These Easy Pumpkin Danish pastries are a must-try for fall! With a flaky puff pastry shell and a deliciously creamy filling made of pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and warm pumpkin spice, these danishes are perfect for breakfast or dessert. They come together quickly with store-bought puff pastry and can be made ahead of time. Serve them warm for a cozy fall treat, and for an extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce. These danishes also freeze well, so you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes—just reheat in the oven and dust with powdered sugar before serving!
Easy Pumpkin Danish with Cream Cheese is a delicious fall pastry that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite. The flaky puff pastry is filled with a sweet and creamy pumpkin mixture, made with pumpkin puree and cream cheese, and spiced with warm pumpkin spice. It’s the perfect balance of richness and warmth, making these danishes a wonderful choice for a cozy autumn morning or afternoon snack.
INGREDIENTS
- Puff pastry: 1 package, thawed
- Pumpkin puree: ½ cup
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup
- Pumpkin spice: 1 teaspoon
- Cream cheese: 4 oz, softened
- Powdered sugar: ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Egg: 1 large, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar: for dusting
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and pumpkin spice until smooth.
- Step 3:
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Step 4:
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut it into squares.
- Step 5:
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square, followed by a spoonful of the pumpkin mixture.
- Step 6:
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a neat shape.
- Step 7:
- Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg wash.
- Step 8:
- Bake the pastries for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Step 9:
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- These danishes freeze well. Simply reheat them in the oven to enjoy later.
Helpful Notes
- Make sure to fully thaw the puff pastry before rolling it out to prevent cracking.
- For a spicier flavor, add an extra pinch of pumpkin spice to the filling.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef's Tip: Use a fork to crimp the edges of the puff pastry for a decorative finish.
FAQs
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Yes, these danishes freeze beautifully. Simply reheat them in the oven for a quick treat.
What other fillings can I use?
You can use apple or pear fillings for a different flavor profile, or even add a dollop of jam for a fruity twist.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Make sure your filling isn't too wet, and fully cool the danishes before storing them to prevent condensation.
Summary
Easy Pumpkin Danish with Cream Cheese is a simple yet indulgent pastry perfect for the fall season. Made with store-bought puff pastry, these danishes are filled with a creamy pumpkin and cream cheese mixture, spiced with pumpkin spice for that quintessential autumn flavor. They bake to golden perfection in just 15-18 minutes, making them an ideal breakfast or dessert. For extra indulgence, serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar. These danishes also freeze beautifully, so you can make a batch ahead of time and simply reheat them for a quick and delicious treat. Whether you're serving them for a holiday brunch or just enjoying them with your morning coffee, these Pumpkin Danishes are sure to be a hit!