Walnut Maple Goat Cheese Sweet – The Perfect Blend of Creamy, Nutty, and Sweet

If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, nutty, and sweet, then this Walnut Maple Goat Cheese Sweet is about to become your new obsession. This elegant yet simple treat brings together the tangy creaminess of goat cheese, the earthy crunch of walnuts, and the luxurious sweetness of pure maple syrup—all tucked into a flaky, golden pastry bite that melts in your mouth.

Whether you serve it as a bite-sized party dessert, a sophisticated holiday appetizer, or a weekend brunch indulgence, this recipe guarantees “wow” reactions from guests every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant and easy: It looks like something from a high-end bakery but takes under 30 minutes to make.
• Versatile: Works perfectly as both a dessert and a savory-sweet appetizer.
• Crowd-pleasing flavor combo: The tang of goat cheese balanced by maple syrup and walnuts is a match made in flavor heaven.
• Customizable: Add herbs, fruit compote, or even a hint of spice for your own twist.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 4 oz goat cheese – softened to room temperature
• 2 tbsp cream cheese – for a smoother texture
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup – plus more for drizzling
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• Pinch of sea salt

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet puff pastry – thawed but still cold
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted, for brushing
• 1 egg – beaten (for egg wash)

For Garnish:

• 1 tbsp crushed walnuts
• 1–2 tsp maple syrup drizzle

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Filling:
   In a medium bowl, beat together goat cheese, cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. Stir in the finely chopped walnuts. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry to remove any creases. Cut into 3×3-inch squares (you should get 9–12).
4. Fill and Fold:
   Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners over the filling and pinch lightly in the middle to form small parcels.
5. Brush and Bake:
   Brush each pastry with egg wash and lightly drizzle or brush with melted butter. Bake for 14–16 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
6. Cool and Garnish:
   Remove from the oven and cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Drizzle with extra maple syrup and sprinkle crushed walnuts over the top.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm for gooey, melty centers—or let them cool completely for a firmer, cheesecake-like texture.

Walnut Maple Goat Cheese Sweet

Flaky puff pastry filled with creamy goat cheese, maple syrup, and walnuts—an elegant, sweet-salty treat perfect for parties or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 16 minutes mins

Total Time 31 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 180

Ingredients

  

Filling

• 4 oz goat cheese softened
• 2 tbsp cream cheese softened
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup walnuts finely chopped
• 1 pinch sea salt

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1 egg beaten for egg wash

Garnish

• 1 tbsp crushed walnuts
• 2 tsp maple syrup for drizzling

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Beat goat cheese, cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in walnuts.
3. Roll puff pastry and cut into 3×3-inch squares.
4. Add filling to center, fold corners to form parcels.
5. Brush with egg wash and melted butter, bake 14–16 minutes until golden.
6. Cool slightly, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with crushed walnuts before serving.

Notes

Perfect as an elegant dessert or appetizer. Can be served warm or chilled.

Tips for Success

• Use quality goat cheese: A soft, creamy variety gives a silky texture and balanced tang.
• Don’t skip the salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness of the maple and richness of the cheese.
• Prep ahead: You can make the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it.
• Mini muffin tin option: For a bite-sized version, press puff pastry squares into a mini muffin tin and fill before baking.

Flavor Variations

• Maple Cranberry Goat Cheese Sweet: Add 1 tbsp dried cranberries to the filling for a holiday-ready touch.
• Honey Walnut Goat Cheese Bites: Substitute honey for maple syrup for a more floral sweetness.
• Savory Twist: Skip vanilla, add a sprig of rosemary or thyme, and serve with prosciutto for an appetizer spin.
• Apple Maple Goat Cheese Pastries: Top with thin apple slices before baking for an autumn dessert.

Serving Suggestions

This treat is so flexible that you can enjoy it all year long:

• Holiday parties: Serve as elegant finger food with sparkling wine.
• Brunch spreads: Pair with fruit, nuts, and mimosas.
• Afternoon tea: These flaky, golden bites are perfect with coffee or chai.
• Gift idea: Pack them in a small bakery box with parchment paper and a maple drizzle for homemade gifting.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven for 6–8 minutes for crispiness.
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked pastries; bake directly from frozen for 2–3 extra minutes.

Fun Fact: The Magic of Maple and Goat Cheese

Did you know that maple syrup’s complex caramel notes enhance the savory tang of goat cheese by balancing acidity and sweetness? That’s why these two ingredients have become a gourmet duo in both fine dining and rustic kitchens. Combined with toasted walnuts, they create a trifecta of texture, flavor, and aroma that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Final Thoughts

The Walnut Maple Goat Cheese Sweet is the definition of a modern, elevated dessert. It’s the kind of recipe that looks sophisticated yet is surprisingly simple to execute—ideal for anyone who loves recipes that feel fancy but are secretly fuss-free.

If you’re planning your next dinner party or just craving a cozy indulgence with a cup of coffee, make this once—and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.