Delicious Puff Pastry Triangles with Cream Filling

Puff pastry desserts are a timeless favorite, known for their delicate, buttery layers and crisp texture. These puff pastry triangles filled with a rich cream cheese filling are no exception. Whether you’re preparing them for a weekend treat, a family gathering, or a special occasion, these pastries are bound to impress. In this recipe, we’ll be working with store-bought puff pastry for convenience, but feel free to use homemade if you’re up for a challenge! The combination of flaky pastry and creamy, sweet filling creates a delightful dessert that is simple yet elegant.

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Before starting with the preparation, we’ll preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure that the pastries bake evenly and puff up beautifully. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup later on.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry

Start by rolling out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If using store-bought pastry, allow it to thaw as per package instructions. Roll it slightly thinner to ensure a light, crisp texture. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the sheet into squares of approximately 4 inches (10 cm). These squares will form the base for our pastry triangles.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. The filling should have a slightly sweet taste with a hint of vanilla, complementing the richness of the puff pastry. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference if needed.

4. Assemble the Pastries

Place a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill them, as this can cause the filling to leak during baking. Once the filling is added, fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges together gently with your fingers and then use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring they are tightly sealed. This step not only ensures that the filling stays in place but also adds a decorative touch to the edges.

5. Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat the egg until the yolk and white are fully combined. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the top of each triangle with the egg wash. This step is key to achieving a beautifully golden and glossy finish on your pastries, adding an inviting appearance once they’re baked.

6. Bake the Pastries

Carefully transfer the assembled triangles onto the lined baking tray, leaving enough space between each pastry to allow them to puff up during baking. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries have risen and turned golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking. They should look beautifully puffed, with crisp edges and a golden hue.

7. Cool & Serve

Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. While they’re still warm, you can dust them with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration. Serve them warm for the best experience, as the contrast between the flaky pastry and creamy filling is at its finest.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Servings: 6 triangles (depending on the size of the pastry sheet)
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 105mg
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Protein: 3g

Tips for the Perfect Puff Pastry Triangles:

  • Chill the Pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold before working with it. This ensures the layers stay intact and puff up nicely in the oven.
  • Don’t Overfill: A teaspoon of filling is the perfect amount. Too much filling can cause the pastry to burst open.
  • Egg Wash: Don’t skip this step! The egg wash adds shine and a rich color to the final pastries.
  • Make Ahead: You can assemble the triangles ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just brush with egg wash right before baking.

These puff pastry triangles are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The creamy filling paired with the light, flaky layers creates a luxurious pastry that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or served as-is, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!