This Lemon Cream Cheese Braid is Easter brunch perfection. Start with Rhodes sweet dough and a few simple ingredients to make this holiday stunner.
This post is sponsored by Rhodes Bake-N-Serv. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. For more information, please read my disclosure policy.
I am so excited to share today’s recipe with you all. Spring feels like it’s finally upon us and that means, bring on the lemon! It’s my favorite dessert flavor.
This lemon cream cheese braid is so simple to make but will be sure to impress your family and guests.
My Favorite Frozen Bread Dough
If you all have been around for awhile, you know how much I adore Rhodes Bake-N-Serv. The quality and taste just can’t be matched. And believe me, I’ve eaten a lot of bread in my almost 35 years.
Whether it’s rolls, bread dough or cinnamon rolls, I’m here for it.
Check out more recipes featuring Rhodes products:
Ingredients for Lemon Cream Cheese Braid
The ingredient list for this cream cheese braid is short and sweet. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Rhodes Sweet Dough
Today’s recipe starts with Rhodes Sweet Dough. Have you ever used it before? It’s a total game changer when it comes to sweet treats.
It’s slightly sweetened and is perfect in all your favorite breakfast and dessert recipes.
Not sure if your store carries it? I love that you can hop onto Rhodes website, type in your zip code and select which Rhodes product you’re looking for and it will show you which stores have it in stock. How cool is that?!
You know what’s even better?! If you can’t find the sweet dough in your area you can totally use the white bread dough in its place with delicious results.
Thaw the Sweet Dough
The first thing you need to do is thaw the Rhodes sweet dough. You’ll have two options on how to do this.
You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This is a great option if you want to make this for breakfast first thing in the morning. When you wake up, it’ll be ready to be shaped and baked.
The second option is thawing at room temperature. This will take between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
This is a great option if you’re serving this for brunch or dessert.
Fully thaw the dough then you’ll be ready to assemble the braided lemon bread.
Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
The filling is super simple to mix up. Start by mixing your softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract and the zest from 1 lemon.
The second hit of lemon comes from store-bought lemon curd. You can also make your own if you wish. I love this lemon curd recipe if you choose to make it.
Assemble the Braid
Once the sweet dough is fully thawed, place a large piece of parchment paper down on your counter. Flour it to ensure the dough doesn’t stick.
Place the bread dough on the floured surface and roll it out into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
Spread the sweetened cream cheese down the middle third of the rectangle.
Next, dollop the lemon curd over the cream cheese filling and carefully spread.
Cut even slits slightly on the bias on each side of the filling. You’ll want to ensure there are the same number of cuts on each side.
Criss cross the strips over each other to create a braided pastry.
Bake and Glaze the Lemon Cream Cheese Braid
Carefully move the braid, leaving it on the parchment paper, onto a large baking sheet.
Bake until golden. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool.
To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle over the cooled lemon cream cheese braid.
So Many Possiblities
Not feeling lemon today? The flavor and filling combinations are unlimited with this delicious sweet dough.
Try spreading the dough with chocolate hazelnut spread and swirl in raspberry jam. Once braided, top with chopped toasted hazelnuts and bake.
Cream cheese and strawberry jam is another winner.
Apple pie filling is another wonderful and super easy option. It would be great with the sweetened cream cheese too.
Brunch Perfection
I love the idea of this braided pastry being the star of your next brunch. It would be the best for Easter brunch.
Whether you’re making this for a special celebration or for a fun treat for the family, this lemon cream cheese braid featuring Rhodes Bake-N-Serv sweet dough is sure to be a huge hit.
More Lemon Treats You NEED to Try:
This post is sponsored by Rhodes Bake-n-Serv. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lemon Cream Cheese Braid
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Rhodes sweet dough or white bread dough, thawed according to package directions
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 large lemon
- 1 cup lemon curd
For glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
Instructions
- Thaw sweet dough according to package directions. Flour a large piece of parchment paper or oven proof mat. Place dough on floured surface and roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, 2/3 cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract and the zest of 1 lemon. Spread cream cheese filling down the middle of the dough. Dollop the lemon curd over the cream cheese and carefully spread.
- Cut diagonal slices, about 2 inches apart, on each side. Make sure you have the same amounts of cuts on each side and that they are even.
- Fold the dough strips up and over the filling in a criss cross pattern. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool. In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients. Drizzle over the braid and serve.
