Go Back
Delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Danish flat lay on marble

Classic Pumpkin Cream Cheese Danish with Puff Pastry

These elegant danishes feature a rich, spiced pumpkin and cream cheese filling encased in buttery, flaky puff pastry, perfect for a special breakfast or dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 50 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 danish
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • small knife
  • medium bowl
  • small bowl
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • wire rack

Ingredients
  

Puff Pastry

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (13.2 ounces / 375 grams), thawed

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (226 grams), softened
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (120 grams) (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch ground cloves (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to help thicken the filling)

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water

Optional Topping

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

Prepare the Puff Pastry

  • Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions, either in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 30-40 minutes.
  • Unroll the thawed pastry onto a lightly floured surface or parchment paper, then cut it into 4, 6, or 8 even squares or rectangles based on desired danish size.
  • Lightly score a 1/2-inch border on each pastry square with a small knife, being careful not to cut all the way through, to create a raised edge during baking.

Prepare the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling

  • In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves, then gently mix in all-purpose flour until just combined.

Assemble the Danish

  • Place 2-3 tablespoons of pumpkin cream cheese filling into the center of each scored puff pastry square, ensuring it stays within the border.
  • Whisk one egg with milk or water in a small bowl, then brush this egg wash onto the exposed scored edges of the puff pastry for a golden-brown finish.
  • Carefully transfer the assembled danishes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake to Golden Perfection

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Bake for 18-22 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown and the filling is set.
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to avoid lumps in the filling. If you don't have ground cloves, you can omit them or add an extra pinch of cinnamon for warmth.