Description
This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Danish recipe delivers a flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with a creamy, spiced pumpkin and cream cheese mixture. Perfect for a cozy fall breakfast or dessert, these easy-to-make danishes offer a delicious blend of warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 8 equal rectangles, which will form the base for each danish.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Fill Pastry: Spoon a generous tablespoon of the pumpkin cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry rectangle, carefully distributing the filling evenly.
- Shape Danishes: Fold the corners of each pastry rectangle towards the center, slightly overlapping to create a pocket that will hold the filling securely while baking.
- Arrange Pastries: Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow room for puffing during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each pastry with the beaten egg to give them a glossy, golden finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Cool: Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack, which helps prevent sogginess.
- Optional Finishing Touch: Dust the danishes with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet, decorative touch.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is well thawed but still cold for best puffing results.
- You can substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger.
- Egg wash can be replaced with a milk wash for a lighter shine.
- These danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently.
