Easy Pumpkin Danish with Cream Cheese

Craving a cozy, fall-inspired treat that’s both easy and delicious? This Easy Pumpkin Danish with Cream Cheese is the perfect combination of flaky pastry, sweet pumpkin, and creamy cheese filling—no complicated steps required!

Imagine soft, flaky puff pastry filled with a rich pumpkin mixture and smooth cream cheese, all baked to golden perfection. The combination of spiced pumpkin and creamy cheese creates a mouthwatering dessert or breakfast option.

These pumpkin danishes are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and they come together in no time! Whether for a quick morning treat or a cozy afternoon snack, this easy recipe will be a hit with everyone.

Ready to indulge in this simple, tasty treat? Let’s make this Easy Pumpkin Danish with Cream Cheese and enjoy a warm, fall-inspired delight today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fall-Inspired Flavor: You get warm pumpkin spice, creamy filling, and buttery puff pastry in each bite.
• Simple but Impressive: It looks like a fancy bakery treat, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the filling in advance and assemble when ready.
• Perfect for Guests or Gifting: These are crowd-pleasers, whether you’re hosting brunch or sharing a holiday tray.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: Around 40 minutes

Servings
This recipe makes 8–10 danishes, depending on how you cut the pastry. Great for sharing or storing for quick breakfasts.

Difficulty
Beginner-friendly. If you can stir, cut, and bake—you’re good to go.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Pastry brush
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small spoon or piping bag (optional for filling)
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• 1/3 cup pure pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

For Assembly:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1–2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional)

For the Glaze:

• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Variations for Pumpkin Danish

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before baking for extra crunch.
• Try Maple Glaze: Replace milk in the glaze with pure maple syrup for a richer fall flavor.
• Mini Version: Cut smaller puff pastry squares to make bite-sized danishes for parties or lunchboxes.
• Add Chocolate Chips: A handful of mini chocolate chips in the pumpkin layer gives a sweet surprise.
• Use Crescent Dough: No puff pastry? Crescent roll dough sheets work too—just press seams together before filling.

How to Make Pumpkin Danish With Cream Cheese Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently unfold the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface and cut each into 4 or 5 squares.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.

3. Make the Pumpkin Filling

In a separate bowl, stir together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, flour, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.

4. Assemble the Danishes

Place pastry squares on the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Score a ½-inch border around the edges of each square (don’t cut all the way through).
Spoon 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture into the center, then layer 1 tablespoon of pumpkin mixture on top.

5. Brush and Sprinkle

Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the edges of the pastry with this egg wash. Sprinkle coarse sugar over the edges if desired.

6. Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. The centers will look soft but will set as they cool.

How to Serve Pumpkin Danish With Cream Cheese

These danishes are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. Here are a few easy ways to enjoy them:

• With Coffee or Tea: They’re perfect for breakfast with a warm drink.
• As a Dessert: Dust with extra powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze for a sweet finish.
• Holiday Brunch Boards: Add them to a spread with fruit, muffins, and quiche for guests.
• After-School Snack: A fun fall treat kids will love with a glass of milk.

Storing Pumpkin Danish

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
• Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to refresh the crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed danishes in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Cold Pastry: Puff pastry puffs better when it’s cold. If it warms up while working, chill it again for 10 minutes before baking.
• Score the Border: This helps the pastry rise around the filling without spilling over.
• Don’t Overfill: A little filling goes a long way—too much can make the center soggy.
• Cool Before Glazing: Let danishes cool at least 10 minutes before adding glaze so it doesn’t melt off.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the fillings a day ahead and store in the fridge until ready to assemble.

Nutrition (Per Danish – based on 10 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~280
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	28g
Sugar	12g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	180mg

Note: Nutrition will vary slightly depending on ingredients used and serving size.

Pumpkin Danish FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the fillings a day in advance and store in the fridge. Assemble and bake fresh when ready.

Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely, if you have the time and skill. Store-bought works great for simplicity.

Can I skip the glaze?
Yes. They’re sweet enough without it, especially if serving for breakfast.

Can I freeze them after baking?
You can. Freeze them unglazed in a single layer, then reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Danishes are flaky, creamy, and just sweet enough—perfect for fall mornings or festive gatherings. They’re easy to make but look bakery-worthy, and the combo of spiced pumpkin and cool cream cheese never disappoints. Once you make them, they might just become a fall tradition in your kitchen.