French Pastries
French Pastries offer a delightful combination of flaky crescent dough, creamy sweetness from cream cheese and sugar, and a crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for a quick dessert or special treat, this recipe yields a warm, buttery pastry with a rich nutty flavor that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Press one can of crescent rolls into a 13 x 9-inch pan, sealing perforations.
- Cream 1 cup of sugar with cream cheese and vanilla, then spread this mixture over the dough in the pan.
- Place the remaining can of crescent rolls on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Brush the top with egg yolk.
- Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and chopped pecans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Best served the same day at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider using Neufchâtel cheese as a lower-fat alternative to cream cheese. You can also add a hint of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a fresh flavor boost. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well too. Make sure to seal the crescent roll seams tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These French pastries are best enjoyed the same day they are made, but they can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad, such as Germany Gurting Cucumber Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes to restore their flaky texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Pastries contains roughly 369 calories, with 10g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture a day in advance and assemble the pastries just before baking. This will save you time and allow for a fresh, warm dessert when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of crescent rolls?
If you prefer a different dough, you can use puff pastry or homemade pastry dough as a substitute for crescent rolls. Just make sure to roll it out thinly and seal the edges well before baking.
How do I know when the pastries are done baking?
The pastries are done when they are golden brown on top and the filling is bubbly. You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).