As winter wraps its chilly fingers around us, the longing for cozy indulgences grows stronger. One of my favorite delights for the season is the Gluten-Free Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish—a sweet, festive pastry that warms both heart and home. This recipe captures the essence of the beloved Starbucks treat, with a flaky gluten-free crust cradling a creamy cheese filling and a vibrant plum jam. It’s not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a quick bake that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy mornings or holiday gatherings. Plus, you can easily customize the jam to fit your taste or dietary needs! So, are you ready to step into your kitchen and recreate this delightful pastry?

Why is this Danish recipe irresistible?

Quick Baking: You can enjoy this delicious pastry in just 30 minutes, perfect for those busy mornings when you crave something special.
Gluten-Free Goodness: This recipe offers a flaky, satisfying crust that invites everyone to the table, with no need to compromise on taste.
Festive Flavor: The rich combo of sweet cream cheese and vibrant plum jam captures the essence of winter celebrations, bringing warmth to every bite.
Versatile Fillings: Feel free to swap in your favorite jams or even experiment with flavors like pumpkin pie filling for a fun twist!
Coffee Shop Quality at Home: Skip the long lines at Starbucks; with this easy copycat recipe, you can have café-worthy pastries right from your own kitchen.
For more fun baking ideas, check out my recipes for Fruity Pebble Sugar cookies and Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins.

Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish Ingredients

For the Cream Cheese Filling
• Cream Cheese – Adds creaminess and tang; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling; consider substituting with a low-calorie sweetener for a healthier twist.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavor; feel free to swap with lime juice if needed.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness; opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor.
• Salt – Balances sweetness; a small yet crucial ingredient for depth of flavor.

For the Jam Filling
• Plum Jam – Provides fruity sweetness; substitute with seedless raspberry, strawberry, or mixed berry jam for variety.
• Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; consider including nutmeg and cloves for deeper flavor notes.

For the Pastry
• Gluten-Free Puff Pastry – The delightful base of this Danish; you can use store-bought gluten-free pastry for convenience.
• Egg – Used for the egg wash; gives the pastry a golden-brown finish.

Feel free to gather these ingredients, and let’s create a cozy moment in your kitchen with this delicious Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is crucial for ensuring a beautifully flaky and crispy pastry. While the oven heats, you can gather your ingredients and get everything ready for assembling your delicious Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish.

Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. This filling will be the creamy heart of your danish, so make sure there are no lumps.

Step 3: Prepare Jam Filling
In another bowl, stir together the plum jam and cinnamon, adding any additional spices if desired for extra warmth. Mix until thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. The jam will provide a delightful burst of flavor atop the cream cheese filling in your Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish.

Step 4: Shape the Pastry
Roll out your gluten-free puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into 6 rectangles or rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Once shaped, use a fork to poke holes in each piece to prevent bubbling during baking. This step is essential for achieving that perfect flaky texture.

Step 5: Fill the Pastry
Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry shape, taking care not to overfill. Leave enough space around the edges for sealing. It’s important to get the right balance; you don’t want the filling to ooze out while baking.

Step 6: Bake Base
Place the filled pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden and the pastry to puff up nicely. Keep an eye on them, as gluten-free pastries can sometimes bake faster than conventional ones.

Step 7: Add Jam Filling
After 10 minutes, carefully remove the pastries from the oven. Spoon a small amount of the prepared jam filling onto the center of each danish, swirling it gently into the cream cheese filling. If desired, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top to enhance the sweetness of your Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish.

Step 8: Final Bake
Return the pastries to the oven and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the jam is bubbling slightly. This final bake will create that irresistible golden crust and melty filling that makes these danishes so delightful.

Step 9: Cool
Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the filling to set slightly, making your delicious Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish easier to enjoy while still warm.

How to Store and Freeze Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish

Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days to keep them fresh without losing their delightful texture.

Fridge: For longer storage, keep the danishes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: If you want to keep them even longer, freeze the cooled danishes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in an air fryer for a few minutes until heated through, restoring that lovely flaky texture!

Make Ahead Options

These Gluten-Free Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and jam mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt until smooth, then cover and refrigerate. The jam can also be mixed and stored in the fridge, preventing any browning or separation. On the day you plan to serve them, roll out the gluten-free puff pastry, fill with the premade fillings, and bake according to the instructions. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, flaky danishes with minimal effort, just as delightful as if they were made from scratch that morning!

What to Serve with Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish

Warm, flaky pastries beckon to be paired with delightful sides that enhance their sweet, festive essence.

