If you’re craving a fall-inspired sweet that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re going to adore this Puff Pastry Pumpkin Treats with Whipped Pumpkin Filling Recipe. These little pumpkin-shaped pastries are flaky, fluffy, and filled with a light, creamy pumpkin whip that’ll have your family asking for seconds (and thirds!). I absolutely love how this turns out every single time—it’s like a mini autumn party on a plate, and I’m excited to share all my tips with you so you can nail it, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff—just a handful of pantry basics and a couple of puff pastry sheets.
- Perfect for Fall: That pumpkin pie spice in the whipped filling brings the cozy autumn vibes we all crave.
- Fun and Festive: Cutting out pumpkin shapes makes this recipe a delightful activity for the whole family.
- Quick to Pull Together: Ready in just about 15 minutes, it’s great when you want a festive treat without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients come together so nicely—they create a balance of flakiness and sweetness with that unmistakable pumpkin flavor that makes fall magic happen. Here are some shopping tips to keep in mind before you start.
- Puff pastry sheets: I always grab the frozen kind—make sure to thaw them 30 minutes before to get that perfect puff.
- Whipping cream: Use heavy whipping cream for the best texture and stability in your filling.
- Pumpkin puree: Go for pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, so you control the sweetness and spices yourself.
- Vanilla extract: This adds a subtle warmth that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: It dissolves quickly and sweetens the whipped cream gently without any grittiness.
- Pumpkin pie spice: If you don’t have this on hand, you can mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to make your own blend.
Variations
I like to keep things fresh by mixing up this recipe depending on the occasion. Feel free to tweak it for a personal touch—it’s so forgiving and fun that it really invites creativity.
- Spiced Up the Filling: I sometimes add a little maple syrup or honey to the whipped pumpkin filling for extra depth and natural sweetness—my family goes crazy for this twist.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: If you find gluten-free puff pastry at your grocery store, this recipe still works wonderfully. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they might vary slightly.
- Decorate for Holidays: Switch the pumpkin shapes for leaves or hearts and adjust the spices for other seasons—that way, it’s not just a fall treat!
- Chocolate Lovers: Adding mini chocolate chips inside the filling or on top (instead of just eyes) adds a yummy surprise that I learned my kids adore.
How to Make Puff Pastry Pumpkin Treats with Whipped Pumpkin Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cut the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). While it’s warming up, gently unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter, press firmly and cut out as many pumpkin shapes as you can. Don’t worry if your edges aren’t perfect—it all adds to the homemade charm! Tip: Keep the scraps, brush them with a little cinnamon sugar, and bake those up too—they’re great little treats.
Step 2: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Transfer your pumpkin cutouts to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them enough space to puff up without sticking together. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden and puffed. I find you want that perfect puff because it makes the treats look like tiny, edible pumpkins—so fun!
Step 3: Whip Up the Pumpkin Filling
While the pumpkins bake, grab a large mixing bowl and add your whipping cream, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. I love using a stand mixer for this because it makes it super easy, but a hand mixer works great too. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed until everything is fluffy and well combined, about 5 minutes. This whipped pumpkin filling is seriously delicious—light, smooth, and bursting with fall flavor.
Step 4: Assemble Your Treats
When your puff pastry pumpkins are out of the oven, let them cool just enough so you can handle them without burning your fingers—about 5 minutes. Then, carefully slice each pumpkin in half horizontally. Spoon a generous dollop of the whipped pumpkin filling on the bottom halves, then place the top halves back on. I love turning these into little faces by adding chocolate chips for eyes—it’s such a simple touch but really makes them pop!
Pro Tips for Making Puff Pastry Pumpkin Treats with Whipped Pumpkin Filling Recipe
- Work with Cold Puff Pastry: Thaw it just enough to unfold, but keep it cool so it puffs up beautifully in the oven.
- Don’t Overbeat the Cream: Stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form to keep your filling light and fluffy without turning buttery.
- Slice Carefully: Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to slice the baked pumpkins evenly without squashing them.
- Serve Quickly: The puff pastry tastes best fresh, so assemble just before serving to keep that crispy texture.
