Description
This Pumpkin Twist Pastry is a delightful fall-inspired treat featuring a flaky puff pastry filled with a spiced pumpkin and cream cheese mixture. Twisted for a beautiful presentation, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a festive snack. The golden, flaky crust contrasts perfectly with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced pumpkin filling, making it an irresistible seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Filling
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Topping
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Stir in the softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a flavorful spiced pumpkin filling.
- Roll Out Pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet gently to smooth out folds. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border on each side to ensure space for twisting and sealing.
- Cut Slits: Cut diagonal slits along both sides of the pastry, about 1 inch apart. Do not cut the middle section where the pumpkin filling is; this will remain intact to hold the filling.
- Form Twists: Carefully fold the pastry strips over the pumpkin filling, alternating from one side to the other, creating a braided or twisted appearance that seals in the filling and gives a decorative look.
- Apply Butter and Egg Wash: Brush the melted butter over the entire top of the pastry. Beat the egg and brush it over the pastry as an egg wash to give the pastry a beautiful golden and shiny finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the prepared pastry on the lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown, indicating it is cooked through and flaky.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pastry to cool slightly on a wire rack. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and presentation. Slice and serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use chilled puff pastry to ensure it puffs well during baking.
- The filling can be adjusted for sweetness or spices according to taste preferences.
- For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives and use a plant-based milk wash or skip the egg wash.
- Serve this pastry warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Leftover pastry can be stored in an airtight container and reheated briefly in the oven.