Café-Style Coffee: A rich coffee brewed fresh adds a comforting warmth and enhances the sweetness of these danishes beautifully.
Creamy Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a cup of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows for a cozy, nostalgic pairing that completes the holiday spirit.
Citrus Salad: Brighten your brunch with a refreshing citrus salad; the zesty notes complement the sweet plum jam perfectly.
Roasted Almonds: Crunchy, roasted almonds provide a delightful contrast to the soft pastry and creamy filling, making each bite a textural treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts over the danish, creating a rich and decadent dessert experience that’s truly irresistible.
Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai beautifully enhance the flavors in this gluten-free danish, creating a harmonious pairing for chilly days.
Caramel Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzles of warm caramel sauce over the danish elevate its festive charm and indulgence.
Fruity Smoothie: A berry smoothie with fresh fruits can refresh your palate, providing a healthy complement to the rich pastry.
Lemon Tart: The tartness of a lemon tart perfectly balances the sweetness of the danish, making for a delightful dessert duo.
Mulled Wine: For holiday gatherings, a glass of warm mulled wine with its aromatic spices creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Helpful Tricks for Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish

Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature; this prevents lumps and creates a smooth filling.
Filling Balance: When spooning the cream cheese filling, leave space around the edges to avoid overflow during baking, securing a perfect Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish experience.
Jam Temperature: Be cautious when adding the jam filling after the initial bake; it will be hot! Use a spoon to gently swirl the jam into the filling.
Perfect Puff Pastry: Avoid overmixing any ingredients to ensure the puff pastry rises beautifully and maintains a flaky texture.
Golden Finish: For an appealing golden-brown color, brush the danishes with an egg wash before the final bake; it elevates the café-like quality.

Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own with these delightful twists that enhance flavor and cater to your preferences!

Dairy-Free: Use a vegan cream cheese alternative and plant-based butter to create a dairy-free delight everyone can enjoy.
This swap keeps the creamy texture while being considerate of dietary needs.
Almond Joy: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty undertone that pairs exceptionally well with the plum jam.
It will add a sweet, marzipan-like flavor that brings warmth to the holidays!
Berry Blast: Swap out the plum jam for seedless raspberry or strawberry jam for a fruity explosion of flavor.
Each bite will burst with tartness, creating a refreshing twist on the classic!
Pumpkin Spice: Use pumpkin pie filling instead of plum jam for a seasonal touch that embodies fall.
The spiced pumpkin filling complements the cream cheese beautifully, creating a cozy experience.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle a chocolate ganache over the cooled danish for a decadent dessert twist.
The rich contrast between chocolate and fruit elevates this pastry to a whole new level!
Extra Spices: Add nutmeg and cloves to the cream cheese filling alongside cinnamon for a deeper spiced flavor.
It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of cozy spices that transport you to holiday gatherings.
Gluten-Free Convenience: If you want to save time, opt for store-bought gluten-free puff pastry to simplify the process.
This is a great way to ensure you can whip up fresh danishes in mere moments!

For additional inspirations, why not try my festive Fruity Pebble Sugar cookies or bake some fabulous Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins? Happy baking!

Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe plums for the jam filling?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your jam filling, choose plums that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. Look for vibrant color without dark spots. If they’re too firm, they won’t provide enough sweetness when cooked down into jam.

How should I store leftovers of the Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish?
To keep your danish fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you’d prefer to extend its shelf life, refrigerate the danish for up to 5 days. Just be sure to wrap it well to minimize drying out!

Can I freeze the Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the danish cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to prevent sticking and freeze for a few hours. Afterward, transfer to an airtight freezer bag; they’ll be good for up to 3 months!

What if my gluten-free pastry doesn’t rise like expected?
Very! If your pastry doesn’t rise, it’s often due to overmixing or the dough being too warm. Ensure you’re handling it lightly and check that your baking powder is fresh and active. A trick is to chill your pastry for 30 minutes before rolling it out, which can help achieve that desired puff!

Are there any dietary considerations for allergies?
Of course! This recipe uses cream cheese, which can be a concern for dairy allergies. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, I recommend trying a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. For nut allergies, ensure your gluten-free pastry does not contain nuts and is made in a nut-free facility to avoid cross-contamination.

What’s the best way to reheat the danish for maximum freshness?
To refresh your Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish, reheat it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up, but for a flakier texture, use an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help recreate that freshly baked feeling!