Easy Pumpkin Danish With Cream Cheese Recipe

Heavenly Pumpkin Danish With Cream Cheese Recipe for Fall

Autumn’s golden light brings a delightful pumpkin danish that promises cozy comfort and irresistible flavor.

Warm spices dance through delicate pastry layers, creating a sensational morning treat.

Sweet cream cheese melts softly against tender pumpkin filling, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

Flaky dough wraps around rich seasonal ingredients, promising a delicious experience.

Bakery-style elegance meets homemade charm in this simple yet impressive recipe.

Crafted with minimal effort, this danish delivers maximum satisfaction for weekend brunch or quiet morning moments.

You’ll want to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy every single crumb.

Easy Pumpkin Danish Recipe Perks

  • Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy bakers who want a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese that everyone loves.
  • Impressive Presentation: Looks like a professional bakery creation but super simple to make at home.
  • Seasonal Delight: Captures the cozy autumn mood with its warm pumpkin spice and elegant pastry design.

Easy Pumpkin Danish What You Need

Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: A delicate, flaky dough that provides the light and crisp foundation for the danish.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree, Cream Cheese: A creamy combination that creates a rich and smooth filling for the pastry.
  • Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Sweet ingredients that enhance the overall flavor of the danish.
  • Pumpkin Spice: A warm blend of spices that adds a classic autumn flavor to the pumpkin mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: A subtle flavoring that complements the cream cheese and pumpkin components.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Egg: Used to create a golden, shiny finish on the pastry edges.
  • Powdered Sugar: A delicate topping that adds a sweet and decorative touch to the baked danish.

Easy Pumpkin Danish Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, creating a perfect non-stick surface for your delightful pastries.

Step 2: Create Pumpkin Magic

In a mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the pumpkin filling:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Granulated sugar
  • Pumpkin spice

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fragrant.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Goodness

Grab another bowl and prepare the cream cheese filling by blending:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a luxuriously creamy mixture.

Step 4: Unleash The Pastry

Take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out.

Slice the pastry into equal squares, creating the perfect canvas for your danish.

Step 5: Fill With Deliciousness

Place a generous dollop of cream cheese mixture right in the center of each pastry square.

Follow this with a spoonful of the pumpkin mixture, creating a tantalizing flavor combination.

Step 6: Craft Beautiful Shapes

Gently fold the corners of each pastry square over the filling.

Pinch the edges to create a neat, elegant danish shape that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 7: Apply Golden Shine

Grab a pastry brush and coat the edges of your danish with beaten egg wash.

This will give your pastries a gorgeous golden-brown finish when baked.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color that signals they’re ready.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Once cooled slightly, dust the danish with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.

This adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look professionally prepared.

Easy Pumpkin Danish Tips

  • Ensure puff pastry is completely thawed and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to avoid excess moisture.
  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends perfectly.
  • Adjust pumpkin spice according to personal preference by increasing or decreasing the amount for a more subtle or bold flavor.
  • Space Danish pastries evenly on the baking sheet to promote uniform browning and prevent uneven cooking.
  • Keep leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Easy Pumpkin Danish Filling Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Danish: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based pastry dough for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Sugar Danish: Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use reduced-fat cream cheese to create a diabetes-friendly version.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Danish: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese, replace egg wash with plant-based milk, and select vegan puff pastry for a plant-based alternative.
  • Nutty Pumpkin Variation: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the filling before folding the pastry for added crunch and flavor complexity.

Serving Easy Pumpkin Danish

  • Festive Fall Brunch Companion: Pair these warm, flaky danish with a steaming mug of spiced apple cider for a cozy morning treat.
  • Elegant Dessert Plate: Arrange danish on a rustic wooden board with fresh cinnamon sticks and maple leaves for a gorgeous presentation that screams autumn.
  • Flavor Boosting Garnish: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a light drizzle of caramel sauce over the danish to add extra crunch and richness.
  • Weekend Entertaining Tip: Serve these danish alongside a creamy pumpkin spice latte for a delightful seasonal gathering that will impress your guests.

Storing Easy Pumpkin Danish

  • Store leftover Danish in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual pastries tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, preserving them for up to 2 months without losing quality.
  • Warm Danish at 325F for 5-7 minutes, restoring crispy texture and bringing back their delightful freshness.
  • Zap for 15-20 seconds on low power, avoiding soggy edges and maintaining the pastry's delicate structure.

FAQs

  • Is puff pastry hard to work with?

Not at all! Puff pastry is very forgiving. When it’s thawed, it’s easy to handle and creates flaky, delicious results even for beginner bakers.

  • Can I make these Danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastries and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 2 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for preparing in advance for brunch or breakfast.

  • What if I don't have pumpkin spice?

No problem! You can make your own by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in equal proportions. This will give you the same warm, autumn flavor.

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Easy Pumpkin Danish With Cream Cheese Recipe

Easy Pumpkin Danish With Cream Cheese Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Danish pastry magic unfolds with this easy pumpkin danish, blending warm autumn spices and creamy cheese into a delightful breakfast treat. Flaky layers promise comfort and indulgence you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 package puff pastry (thawed)
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Sugars and Spices:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal pastry performance.
  2. Craft the pumpkin filling by blending pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and pumpkin spice into a silky, uniform mixture.
  3. Whip the cream cheese mixture to a luxurious consistency by combining softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  4. Unfold the thawed puff pastry and slice into precise squares, ensuring uniform size for consistent baking.
  5. Position a dollop of cream cheese mixture centrally on each pastry square, then crown with an equal portion of pumpkin filling.
  6. Elegantly fold the pastry corners toward the center, creating a delicate envelope that securely contains the luscious fillings.
  7. Gently brush the pastry edges with beaten egg wash, which will yield a gorgeous golden sheen during baking.
  8. Transfer the assembled danish to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, monitoring until the pastry transforms into a rich, amber-toned delicacy.
  9. Finish by dusting the warm pastries with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar, enhancing both visual appeal and sweetness.

Notes

  • Chill pastry dough before rolling to prevent sticking and ensure flaky texture.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for richer, smoother filling that holds its shape during baking.
  • Seal pastry edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • Replace puff pastry with gluten-free alternative for dietary restrictions without compromising taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 196 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 38 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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