Puff Pastry Dessert Recipes

Flaky puff pastry is a magical, buttery dough that puffs up into golden, flaky layers when baked. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using store-bought, puff pastry offers endless possibilities for both sweet and savory dishes. From elegant desserts to impressive appetizers, this versatile dough is a must-have in every baker’s kitchen. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about puff pastry dessert recipes!

If you’re new to making puff pastry, I have an all inclusive Puff Pastry Guide that gives you all the details on getting the perfect puff everytime!

This collage of puff pastry recipes showcases a variety of beautiful and delicious pastries. The first image features flaky cherry-filled turnovers drizzled with icing. The second image displays an assortment of fruit-topped pastries with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries arranged in colorful patterns. The third image shows puff pastry pinwheels and squares filled with vibrant mixed berries, creating a delightful treat. The final image highlights pecan-topped puff pastry squares, with golden, crispy edges, perfect for a sweet, nutty bite. Each pastry is presented in a rustic, inviting setting, emphasizing the versatility of puff pastry for both sweet and fruity creations.

Making Your Own Puff Pastry

While store-bought puff pastry is convenient and works beautifully, making your own is a rewarding challenge that gives you complete control over the ingredients and texture. Homemade puff pastry dough involves creating a dough and then repeatedly folding in butter (also called lamination) to create the signature flaky layers.

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Check out this puff pastry dough recipe here!

Making your own puff pastry requires time and patience, but the reward is a pastry with an unrivaled texture and flavor. It’s a great way to elevate dishes if you’re up for a baking adventure.

This close-up image showcases beautifully baked puff pastry, stacked to reveal the intricate, golden layers inside. The light, flaky texture is visible, with crisp edges and airy pockets throughout, perfectly demonstrating the lamination process that creates the signature puff. The pastry sits on a wooden board with a rustic, textured surface, highlighting the delicate craftsmanship of the baking process. The warm tones and natural lighting create a tempting and inviting presentation.

Store-Bought Puff Pastry

Starting with store-bought puff pastry sheets is the perfect way to get acclimated to making this flaky dessert. Plus, for those times when you need something quick, store-bought frozen puff pastry sheets are a fantastic option. It’s readily available in most grocery stores, usually in the frozen section, and offers the same flaky, buttery results without the hassle of making your own.

In the US, my favorite brand is Pepperidge Farm.

How to Thaw Frozen Puff Pastry

Refrigerator method: For best results, thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator. Let it sit in the fridge for about 4 hours or overnight. This slow thawing helps maintain the dough’s structure and prevents the butter from melting prematurely.

Countertop method: You can leave the puff pastry on the counter for 30-40 minutes until soft. You will know the pastry is ready to be used when you can easily unfold it.

Quick thaw method: If you’re in a rush, you can use the microwave to thaw the puff pastry. Wrap the puff pastry in paper towel, and microwave for 15 seconds, flip it over and microwave it for another 15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it if the dough gets too warm, it’ll become sticky and hard to work with, plus the butter in it will start melting.

Fillings for Puff Pastry Dessert Recipes

Puff pastry’s neutral flavor makes it perfect for a wide range of fillings, from sweet to savory. Whether you’re creating bite-sized appetizers or indulgent treats, the possibilities are endless.

Blueberry Puff Pastry

This Blueberry Puff Pastry comes together so easily, and it’s absolutely delicious! With a creamy and rich cream cheese filling paired with fresh, juicy blueberries, this pastry is the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The flaky layers of puff pastry provide a light, buttery crunch that complements the soft filling perfectly. It’s a versatile recipe, making it a fabulous idea for breakfast, an easy dessert, or even a delightful addition to tea time. Whether you dust it with powdered sugar or enjoy it as is, this blueberry puff pastry is sure to be a hit!

Find the recipe here.

Mascarpone Puff Pastry

If you’re looking for something special to serve guests at your next gathering, look no further than this delightful Mascarpone Puff Pastry. This treat features puff pastry baked to golden perfection, filled with a luscious mascarpone frosting, and topped with tangy lemon curd. The combination of creamy mascarpone and the zesty brightness of lemon makes for an unforgettable dessert. Garnished with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar, this decadent pastry is sure to impress everyone at the table, whether for brunch, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack.

Get the recipe here.

flaky puff pastry filled with mascarpone cream and fresh fruit and lemon curd.

Key Lime Pie Puff Pastry

Key Lime Puff Pastry is an easy and delicious twist on the classic Key Lime Pie! This treat features puff pastry baked to golden, flaky perfection, filled with a refreshing no-bake key lime pie filling. To top it off, a smooth marshmallow frosting is piped on, and lightly toasted to add a beautiful finishing touch. The tartness of the key lime filling pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the marshmallow, while the crispy layers of puff pastry add texture and depth. It’s the perfect bite-sized dessert for any occasion!

Get the recipe here.

Key lime pastry cut in half with marshmallow frosting on top.

Cream Cheese and Fruit Puff Pastry

This Cream Cheese Puff Pastry is so easy to make and absolutely delicious! You can customize it with any fruits, berries, jam, or simply enjoy the rich cream cheese filling on its own. The versatility of this recipe makes it a favorite for any occasion.

I experimented with a few different variations, using strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and even some with just plain cream cheese filling. Each version turned out incredible, with the flaky puff pastry perfectly complementing the creamy filling and fresh fruit. Whether you’re craving something fruity or just the classic cream cheese flavor, this recipe has endless possibilities for a delicious treat that’s sure to impress!

Get the recipe here.

Puff Pastry topped with berries and cream cheese filling.

Boston Cream Puff Pastry

This Boston Cream Puff Pastry is a delightful twist on the classic Boston cream pie! To make it, I baked flaky puff pastry to golden perfection, then filled it with a smooth, rich pastry cream. To finish, I topped it with a luscious chocolate glaze for that iconic flavor combination. It’s the perfect indulgence that combines creamy, flaky, and chocolatey goodness all in one! Perfect for a special dessert or a sweet treat anytime.

Get the recipe here.

boston cream pastry, drizzled with chocolate on top.

Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Puff Pastry Pinwheels are absolutely delicious and incredibly easy to make! These delightful pastries are so versatile, you can create them in various flavors and sizes, whether filled with fresh fruit, cream cheese, or even savory options. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these pinwheels have flaky, buttery layers that complement any filling you choose. They’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!

Get the recipe here.

Cherry Turnovers

These Cherry Turnovers are incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious! Using store-bought puff pastry, you can whip up this quick treat in no time. Filled with a sweet and tangy cherry filling, these flaky turnovers are topped with a fabulous sweet glaze that will have your tastebuds dancing. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack!

Get the recipe here.

cherry turnovers sliced in half and stacked on top of each other

Pecan Pie Puff Pastry

This Pecan Pie Pastry is an incredibly easy and delicious treat! Made with store-bought puff pastry, it tastes just like a classic pecan pie but with an added crunch and buttery layers. The combination of sweet, nutty pecans with flaky pastry makes this melt-in-your-mouth dessert a delightful twist on a beloved favorite!

Get the recipe here.

Close-up image of golden-brown Pecan Pie Puff Pastry squares, topped with crunchy pecans and surrounded by whole pecan halves on a light-colored background, showcasing the flaky, buttery texture of the pastry and the sweet, nutty filling.

Sweet Fillings: Try these fillings in your next sweet treat!

Fresh Fruit: Try making this Blueberry Puff Pastry for a sweet and delicious blueberry flavor! But the fun doesn’t need to stop there, you can use peaches, raspberries, apples, whatever fruit you desire! You could even turn these cherry turnovers into apple turnovers!

Cream Cheese: Sweetened cream cheese filling is the ultimate filling for these flaky delights. Test out this classic Cream Cheese Puff Pastry recipe. Also known as a cream cheese danish!

Custard and Chocolate: Pastries filled with pastry cream, like this Boston Cream Puff Pastry, or a piece of chocolate or chocolate chips are perfect complements to puff pastry. Try white, dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate chips!

Citrus Curds: Try this Key Lime Puff Pastry for a unique twist on this flaky dessert.

Nuts and Spices: Try nut-based fillings like walnut and cardamom or hazelnuts and nutmeg for a more sophisticated touch. Here is a great recipe for Walnut Cardamom Puff Pastry Twists.

Sweet Spreads: Nutella, Biscoff butter, or really any nut butter is perfect in a puff pastry. Dulce de Leche or caramel sauce would also be such a rich addition!

Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of ice cream on the side!

puff pastry baked to golden perfection with a cheese and raspberry filling, sliced in half.

Savory Fillings Ideas: Perfect for a meal or a filling snack!

The fun doesn’t stop with sweet fillings though! Try some of these savory puff pastry recipes with Puff Pastry Pinwheels! Mix and match these ideas to suit your taste, or create your own filling variations!

Sun-dried tomato and roasted garlic with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese
Creamy goat cheese and prosciutto, with a drizzle of honey
Dijon mustard with ham and cheddar cheese
Tomato sauce with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni
Pesto sauce with mozzarella and chopped roasted peppers

Techniques for Perfect Puff Pastry

Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought puff pastry, there are a few key techniques that will help you get the best results:

Keep it cold: Puff pastry rises due to steam created when the butter in the dough melts in the oven. To achieve maximum puff, make sure the dough stays cold until it goes into the oven. You can’t even let it get to room temperature, because if it warms up too much, the butter will melt prematurely, and you’ll lose those flaky layers.
Don’t overwork the dough: Handle puff pastry as little as possible. Too much handling can cause the layers to merge, resulting in a tough, flat pastry.
Egg wash for shine: For a beautifully golden finish, brush the pastry with a simple egg wash (a beaten egg yolk with a tablespoon of water or milk) before baking.
Chill before baking: After shaping and filling, let the pastries chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes on the baking sheet before popping them in the oven. This helps firm up the butter and ensures an even rise.
Slashing or docking: If you’re making larger pastries, like turnovers or tarts, make sure to cut small slits in the top or dock the dough with a fork. This allows steam to escape, preventing soggy bottoms.

blueberry puff pastry dessert showcasing the layers of puff pastry.

Tips & Tricks

Cutting shapes: When cutting out shapes (whether squares for pinwheels or rounds for tarts), use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to ensure clean edges. Ragged edges can cause the layers to fuse together, preventing them from rising properly.
Freezing assembled pastries: Puff pastry is freezer-friendly! If you’re making pastries ahead of time, you can assemble them and freeze before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the bake time.
Reheating: Puff pastry is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to reheat it, use a 350ºF oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the pastry soggy.
Preventing soggy bottoms: When making filled pastries (especially with moist fillings like fruit), sprinkle a little ground almonds, breadcrumbs, or flour on the pastry before adding the filling. This helps absorb any extra moisture, keeping the pastry crisp.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, theses puff pastry dessert recipes offer a world of possibilities. From homemade dough to quick, store-bought shortcuts, these techniques, fillings, and tips will help you create delicious pastries that are sure to impress!

Let me know how your puff pastry adventures go by leaving a comment below and be sure to tag me on any recipes you make on Instagram!