Raspberry Cream Cheese Bread

I can't wait to try this! It won the Grand Prize in the Mayfest baking contest here in Indiana.... It sounds soooo good!! Prep time does not include time needed to let the bread rise...

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Yields: 1 braid

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄4 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1⁄2 cup warm water
• 1⁄4 cup butter, soft
• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons sugar
• 1  egg
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 2 -2 1⁄3 cups all-purpose flour

• Fruit Filling

• 1 1⁄2 cups raspberry pie filling

• Cheese Filling

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional Icing

• 1⁄2 cup powdered sugar (optional)
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons milk (optional)

Directions

1. In mixing bow, dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. Let stand for 5 minutes.
3. Add butter, sugar, eggs, salt and 1 cup of flour.
4. Mix well.
5. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
6. Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
7. Place in greased bowl, turning once to grease top.
8. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled in size; 45 minutes.
9. Meanwhile combine cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla extract.
10. Set aside.
11. On a floured surface, roll dough into a 15 x 9 inch rectangle.
12. Place on a greased baking sheet.
13. Spread cream cheese filling lengthwise down center third of dough.
14. Spread the raspberry pie filling on top.
15. On each long side, cut 1 inch wide strips, 3 inches into center.
16. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling; seal ends.
17. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
18. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
19. Cool if desired.
20. Combine icing ingredients and drizzle over braid.