10 Puff Pastry Desserts That Are So Easy To Make

The hero ingredient? Frozen puff pastry.

Updated on June 17, 2024

Southern Living Quick and Easy Cream Cheese Danish on a board to serve — Photo:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist Christine Keely

When you think of puff pastry desserts, you might imagine pristine danishes, tarts, and turnovers on display at a fancy bakery. These specialty treats may be baked with fresh berries, layers of flaky crust, and lots of sugar, but they are surprisingly easy to make at home, too.

The secret is in the hero ingredient: frozen puff pastry. Puff pastry sheets can be found in the freezer section of your local grocer. Ahead, discover our best deliciously simple puff pastry recipes that begin with store-bought dough.

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Cherry Turnovers

Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these cherry turnovers are about as classic as they come. Start with a package of frozen puff pastry, then whip up your filling with dark sweet cherries, lemon juice, sugar, salt, almond abstract, and cornstarch. Drizzle with homemade icing as the cherry on top.

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Easy Blackberry Turnovers

Another turnover pastry, this recipe calls for fresh blackberries. The directions are as easy as the name suggests—this dish comes together with just 15 minutes of active time and 30 minutes of baking.

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Glazed Apple Tart

If you're hosting a party this fall, this is a good recipe to have on hand. It calls for in-season Honeycrisp apples and frozen puff pastry, but our favorite ingredient is the sweet apricot preserves on top.

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Cinnamon Swirl Puff Pastry Muffins

These pastries have the cinnamon and crunch of your favorite breakfast cereal but in the form of a flaky puff pastry. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes before cooling for 10. Each batch yields 12 muffins, so double up if you're expecting a group (or want to save leftovers for dessert).

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Pear-And-Brie Puff Pastry Tarts

A little savory, a little sweet! This tart is made with pear and brie and can be served as an appetizer or dessert. To make dessert slightly sweeter, brush with apricot preserves on top and skip the pepper.

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Quick and Easy Cream Cheese Danish

This cream cheese and fruit-filled dish may look impressive, but even the kids can have fun with this one. It can be made with your everyday cutlery and little hands.

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Apple Turnovers

Apple desserts are always a hit in the cool weather, and these turnovers with an easy glaze are the perfect treat to make for family and loved ones during the fall season.

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Strawberry Strudels

Next time you're craving a sweet pastry from your favorite coffee shop or bakery, make these at home instead. Let the puff pastry dough thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

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Nectarine- Plum Turnovers

This is our ideal summer alternative to a classic pie. These seasonal turnovers are perfect for breakfast on the go, brunch, or dessert when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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