Are you looking for a delicious and surprisingly easy dessert recipe that will impress your family and friends? Look no further! This cream cheese pastry recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something sweet but don't have a lot of time. It's a delightful blend of creamy sweetness and flaky pastry, making it an ideal treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Get ready to experience homemade goodness that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery – but without the fancy effort!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions:
Making the Pastry:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and prevents shrinkage during baking.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Assembling and Baking the Pastry:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to baking pan: Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate or tart pan. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Add filling: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the pastry crust.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool: Let the pastry cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Pastry:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and ice water are crucial for a flaky pastry.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough pastry.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and prevents shrinkage during baking.
- Blind baking (optional): For a crispier crust, you can blind bake the pastry for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
Variations:
- Add fruit: Fold in fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, to the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Chocolate swirl: Mix in some melted chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. For a precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients. Generally, expect this dessert to be moderately high in calories, fat, and sugar, so enjoy it in moderation.
This easy cream cheese pastry recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Its simple elegance and delicious taste make it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!