These Apricot Cream Cheese Pastries blend the creamy texture of cream cheese filling with the sweet tang of fresh apricots, all encased in a flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a refined dessert or a luxurious brunch item, these pastries are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great choice for entertaining. The addition of a sweet apricot glaze and a drizzle of almond-flavored icing adds the perfect finishing touch to this delightful treat.
Why You'll. Love This: The combination of smooth cream cheese and fresh apricots offers a burst of flavor with every bite, complemented by the light, buttery layers of puff pastry. These pastries strike the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, and the almond extract in the icing brings a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste. Easy to prepare yet impressively elegant, these pastries are sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for spring and summer gatherings, tea parties, or as a special treat during brunch, these pastries fit beautifully into any event where a light, fresh dessert is desired. They are also perfect for holidays, bridal showers, or as a sophisticated homemade gift for friends and family.
Decoration Tips: Serve these pastries on a decorative plate, garnished with a few fresh apricot slices or mint leaves to enhance their visual appeal. If serving at a gathering, arrange them elegantly on a tiered cake stand or a platter lined with lace doilies for a touch of vintage charm.
Ingredients:
- For the Pastry:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 tbsp heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed but still cold
- 4 ripe apricots, halved and pitted
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water)
- 3 tbsp apricot preserves
- For the Icing:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1-2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/8 tsp pure almond extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth.
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry. Cut out four 4.5-inch rounds from each sheet.
- Score a 1/2-inch border inside each round, being careful not to cut through.
- Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture within the borders of each pastry round. Place an apricot half on top of the filling, cut side down.
- Brush the pastry borders with egg wash.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack.
- Glaze and Ice the Pastries:
- Mix the apricot preserves with 1 tbsp of water and brush over the warm pastries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, milk, and almond extract to make the icing. Drizzle over the cooled pastries.
Enjoy your Apricot Cream Cheese Pastries, a beautiful and delicious addition to any dessert table or brunch spread, offering a refreshing twist on traditional pastries with the unique combination of apricot and cream cheese.