1. Prep the Oven & Baking Sheet

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

• In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy (2-3 minutes).
• Add sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; beat until fully combined.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until squared.
• Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture down the center of each pastry sheet, leaving 1½ inches at both ends.
• Add 3 heaping tablespoons of lemon pie filling over the cream cheese mixture and gently spread.

4. Braid the Pastry

• Cut two 1-inch slits at each end of the pastry and fold them over the filling to secure.
• Cut the top and bottom side pieces at an angle, then continue making cuts along each side, ensuring you don’t cut too close to the filling.
• Fold the pastry strips over each other in a crisscross pattern to create a braided look.

5. Apply the Egg Wash & Bake

• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
• Brush the egg wash over the braided pastry.
• Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. Make & Drizzle the Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastry before serving.