How to Serve Puff Pastry Pumpkin Treats with Whipped Pumpkin Filling Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top right before serving for an extra warm aroma. Sometimes I dust them lightly with powdered sugar to mimic a gentle fall frost. And the chocolate chip eyes? They make these treats irresistibly cute and playful—kids really enjoy that little detail.
Side Dishes
These little pumpkins shine best with a simple side like a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a dollop of vanilla ice cream. For a cozy gathering, pairing them with a crunchy autumn-inspired salad or a cup of your favorite coffee complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive party, I’ve arranged them on a big wooden platter surrounded by real mini pumpkins and cinnamon sticks—that really elevates the autumn vibe. Another favorite is to serve each treat in a mini cupcake liner to keep things tidy and extra charming for guests. Trust me, presentation makes a cozy kitchen feel like a fall festival!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sogginess. They stay fresh for up to 2 days, but the puff pastry might lose some of its crispness, so I recommend eating them as soon as possible for that optimal flaky texture.
Freezing
I don’t usually freeze these treats after assembly because the whipped filling doesn’t freeze well, but you can freeze the unbaked pumpkin-shaped puff pastry pieces on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
If you want to reheat leftover baked pumpkins (without the filling), pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to crisp them back up. I don’t recommend microwaving, as that tends to make them soggy. For leftovers with filling, it’s best to enjoy them cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
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Can I make the whipped pumpkin filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the whipped pumpkin filling a few hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before assembling to bring back its fluffy texture.
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What if I don’t have a pumpkin cookie cutter?
No worries! You can use any fall-themed cookie cutter or even cut the puff pastry into simple circles using a glass rim. The flavor will be just as delicious.
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Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with another flavor?
Absolutely! You can swap pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree or even mashed ripe banana for a different twist, but keep in mind that the pumpkin pie spice is what gives this recipe its signature fall flavor.
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How do I know when the puff pastry is properly baked?
You want to see a golden-brown color and puffed layers that look airy and crisp. Under-baked pastry will be doughy and less flavorful.
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Can these treats be made vegan?
They can with some adjustments—look for vegan puff pastry in your grocery store and swap the whipping cream with coconut cream. Just note the texture and taste might differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Puff Pastry Pumpkin Treats with Whipped Pumpkin Filling Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s an easy way to bring autumn magic into the kitchen without hours of effort. Every time I make these, it feels like a little celebration of all things cozy and sweet. I hope you try them and have as much fun baking and sharing them as I do. Trust me, once you taste that luscious filling sandwiched between flaky puff pastry, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat all season long. Happy baking, friend!
PrintPuff Pastry Pumpkin Treats with Whipped Pumpkin Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 15-17 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Puff Pastry Pumpkins are a festive and easy-to-make dessert perfect for fall celebrations. Light and flaky puff pastry shapes of pumpkins are baked to golden perfection and filled with a creamy, sweet pumpkin-spiced whipped cream. Finished with cute chocolate chip eyes, these treats bring charm and seasonal flavors to any gathering.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Pumpkins
- 2 sheets puff pastry
Pumpkin Whipped Cream Filling
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the puff pastry pumpkins.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the puff pastry sheets carefully to prevent tearing. Using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter, cut out pumpkin shapes from the sheets.
- Bake the Pumpkins: Arrange the pumpkin cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Make the Pumpkin Whipped Cream: While the pumpkins bake, combine whipping cream, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat until the mixture is fluffy and light, about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Pumpkins: Once baked, remove the puff pastry pumpkins from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice each pumpkin horizontally in half. Spoon or pipe the pumpkin whipped cream mixture onto one half, then top with the other half.
- Decorate: Use chocolate chips to create eyes on the top half of each pumpkin, giving your treats a fun and festive look.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is chilled before cutting to prevent sticking and tearing.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whipping cream with coconut cream.
- Serve immediately after assembly to keep the puff pastry crisp.
- Chocolate chips can be replaced with raisins or small candied pieces for decoration.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pumpkin dessert
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg