Cheesecake Party Pinwheels

A Fun and Easy Sweet Treat

Cheesecake Party Pinwheels are a delightful twist on classic cheesecake, wrapped in a flaky, golden pastry. These bite-sized treats are filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture, swirled with your favorite fruit preserves, and baked to perfection. Perfect for parties, brunches, or a quick dessert, they come together effortlessly and disappear just as fast!

I first made these for a holiday get-together, and they were an instant hit. Guests loved the creamy, tangy cheesecake filling encased in buttery pastry, with a hint of fruit for added sweetness. Now, they’re a go-to for any occasion when I need an easy but impressive dessert.

Ingredient Notes

Puff Pastry

Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe quick and easy. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can use crescent roll dough or pie crust for a different texture.

Cream Cheese Filling

A simple mix of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla creates a smooth, slightly tangy filling. For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or almond extract.

Fruit Preserves

Strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry preserves add a fruity contrast to the rich cheesecake filling. You can also use fresh fruit compote.

Egg Wash

Brushing with an egg wash before baking gives the pinwheels a beautiful golden color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. If using, mix in lemon juice or almond extract.

2. Roll Out the Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

3. Add the Fruit

Spoon small dollops of fruit preserves over the cream cheese layer, then gently swirl with a knife or toothpick.

4. Roll and Slice

Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Slice into even pinwheels, about 1-inch thick.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

6. Cool and Serve

Let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with a simple glaze.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

1. Keep the Pastry Cold

Chilled pastry is easier to work with and bakes up flakier. If it gets too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before slicing.

2. Don’t Overfill

Too much filling can cause the pinwheels to burst open while baking. A thin, even layer works best.

3. Use a Sharp Knife

For clean slices, use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee or Tea: These pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or herbal tea.
• Dipped in Chocolate: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
• Topped with Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh fruit for added freshness and color.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked pinwheels for up to a month. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh the texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different fillings?

Absolutely! Try Nutella, cinnamon sugar, or even a pumpkin spice version for seasonal variations.

2. What if I don’t have puff pastry?

Crescent roll dough or pie crust can work, though the texture will be slightly different.

3. How do I prevent the pinwheels from unrolling?

Make sure to roll the dough tightly and chill before slicing to help them hold their shape.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

Final Thoughts

Cheesecake Party Pinwheels are the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and flaky goodness. Whether for a party, brunch, or just a sweet craving, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist. Try them out and let me know how they turn out in the comments!

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