Quick and Easy Crescent Roll Cream Cheese Danish featuring flaky crescent rolls and a luscious, velvety cream cheese center. Customize with fresh fruit or jam for a delightful treat your family will adore.
Your family will love the delightful contrast of textures and the perfect balance of sweetness. The flaky exterior pairs well with the luscious cream cheese filling, creating a mouthwatering treat.
Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, this recipe offers a satisfying indulgence that appeals to all taste buds. Plus, the simplicity of preparation means more quality time together and a delightful homemade treat to share and cherish.
Get ready for smiles and requests for seconds as this crescent roll cream cheese Danish becomes a family favorite!
Ingredients for crescent roll cream cheese Danish
Welcome to the delightful world of homemade pastries with our Crescent Roll Cream Cheese Danish. Elevate your breakfast or brunch experience with this easy-to-follow recipe.
- Refrigerated Crescent Rolls (2 cans, 8-pack): These serve as the base, providing a flaky and buttery texture to the Danish. Their convenient pre-cut shape simplifies the assembly process.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): The heart of the filling, cream cheese adds a rich and velvety texture. Its tangy flavor complements the sweetness, creating a luscious center that defines the Danish.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetness is essential to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese and enhance the overall flavor profile. Sugar adds a delightful sweetness to both the filling and glaze.
- Vanilla Extract [paid link] (2 teaspoons): Vanilla brings warmth and depth to the recipe, enhancing the overall flavor. Its aromatic qualities contribute to the enticing aroma of the Danish.
- Egg (1): The egg plays a crucial role in binding the ingredients together, contributing to the structure of the filling. It also imparts a golden hue to the crescent rolls during baking.
- Fresh Berries (1 cup, optional): Adding fresh berries introduces a burst of fruity goodness. Berries not only enhance the flavor but also contribute a vibrant color and a refreshing element, making the Danish even more delightful.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): The key ingredient for the glaze, powdered sugar provides sweetness and a smooth, glossy finish. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and aesthetics to the finished Danish.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Milk helps achieve the desired consistency for the glaze, ensuring it’s pourable and coats the Danish evenly. It also contributes a subtle richness to the glaze.
- Vanilla Extract [paid link] (1/2 teaspoon): Similar to its role in the filling, vanilla extract [paid link] in the glaze enhances flavor, bringing a cohesive and harmonious taste to the entire Danish.
How to Make Crescent Roll Cream Cheese Danish
Now that we’ve assembled our key ingredients, it’s time to embark on the delicious journey of crafting your very own Crescent Roll Cream Cheese Danish. Follow these step-by-step directions to seamlessly create a delightful pastry that marries the buttery goodness of crescent rolls with the velvety richness of cream cheese.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9X13-inch pan or line with parchment paper [paid link].
- Lay one pack of crescent rolls in the pan, pressing the seams together.
- In an electric mixer, blend cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Spread the mixture over the crescent rolls.
- Optional: Add 1 cup of fresh berries or apples and cinnamon on the cheese layer.
- Lay the second pack of crescent rolls on top. Brush with egg white for even browning.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, mix glaze ingredients.
- Cool Danish for 20 minutes before topping with glaze after removing from the oven.
Why this Recipe Works
- Simple Preparation: The recipe utilizes ready-to-use refrigerated crescent rolls, making the process straightforward. The easy assembly and minimal steps make it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Balanced Flavors and Textures: The combination of flaky crescent rolls and a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling strikes a perfect balance. The addition of fresh berries or fruit compote adds a burst of flavor and a refreshing element, enhancing the overall taste.
- Versatility and Customization: The recipe offers room for personalization with the optional addition of fresh berries or fruit compote. This adaptability allows individuals to tailor the Danish to their taste preferences, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing treat for various occasions.
Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks
- Seamless Crescent Rolls: When laying out the first pack of crescent rolls, press the seams together to create a smooth and cohesive base. This ensures an even texture throughout the Danish.
- Even Browning with Egg White: To achieve a beautifully golden brown top layer, brush the second pack of crescent rolls with egg white before baking. This simple step enhances the visual appeal of the Danish.
