Everybody likes a sweet treat, but your family and friends will downright love these melt-in-your-mouth pastries. Here are 28 buttery, flaky breakfasts and desserts.
27 of Our Butteriest, Flakiest Pastry Treats
Updated on Jan. 12, 2023
1/26
Cherry Danish
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These rolls with their cherry-filled centers melt in your mouth and store well unfrosted in the freezer. —Leann Sauder, Tremont, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 218 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
2/26
Bear Claw
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This bear claw pastry recipe is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious! It's impossible to resist the delicate dough, rich almond filling and pretty fanned tops sprinkled with sugar and almonds. I made yummy treats like this when I worked in a bakery years ago. —Aneta Kish, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 claw: 352 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
3/26
Apple Strudel
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
2 strudels (8 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This gorgeous strudel has just what you crave this time of year: thin layers of flaky crust and lots of juicy apples. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 285 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
4/26
Double Nut Baklava
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It may take some time to make this rich, buttery treat, but it's well worth the effort! The blend of coconut, pecans and macadamia nuts is irresistible. —Kari Kelley, Plains, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 174 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
5/26
Apple Pie Bites
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These apple pie bites are fun for kids to make. Simply wrap strips of pastry around apple wedges and shake on some cinnamon-sugar. Then just bake and watch them disappear! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 163 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
6/26
Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Slab pie is a pastry baked in a jelly-roll pan and cut into slabs like a bar cookie—or a pie bar, if you will. My grandfather was a professional baker and served pieces of slab pie to his customers back in the day. Here is my spin, featuring rhubarb and gorgeous red raspberries. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 247 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
7/26
Almond Pear Tart
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had never seen a "pie without a pan" until my daughter brought back this wonderful pear almond tart recipe from a Rotary Club exchange program in Belgium. It's still a family favorite after all these years. —Sherry LaMay, Capitan, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 269 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
8/26
Ice Cream Kolachkes
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
10 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet pastries have Polish and Czech roots and can also be spelled "kolaches." They are usually filled with poppy seeds, nuts, jam or a mashed fruit mixture. The ice cream is a unique twist on traditional kolachkes, and it's simplest to use a square cookie cutter to cut the dough. —Diane Turner, Brunswick, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 kolachke: 60 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 27mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
9/26
Delicious Almond Braids
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 braids (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Similar to an almond crescent, this coffee cake is light and flaky with a rich almond center. It’s versatile, so you can serve it for dessert, breakfast or brunch. It tastes as if it came from a high-end bakery, but packaged puff pastry dough makes it easy. —Gina Idone, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 430 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
Check out these 16 puff pastry desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
10/26
Deep-Dish Apple Pie
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This deep-dish apple pie is a winner! The crust is so flaky and the filling is sure to please everyone. —Salem Cross Inn, West Brookfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 208 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
11/26
Tender Pecan Logs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks always ask me to make these tender nutty logs. Not overly sweet, they're just right with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. —Joyce Beck, Gadsden, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 117 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
12/26
Strawberry Bliss
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll love this homemade puff pastry crust topped with a soft-set pudding layer that has a hint of strawberry flavor. This dessert needs to chill for at least an hour, so it's a fabulous make-ahead dish. —Candace Richter, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 377 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
13/26
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my fiance first made this chocolate bourbon pecan pie for me, I declared it to be the best pie ever! Creamy chocolate combines with crunchy nuts in a great, gooey filling. We can't get enough of this recipe inspired by Kentucky Derby bourbon chocolate pecan pie. —Tanya Taylor, Cary, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 676 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 490mg sodium, 89g carbohydrate (70g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
14/26
Sugar Plum Phyllo Kringle
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thanks to store-bought phyllo dough, this pastry is easier to make than it looks. Serve it not only for breakfast, but also for dessert with a scoop of ice cream. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 446 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
15/26
Lemony Walnut-Raisin Galette
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This flaky, buttery pastry dessert has a filling of fruit, walnuts, coconut and cinnamon. There's a lot to love! For even more appeal, dollop sweetened whipped cream on top of each serving. —Ellen Kozak, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 324 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
16/26
German Plum Tart
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The buttery crust of this fruit-filled treat melts in your mouth. You can substitute sliced apples or peaches for the plums with great results. I've used this crust with blueberries, too. —Helga Schlape, Florham Park, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 237 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
17/26
Cream Puffs
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The Wisconsin Bakers Association has served this cream puff recipe at our state fair since 1924. —Ruth Jungbluth, Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cream puff: 340 calories, 29g fat (17g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
18/26
Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Three of my favorite foods—chocolate, hazelnuts and puff pastry—come together for an impressive dessert. Dress them up with a drizzle of melted chocolate and sprinkling of chopped nuts. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 581 calories, 48g fat (19g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
19/26
Creme de Menthe Cream Puff Tree
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
60 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A tower of creme de menthe-flavored puffs makes a spectacular centerpiece for your dessert table. Guests will have this sumptuous pyramid deconstructed in no time at all! —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini cream puff: 96 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
20/26
Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tart was a hit at my friend's baby shower. It reminds me of a fruit salad that my mother used to make with cream cheese and whipped topping. Everyone loved the flaky crust, and the bright colors make it a pretty addition to any spread. —Laura McAllister, Morganton, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 233 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
21/26
Orange-Almond Choclava
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A twist on classic baklava, this recipe adds semisweet chocolate to the nut filling and drizzles even more chocolate on top. Christmas gift-giving has never been yummier! —Nella Parker, Hersey, MI
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 123 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
22/26
Banana Cream Eclairs
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To surprise my banana-loving family, I made this dessert for a reunion, where it stood out among the usual fare. These special treats are something to look at and mouthwateringly delicious. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 eclair: 323 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
23/26
Nutella Hand Pies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These pint-sized Nutella hand pies made with puff pastry are too good to keep to yourself! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 hand pie: 190 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
24/26
Peach Cream Puffs
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On a sizzling day, we crave something light, airy and cool. Nothing says summer like cream puffs stuffed with peaches and whipped cream. —Angela Benedict, Dunbar, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cream puff with 1/4 cup whipped cream and 2 tablespoons filling: 256 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
25/26
Palmier Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes just two ingredients to make these impressive but easy-to-do French pastries, which are often called palm leaves. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 83 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0mg cholesterol, 34mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
26/26
Raspberry Chocolate Puffs
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chocolaty, flaky dessert is one of my favorite show-off recipes because
it makes a spectacular presentation. The best part? It’s actually surprisingly easy and quick to make. —Anneliese Deising, Plymouth, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 699 calories, 39g fat (13g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein.
