Starbucks Copycat Sugar Plum Cheese Danish

Starbucks copycat sugar plum cheese danish with flaky puff pastry, creamy filling, and sweet plum jam, easy to make at home.

This sugar plum cheese danish from Starbucks is one of my daughter's favorite after-school snacks. When I work and wait for her at a Starbucks, I make sure to get her a danish because she loves the plum jelly. She sometimes even wishes there'd be more jelly, so I thought why not make a copycat at home and fulfill her wish.

Turns out making these at home is easier than I expected, and the best part? I can pile on as much filling as she wants without any judgment. Store-bought versions have to ration their toppings for cost and consistency, but when you're making them yourself, you control everything.

I figured out pretty quickly that the key is using quality puff pastry that's been properly thawed. If it's too cold, it won't puff right, and if it's too warm, it gets sticky and impossible to work with. The creamy base stays put during baking as long as you don't overfill the center, and the fruit layer goes on top so it caramelizes slightly without sinking in.

When I first made these at home and she came into the kitchen, she saw them cooling on the counter and immediately eyed the bowl of jelly I'm making. She got so excited and asked if I can put plenty.

Now whenever she requests a danish, I just make these at home instead of making a Starbucks run, and she's happier because she gets more of what she actually wants. They come together quickly enough that I can have them ready for breakfast on weekends or as an after-school surprise.

And this year, I made a batch and froze it so I can serve to last-minute brunch guests on the mornings between Christmas and New Year's. And you know what? Everyone agreed they were even better than Starbucks!

Ingredients

Frozen puff pastry makes this copycat recipe actually doable at home. It bakes up flaky and layered without you having to do any rolling or laminating. Thaw it until it's flexible but still cool, because if it gets too soft, it's harder to shape and won't puff up as well in the oven.

Cream cheese is the base of the filling. When it's softened, it blends smoothly with powdered sugar and creates that creamy center you expect from the Starbucks version. Full-fat cream cheese works best because it holds its shape once baked.

Red plum jelly or jam gives the danish its signature flavor and that deep red color. Plum jam has more depth than strawberry or raspberry, which keeps the filling from being too sweet. If you can't find plum, dark cherry or mixed berry jam is the closest swap.

Cinnamon gets added in a small amount to round out the filling. It adds subtle depth without taking over the fruit or cream cheese flavor.

The egg is for brushing on the pastry before baking. It helps the puff pastry turn golden and gives the danish that bakery-style finish.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

How to Make Starbucks Copycat Sugar Plum Cheese Danish?

This Starbucks copycat sugar plum cheese danish is a simple way to recreate the coffee shop favorite at home. Using puff pastry and a quick cream cheese filling keeps the prep easy while still giving you that flaky, café-style result.

Prep the Oven and Pastry

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a jumbo muffin tin so the pastry doesn’t stick. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each one into 4 equal squares. You will have 6 squares total for this recipe, with 2 pieces left over.

Shape the Pastry

Press one puff pastry square into each cup of the jumbo muffin tin. Gently press the pastry into the bottom and up the sides so it forms a shallow cup. Don’t stretch the dough too much or it won’t puff properly.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Prepare the Plum Filling

In a separate small bowl, stir the cinnamon into the plum jelly until combined. This adds depth without overpowering the fruit flavor.

Fill the Pastries

Brush with Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the exposed puff pastry edges with the egg wash. This helps the pastry turn golden as it bakes.

Bake

Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is fully risen and golden brown around the edges.

Finish and Serve

Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Storage

Let the danishes cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for a few minutes to crisp the pastry again, or warm briefly in the microwave if needed. Dust with powdered sugar after reheating, not before storing.