- Customize with Fresh Fruit: Take advantage of the recipe’s versatility by adding fresh berries or fruit compote. This not only introduces a vibrant burst of flavor but also brings a colorful and appealing element to your Crescent Roll Cream Cheese Danish.
Recipe Variations
- Citrus Twist: Infuse a burst of citrus flavor by adding grated lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese filling. This variation brings a refreshing and zesty kick to the Danish.
- Nutty Delight: For a delightful crunch, mix chopped nuts (such as pecans or almonds) into the cream cheese filling. The combination of creamy and crunchy textures adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- Nutella Drizzle: Elevate the sweetness with a chocolatey twist. Melted Nutella chocolate drizzled over the top layer before baking or as a finishing touch after adding the glaze creates a decadent and irresistible chocolate-infused Crescent Roll Cream Cheese Danish.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Bliss: Serve slices of the Crescent Roll Cream Cheese Danish for a delightful and indulgent breakfast treat. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea to kickstart your day with a touch of sweetness.
- Brunch Extravaganza: Make it the star of your brunch table. Slice the Danish into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and other brunch favorites for a delicious and visually appealing spread.
- Dessert Delight: Transform the Danish into a dessert by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, flaky layers and creamy filling create a heavenly combination that’s perfect for a sweet ending to any meal.
- Afternoon Tea Treat: Cut the Danish into smaller portions and serve during afternoon tea. Its sweet and satisfying flavors make it a delightful accompaniment to your favorite tea blends.
- Party Pleaser: Impress your guests by serving the Crescent Roll Cream Cheese Danish at gatherings and celebrations. Cut it into bite-sized squares or triangles for easy serving, allowing everyone to enjoy this delectable pastry.
Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions
Storing: Once baked, store the Crescent Roll Cream Cheese Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent the Danish from drying out.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the Danish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, place it in a freezer-safe container. Label with the date for reference. Frozen Danish can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- From Refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the Danish on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- From Freezer: Allow the frozen Danish to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated Danish.
Note: For individual slices, you can use a microwave for a quick reheating, but be cautious to avoid making it soggy. A brief warm-up in the microwave followed by a few minutes in a toaster oven or regular oven can help restore the flakiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other fruits in the Danish besides berries?
Yes, absolutely! Feel free to experiment with a variety of fruits like sliced apples, peaches, or even a fruit compote. Customize it to your taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the Danish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it up before serving for the best taste and texture.
What if I don’t have an electric mixer for the cream cheese filling?
No worries! You can use a hand whisk or even a spoon to thoroughly mix the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg. Just ensure a smooth consistency.
Can I freeze the Danish with the glaze?
It’s recommended to freeze the Danish without the glaze. Add the glaze after reheating to maintain its freshness and texture.
Can I use a different type of crescent rolls, like reduced-fat or butter-flavored?
Yes, you can choose crescent rolls based on your preferences. Keep in mind that different types may slightly alter the texture and flavor, but it’s a great way to personalize the recipe.
Quick and Easy Cheese Danish
Ingredients
- 2 can refrigerated crescent rolls 8 pack
- 8 ounce cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract [paid link]
- 1 egg
- 1 cup Fresh berries , optional
For teh Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract [paid link]
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9X13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper [paid link].
- Lay a pack of crescent rolls in the pan, pressing together the seams.
- In a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg together until smooth.
- Evenly spread the mixture over the crescent rolls.
- Optional: Add about 1 cup of raspberries, blueberries, mixed berries or apples and cinnamon fresh fruit or fruit compote onto the cheese layer prior to baking.
- Carefully lay the second pack of crescent rolls over the top of the cheese mixture. Brush the top layer with egg white to ensure even browning.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- While the danish is baking, combine all the glaze ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
- Once removed from the oven. cool for 20 minutes before topping with the glaze.
So easy and so tasty. Dad loved it for fathers day
I love cheese danishes. This looks like a quick and simple recipe. I will have to keep it in mind. Thanks for sharing. They look yummy.