A simple yet decadent treat, this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish combines the creamy richness of a sweetened cream cheese filling with the flakiness of buttery crescent dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, it’s a recipe that looks fancy but is effortless to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Made with crescent roll dough, this recipe requires minimal prep time.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Add fruit preserves or a drizzle of glaze for a personalized touch.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only a few pantry staples are needed.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Crescent roll dough
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Egg (optional, for egg wash)
Directions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the Dough: Open the crescent roll dough and separate it into rectangles (two triangles per rectangle). Press the perforations to seal them.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each rectangle, leaving the edges clear. Fold the dough edges over to create a slight border.
- Optional Egg Wash: Beat an egg and brush it lightly over the dough for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the Danish cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Topping: Add a dollop of fruit preserves, such as strawberry or blueberry, on top of the cream cheese filling before baking.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk over the Danish after it has cooled.
- Savory Option: Swap the cream cheese filling with a savory blend of cheese and herbs for a delicious twist.
- Lemon Flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a zesty kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore flakiness and warmth.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Yes, you can use homemade puff pastry or pie dough, but crescent roll dough offers the easiest option.
2. How can I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking?
Ensure the edges of the dough are folded up slightly to create a border, and avoid overfilling.
3. Can I freeze these cheese Danishes?
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
4. Can I add fruit to the filling?
Absolutely! Mix in some fruit preserves or fresh fruit for extra flavor.
5. Do I need to chill the cream cheese before mixing?
It’s best to use softened cream cheese for a smooth and creamy filling.
6. What other sweeteners can I use?
Honey, maple syrup, or powdered sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar.
7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the Danishes and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
8. Is egg wash necessary?
No, but it helps achieve a golden, glossy finish.
9. Can I make a gluten-free version?
Use a gluten-free crescent dough or substitute with gluten-free puff pastry.
10. What other fillings work well?
Try Nutella, peanut butter, or a mixture of mascarpone and powdered sugar for variety.
Conclusion
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a delightful combination of flaky pastry and creamy filling that’s sure to impress. With its quick preparation and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Whether for a special occasion or a simple morning treat, these Danishes will bring smiles to your table.
PrintEasy Breakfast Cheese Danish
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a delightful and flaky treat, perfect for mornings when you want a quick yet indulgent pastry. Made with creamy sweetened cream cheese filling and buttery crescent roll dough, it’s an effortless way to bring bakery-style goodness to your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to help thicken the filling)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Dough: Open the crescent roll cans and roll out the dough. Press the perforated edges together to seal them into two large rectangles.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), egg yolk, and flour until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Danish: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over one rectangle of dough, leaving a small border. Place the second rectangle of dough on top and press edges to seal. Cut into 8 rectangles or squares.
- Bake: Transfer the assembled Danish pieces to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Finish: Let the Danish cool slightly before drizzling with glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add a fruit filling, like raspberry or blueberry jam, before topping with the second layer of dough for a fruity variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.