The Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish is a seasonal favorite, and for good reason: flaky pastry, creamy cheese filling, and a spiced fruit layer make for the perfect holiday treat. While traditional Danishes can be complex, this easy Starbucks Copycat Sugar Plum Danish recipe uses simple store-bought puff pastry to get you that bakery-quality flavor in minutes.

Ready in under 30 minutes, these are the perfect impressive breakfast or festive dessert! If you enjoy this recipe, check out our Cherry Danish Recipe and our Starbucks Egg Bites recipes!

This recipe does use our Homemade Plum Jelly recipe! Be sure to print it off!

Common Questions for Puff Pastry Danishes

Why do I need to use a muffin tin?

While you can bake these on a flat baking sheet, placing them in a muffin tin is the easiest way to contain the filling and ensure the puff pastry edges puff up around the filling to form that classic “well” shape. For flatter Danishes, cut a smaller inner square on a flat pastry square and fill the center before baking (the outer edge will puff up and contain the filling).

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes, but with a slight adjustment:

• Prep Ahead: You can make the cream cheese filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Best Practice: The pastries are best baked fresh! Assemble the Danishes right before you plan to bake them, as the moisture from the filling can start to soften the puff pastry, reducing its flakiness.

Why did my puff pastry not rise or look flaky?

Flaky puff pastry relies on a high-temperature blast of steam to separate the layers of butter and dough.

• Make sure the pastry is COLD: If the pastry is warm when it goes into the oven, the butter will melt too quickly, and the layers will not separate and puff.
• Avoid egg wash on the cut edges: As noted in Step 4, if the egg wash drips down the sides, it glues the layers together, preventing the steam from creating those airy pockets.
• Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°.

How should I store leftover danishes?

Because of the cream cheese filling, any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or a 300° oven for a few minutes to crisp up the pastry before serving.

Substitutions and Customization Options

It’s easy to make this recipe your own with simple swaps. Here are a few ways you can customize your Sugar Plum Danishes:

• Jelly/Jam Alternatives: If you don’t have red plum jam, you can substitute it with other fruit preserves like cherry, apricot, blackberry, or raspberry jam for a classic flavor. For a festive, tart twist, use canned cranberry sauce.
• Spice Variations: Change the flavor profile by replacing the cinnamon with 1/2teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for deeper fall notes. Alternatively, stir 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract into the cream cheese filling for that rich, professional bakery aroma.
• Pastry Dough Swaps: While puff pastry provides the best flaky layers, you can use refrigerated crescent roll dough in a pinch for a quicker Danish (it will be less flaky). For an extra-crispy result, try using multiple layers of butter-brushed phyllo dough sheets.
• Cream Cheese Filling: For a richer, more decadent filling, substitute the standard cream cheese with mascarpone cheese.

Ingredients Needed to Make Starbucks Sugar Plum Danishes

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar + extra for dusting
• 1 cup red plum jelly/jam
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 egg

How to Make Sugar Plum Danishes

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°. Remove the thawed puff pastry from its packaging.

Cut the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, carefully unroll the puff pastry sheet. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the sheet into 9 equal squares.

Shape the Danishes: Place one puff pastry square into each spot in a standard-sized muffin tin. Gently press the pastry down and into the edges of the cup to form a base and sides. The edges will naturally hang over.

Egg Wash: Whisk together the 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the pastry edges that are exposed above the muffin tin.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is completely smooth and fluffy with no lumps.

Make the Plum Filling: Stir the 1 tsp of cinnamon directly into the 1 cup of plum jelly/jam until well combined.

Assemble: First, spoon an equal amount of the cream cheese filling into the bottom of each puff pastry cup. Next, spoon the spiced plum jelly mixture over the top of the cream cheese filling.

Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges of the puff pastry are puffed up, flaky, and a rich golden brown.

Serve: Let the danishes cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes. Carefully remove them, dust generously with extra powdered sugar, and serve warm!

More Homemade Baked Goods

• Lemon Blueberry Scones
• Peach & Almond Fruit Tart
• Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
• Spicy Pineapple Tarts
• Avocado Blueberry Muffins