PINEAPPLE CHEESE BRAID

Pineapple Cheese Braid image

Folks are always pleasantly surprised by this bread's pineapple filling. When in a hurry, I'll use canned pie filling.-Shirley Kensinger, Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h10m

Yield 2 loaves.

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup butter, softened
5 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
4-1/4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
PINEAPPLE FILLING:
1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
CREAM CHEESE FILLING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
ICING (optional):
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add butter, sugar, eggs, salt and 2 cups flour; beat on low speed for 3 minutes. Stir in enough 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 45 minutes. , For pineapple filling, combine the pineapple filling ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir until thickened. Cool. In a bowl, combine cream cheese filling ingredients; mix well. , Punch dough down. Divide dough in half. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a 15x9-in. rectangle. Place on greased baking sheets. Spread the cream cheese filling lengthwise down center third of each rectangle. Spread the pineapple filling on top. , On each long side, cut 1-in. wide strips 3 in. into center. Starting at one end, fold alternately strips at an angle across filling. Seal ends. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes. , Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. If desired, combine icing ingredients and drizzle over braids. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 185 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 90mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.