🥐 Braided Pastries with Pastry Cream – Soft, Sweet & Perfect for Selling

These braided pastries with pastry cream are soft, fluffy, and beautifully golden. Filled with rich cream and finished with a glossy glaze, they’re perfect for baking businesses, holidays, or special occasions 🥰🥳

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 kg all-purpose flour
• 200 g sugar
• 350 ml warm water
• 2 eggs
• 100 ml oil
• 30 g fresh yeast
• Zest of 1 lemon or orange
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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For the Pastry Cream

• 500 ml milk
• 45 g cornstarch
• 35 g all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Braided Pastries

1. Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, mix:

• Yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Half of the warm water

Let it rest until foamy.

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2. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine:

• Flour
• Remaining sugar
• Eggs
• Yeast mixture
• Citrus zest
• Vanilla
• Oil

Knead until you get a smooth, elastic dough.

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3. First Rise

Cover and let the dough rise until it doubles in size.

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4. Shape the Braids

Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
Shape each into braids and place on a baking tray.

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5. Second Rise

Let the braids rest again until puffy and risen.

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6. Add the Pastry Cream

Prepare the pastry cream by cooking all ingredients over medium heat until thick and smooth.
Let it cool slightly, then pipe or spread it over the braids.

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7. Bake

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

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8. Finish

Brush with simple syrup right after baking for shine and softness.
Decorate as desired (powdered sugar, sprinkles, or fruit) 🤤

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✨ Tips for Perfect Results

• Use warm (not hot) water to activate yeast properly
• Let the dough rise fully for a fluffy texture
• Cool the pastry cream slightly before adding it

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💰 Perfect for Selling

• Eye-catching presentation
• Soft texture that stays fresh
• Great for bakeries, holidays, and special orders

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🌟 Final Result

Golden, soft braided pastries filled with creamy goodness—a bakery-style treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.