wash & Topping
Instructions
Prepare Filling
- Thaw the puff pastry per package directions. Slice the strawberries and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with ⅓ cup sugar.
Assemble Pastries
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly flour your work surface.
- Sprinkle the puff pastries with basil and roll out each sheet to roughly a 10x12 rectangle. Transfer to baking sheet or parchment paper.
- Using the back of a spoon, spread the mascarpone on the center of both sheets of puff pastry, leaving about 1 inch of pastry on the top and bottom. Top the cheese with slices of strawberries. Optional: sprinkle with additional fresh basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon water.
- Slice the puff pastry on each side of the filling on an angle to create 1" strips.
- Lightly brush the strips with the egg mixture, this will help the braids 'stick'.
- Fold over the top and bottom of the puff pastry to seal in the ends. Fold over one strip on the left, followed by one strip on the right side overlapping the first strip. Continue braiding until the pastry is covered. Repeat with the remaining puff pastry sheet.
Bake
- Optional: brush the top of each pastry with the remaining egg mixture and sprinkle with raw sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- This pastry looks elegant but is surprisingly simple to assemble—no advanced baking skills needed.
- Fresh basil adds a unique herbal note that perfectly complements the sweet strawberries and rich mascarpone.
- Best served the same day, though leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- You can substitute basil with mint for a different flavor profile.