LEMON CHEESE BRAID BREAD

Lemon Cheese Braid Bread image

This recipe came form my mom, who is an excellent cook. It always gets rave reviews. Although fairly simple to make, when you finish you'll feel a sense of accomplishment because it tastes delicious and looks so impressive.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 12-14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
3 tablespoons warm water (110° to 115°)
1/3 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING:
11 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
ICING:
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 3 teaspoons 2% milk

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, butter, eggs, salt and 2 cups flour; beat on low speed for 3 minutes. Stir in enough of remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat all the filling ingredients until fluffy; set aside. , Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll into a 14x12-in. rectangle. Place on a greased baking sheet. Spread filling down center third of rectangle. On each long side, cut 1-in.-wide strips, 3-in. into center. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Seal end. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes., Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Combine confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve drizzling consistency; drizzle over warm bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 80mg cholesterol, Sodium 201mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.