Description
Discover the ultimate Pumpkin Cream Cheese Danish recipe featuring flaky, golden puff pastry layered with a luscious pumpkin and cream cheese filling. Perfect for cozy fall mornings or festive celebrations, this easy-to-make pastry blends warm spices and creamy texture for a delicious autumn treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- Store-bought puff pastry sheets (thawed)
- 1 egg yolk (beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash)
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar, for dusting or glaze
- Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy, ensuring all flavors blend perfectly for a luscious filling.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases. Cut the dough into squares large enough to hold a generous scoop of filling.
- Assemble the Danish: Place a spoonful of pumpkin cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the corners or edges toward the center, pinching slightly to seal but leaving the filling exposed in the middle to puff up beautifully during baking.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly beat an egg yolk with a tablespoon of water and brush the edges of each Danish. This will give them a gorgeous golden color and light shine as they bake.
- Bake Until Golden: Arrange the assembled Danish on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- Optional Glaze or Dusting: Once cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Keep ingredients cold: Chill puff pastry and cream cheese before working to maintain flakiness.
- Do not overfill: Use moderate filling amounts to prevent leakage and ensure even baking.
- Use parchment paper: Prevent sticking and simplify cleanup by baking on parchment-lined trays.
- Brush egg wash evenly but gently to avoid soaking the pastry.
- Watch baking time closely as puff pastry can quickly go from golden to burnt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg