Peach Puff Pastry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peach Puff Pastry is a delightful treat that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The flaky puff pastry complements the juicy peaches and creamy filling, while the glaze adds a perfect finishing touch. It’s an easy yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying on a cozy afternoon. The combination of fresh peaches, smooth cream cheese, and the crisp pastry is simply irresistible!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Peach Filling:

• 3-4 fresh peaches, peeled and cut into small bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cream Cheese Mixture:

• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoon water

Glaze Drizzle:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Peach Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the peach pieces, sugar, and cinnamon. Toss until the peaches are evenly coated, and set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
4. Assemble the Pastries: Spread a small amount of cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Top with a spoonful of the peach filling. Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, pinching them together to seal.
5. Apply the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top of each pastry to give it a golden, glossy finish.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pastries for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
7. Make the Glaze: While the pastries are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Once the pastries are done, let them cool slightly before drizzling the glaze on top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Variety: Swap out the peaches for other fruits like berries, apples, or pears for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of ginger or nutmeg to the peach filling for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Cheese Lover’s Twist: Mix some mascarpone or ricotta cheese into the cream cheese mixture for a richer filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Peach Puff Pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the pastries in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warm and flaky again.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned peaches, but be sure to drain them well and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

2. Can I prepare these pastries in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the pastries ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just brush with the egg wash right before baking.

3. Can I freeze these pastries?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pastries for up to 3 months. To bake, just pop them directly from the freezer into the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain the peaches well before using them, and avoid overfilling the pastries. The egg wash will also help create a protective layer on the pastry, keeping it crispy.

5. Can I use store-bought cream cheese?

Yes, store-bought cream cheese works perfectly fine in this recipe. Just make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.

6. Can I make these pastries without the glaze?

Absolutely! The pastries are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness. If you prefer a less sugary treat, you can skip the glaze.

7. How do I know when the pastries are done baking?

The pastries should be golden brown and puffed up. You can also check the bottom of the pastry to make sure it’s not too soft or doughy.

8. Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute the sugar with alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

9. How can I make the pastry even more flaky?

For an extra flaky texture, try chilling the puff pastry sheets for 10-15 minutes before working with them. This helps keep the layers crisp while baking.

10. Can I make these without an egg wash?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the egg wash. The pastries will still bake well, though the golden, glossy finish will be missing.

Conclusion

Peach Puff Pastry is a simple yet indulgent dessert that combines the best of flaky pastry, juicy peaches, and creamy filling. The sweet glaze adds an extra touch of decadence, making this treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it on your own, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, Peach Puff Pastry is bound to become a favorite!

Print