Pumpkin Twist Pastry
Say hello to autumn in a bite! Pumpkin Twist Pastry is a delightful blend of buttery, flaky pastry and the warm, comforting flavor of pumpkin spice. Picture this: a rich, golden puff pastry filled with a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling, then twisted into a beautiful swirl that bakes up golden and irresistible. This pastry is perfect for cozy mornings, holiday brunches, or as a sweet treat any time you want a little taste of fall. Trust me, once you try this twist, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Twist Pastry
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a family brunch, having a cozy evening at home, or bringing something sweet to a party, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Great as a breakfast pastry, dessert, or a snack with your afternoon coffee.
Budget-Friendly: You can make this festive pastry without splurging on fancy ingredients.
Quick and Easy: With store-bought puff pastry, this recipe comes together in a flash, but looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.
Customizable: You can add extra spices, swap in a different filling, or top with a glaze for an extra special touch.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s kids or adults, this pastry is always a hit at any gathering. The perfect mix of pumpkin flavor and flaky pastry is a guaranteed winner!
Ingredients in Pumpkin Twist Pastry
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy pumpkin pastry:
Puff Pastry: The star of the show flaky, buttery, and perfectly crispy once baked.
Pumpkin Puree: The smooth, velvety base for the filling. Make sure it’s 100% pumpkin puree and not the spiced pumpkin pie filling.
Cream Cheese: Adds richness and a slight tang to balance out the sweetness of the pumpkin.
Brown Sugar: For a deeper sweetness that complements the pumpkin and spices.
Pumpkin Spice: A must-have for that cozy autumn flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic kick to the filling.
Egg Wash: To give the pastry a beautiful golden finish once baked.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flaky, spiced beauty:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and that golden-brown finish.
Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin puree, cream cheese, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spices if needed, depending on how spicy you like it.
Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using a store-bought sheet, just unroll it. Spread a generous layer of the pumpkin mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
Shape the Pastry: Carefully fold one edge of the pastry over the filling, then twist the pastry into a spiral or “twist” shape. Press the ends together to seal, then transfer the twist to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Egg Wash: Brush the top of the pastry with the egg wash (a beaten egg with a splash of water). This will give your pastry that beautiful golden finish when it bakes.
Bake to Perfection: Place the pastry in the preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
Finishing Touches: Once baked, let the pastry cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice into warm, delicious twists and serve with a cup of hot coffee or tea. It’s the perfect cozy snack!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: Approx. 200–250 (depending on size and filling)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Pumpkin Twist Pastry
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or powdered sugar for an extra indulgent touch
- Enjoy with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
- Pair with your favorite autumn-spiced coffee or hot cider to complete the cozy vibes
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before working with it for the best results.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the filling by adding more or less sugar, depending on your taste.
- If you prefer, you can sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar before baking for an extra layer of sweetness.
- For a fun twist, you can add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the filling for a bit of crunch.
- If you don’t have pumpkin spice, a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves works well as a substitute.
FAQ’s
1 Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before using it.
2 Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and pastry ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
3 Can I freeze the pumpkin twist?
You can freeze the unbaked twist before you egg wash it. Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4 How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 4 days if you prefer.
5 Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! You can use apple cinnamon filling, cream cheese, or even a chocolate hazelnut spread for a fun twist.
6 How do I make the pastry extra flaky?
Be sure not to overwork the puff pastry, and make sure your oven is preheated so the pastry cooks evenly.
7 Can I add a glaze to this pastry?
Yes, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk can be drizzled over the top after baking for a sweet finishing touch.
8 Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
Yes! You can use maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener alternative.
9 Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version, and use a dairy-free puff pastry.
10 How do I know when the pastry is done?
The pastry should be golden brown and puffed up. If you press gently, it should feel crisp and light.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Twist Pastry is the perfect way to welcome the fall season with a sweet, spiced treat that’s both easy and delicious. With its flaky, golden crust and cozy pumpkin filling, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or as a dessert, this pastry will make every bite feel like a little celebration of autumn. So, preheat that oven, roll out the pastry, and get ready for a pumpkin-packed delight!
Print
Pumpkin Twist Pastry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Twist Pastry is a sweet, flaky pastry filled with a spiced pumpkin filling and twisted into a beautiful shape, perfect for fall. The dough bakes to a golden crisp, while the pumpkin filling provides a creamy and flavorful bite that’s sure to satisfy your pumpkin cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough on a flat surface. Pinch the seams together to form one large rectangle.
- In a small bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the crescent dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Carefully fold the dough into a twisted shape by bringing the long sides together and pinching the ends to seal.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the pastry cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the pumpkin filling.
- Serve with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or caramel sauce for added sweetness.
- Can be made ahead—just store in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pumpkin pastry, fall dessert, twisted pastry, pumpkin twist, flaky pastry