Cream Cheese Pecan Danish Pastries

Servings

8 pastries

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pastries

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

• 225 g cream cheese, softened

• ⅓ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 egg yolk

For the Pecan Topping

• ¾ cup chopped pecans

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

For Finishing

• 1 egg beaten (egg wash)

• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl combine:

   • Cream cheese

   • Powdered sugar

   • Vanilla extract

   • Egg yolk

2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Topping

1. Mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and honey.

2. Stir until evenly coated.

Step 3: Shape the Pastries

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Cut puff pastry into rectangles.

3. Place a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center of each piece.

4. Fold or roll the pastry around the filling, sealing edges gently.

Step 4: Add Topping

1. Brush pastries with egg wash.

2. Spoon pecan mixture over the tops.

3. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for 18–22 minutes.

2. Pastries should be deeply golden and puffed.

3. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Optional Honey Glaze

Mix:

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon warm water

Brush lightly over warm pastries for the glossy finish shown in the image.

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Pastry)

• Calories: 410 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 32 g

• Fat: 29 g

• Protein: 6 g

Tips

• Keep puff pastry cold until ready to use.

• Toast pecans beforehand for a richer flavor.

• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the topping for extra warmth.

• For a bakery-style finish, drizzle with vanilla icing after cooling.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These pastries combine flaky, buttery layers of puff pastry with a rich cream cheese center and a crunchy caramelized pecan topping. The contrast between the crisp exterior and the smooth filling makes them perfect for breakfast, brunch, coffee breaks, or holiday dessert tables.