Pumpkin Danishes: Flaky Puff Pastry, Cream Cheese & Autumn Flavor

These Pumpkin Danishes are the ultimate fall treat: crisp, flaky puff pastry filled with swirls of tangy cream cheese and warm pumpkin-spice sweetness, finished with a spiced cream cheese glaze. They look fancy but come together quickly—perfect for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or anytime you want to bring that cozy autumn vibe to your table.

Why I Love This Recipe

They give bakery-level flavor and presentation with minimal effort—just a little swirling magic and puff pastry do all the work. The combination of rich cream cheese and spiced pumpkin is comforting, nostalgic, and irresistibly tasty.

Ingredients

For the cream cheese filling:

• 8 oz block cream cheese, softened (6 oz for filling + 2 oz for glaze)
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the pumpkin filling:

• ⅓ cup pure pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1½ Tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

For assembly & baking:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg + splash of water (egg wash)
• 1–2 Tbsp coarse sugar (optional)

For the glaze:

• Remaining 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1¼ cups powdered sugar
• 1–2 Tbsp milk
• ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice

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Instructions Overview

1. Prep & Preheat

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment or spray with nonstick spray.
(Prep time ~10 min)

2. Make cream cheese filling

Beat 6 oz cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
(Duration ~3 min)

3. Make pumpkin filling

Mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, flour, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Set aside.
(Duration ~2 min)

4. Prepare puff pastry

Unfold a sheet of puff pastry and cut along folds into 3 pieces, then cut each in half—total 12 rectangles across 2 sheets.
Score a border ¼–½” from edge on each rectangle.
Pierce the center of each rectangle with a fork to prevent puffing.

5. Fill and swirl

Evenly add dollops of cream cheese and pumpkin filling to each center.
Use a toothpick or butter knife to gently swirl the fillings together.
(Prep time ~8 min)

6. Egg wash & bake

Mix egg with a splash of water. Brush pastry borders and, optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar.
Bake one tray at a time (rotate if baking both) for 13–15 minutes, until puffed and golden.
(Bake time ~15 min)

7. Cool & glaze

Cool pastries on a wire rack.
Beat remaining cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and pumpkin pie spice into a pourable glaze. Drizzle over warm pastries.
(Cooling + glaze ~10 min)

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Tips for Success

• Puff Pastry Handling: Keep pastry cold until assembly—it puffs better when cold.
• Swirls: Don’t over-swirl; keep a beautiful marbled look.
• Baking: Only bake one tray at a time or rotate halfway to ensure even baking.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve warm for best texture and flavor. Pair with cozy beverages like coffee, chai, or spiced cider. You’ll also love these alongside:

• Sheet Pan Quesadillas – a savory contrast
• Crockpot Nacho Dip – perfect for brunch gatherings

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Storage & Reheating Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 1 day—best eaten fresh.
• Fridge: Refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed danishes in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 weeks. Thaw and glaze before serving.

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More Recipes You’ll Love

• Instant Pot Lasagna – for a hearty evening meal
• Dorito Casserole – fun side for brunch or dinner

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Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Danishes are bakery-level in both taste and look—but they’re surprisingly easy to make. With flaky pastry, luscious fillings, and autumn spices, they elevate any breakfast or dessert table. Tried them? Drop a comment and share your swirl masterpieces!

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