Saturday, April 28, 2012

Raspberry-Cream Cheese Braid


I've made this before--the lemon version. It bears repeating, no? This time, it's made with raspberries and cream cheese. I'm finding that these braids are fairly easy to make if you have a stand mixer (I haven't tried it without). Working with dough can be tricky, but as with most things, practice makes perfect. This recipe, adapted from King Arthur Flour, makes a sweet braid that tastes like it comes from a bakery...only better, since you know what went into it.


I won't bore you with pictures of the process. If you would like, visit my post Braided Lemon-Sour Cream Bread and you can see what goes on, from making a "sponge", to braiding the dough. I will share a quick recipe for the Raspberry filling, which is awesome.



You'll have more filling than you'll need for the braids. Just use it on some pancakes...yum!

Raspberry Filling

1 (12 oz) package frozen raspberries
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water

Place the raspberries, water and sugar in a medium sized heavy saucepan. Heat over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Slowly, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook and stir for a few more minutes, or until the mixture is thickened and bubbling. Cool to room temperature before using.


Truthfully, I should have used more filling than the 1/2 cup per braid that is called for in the recipe. I don't think anyone would have minded if a bit spilled out....


Now, I'm thinking that a savory braid is order. A "man" braid of sorts. Pizza, perhaps? Or something with beer and cheese? Hmmm....perhaps both. Stay tuned.

29 comments:

  1. I was just drooling once again over the lemon braided bread the other day and thinking, "Gee. I really need to get on making this!"

    And then you pull out another one???

    Adding this one to the list as well. I think we'll have a Dutch Baker's Daughter braided yummy weekend. We'll name it in honor of you! :D

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    1. Thanks, Jen--I can't wait to see your version! :D

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  2. This looks amazing! It is so beautiful and the rasberry and cream cheese filling would be so delicious! I made something of the sort a few Easters ago and loved it, but yours looks even better!

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    1. Thanks, Amy. My husband wants me to try that sweet potato coconut lime cheesecake you made...oh, and he wants a trip to the Wedge. LOL

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  3. Oh yumm!! Can't wait to see what u come up with for the "man" braid!!

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    1. I know,right? A man braid! Pete is at the store getting some ingredients for me right now... :D

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  4. Looks amazing, can't wait to try out this recipe!

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  5. Oh I want to make this. It looks so soft and bready and delicious!

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  6. Those pockets of jam are so stunning - this is a simply fabulous bread my friend :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  7. I made something similar last week, but yours is absolutely stunning. I think I need some more practice :) And I would just LOVE to be part of your dinner club... wouldn't that be fun????

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  8. Oooo, I keep seeing these braided desserts and haven't made one yet! Yours looks beautiful and makes me want to get the yeast out and make it myself, finally!

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    1. Let me know how it turns out, Vicki. They're easier to make than they look. :)

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  9. I am confused...where is the cream cheese?

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    1. There's a layer of cream cheese filling underneath the raspberry filling. It's really tasty! :)

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    2. I see - need to look at KAF's recipe...they both sound delicious! Thanks

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  10. I've just picked a whole ton of rhubarb and I think I'm going to use it for this! Yummy looking recipe!

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    1. Rhubarb sounds like a good choice--I just made my pizza version--it's good! :)

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  11. I love the color of this braid - soooo tempting! The raspberry filling adds even more deliciousness! Congratulations on Top9!!

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    1. Thank you! I'm already thinking of different flavor combinations. :)

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  12. The filling looks irresistible! Cream cheese and raspberry are sooo good together :) Congrats on Top 9!!! This is such a winner! Yum!

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  13. What a beautiful bread! Love the raspberry-cream filling and everything else. Fabulous!

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    1. Thanks--I wasn't sure of the cream cheese filling, but it's turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the recipe.

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  14. I am going to make this awesome braid today, I will use strawberries instead of raspberries, hope it comes out as good ad yours.

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    1. Strawberries sound really good...I've tried cherries and like that, too. :)

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  15. You really are an amazibng baker. I have never attempted any kind of braid and I rarely use yeast. This is beautiful and I'm sure it tastes wonderful!

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  16. Cathy, I just love coming here to gaze upon the delectable concoctions you routinely create. I can only imagine the delight of actually eating such a delicacy. And you make it look so easy!

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