Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Uses refrigerated crescent rolls for a hassle-free pastry.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just a few basic ingredients create a rich, creamy filling.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunches, potlucks, or a special breakfast treat.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with fruit fillings, different extracts, or extra toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (2 cans)
- Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 ounces each)
- Sugar (1 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Egg (1)
- Egg white (1)
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar (½ cup)
- Milk (2 tablespoons)
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.
- Lay one can of crescent rolls in the pan, pressing the seams together to seal.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer.
- Lay the second can of crescent rolls on top, gently pressing to fit.
- Brush the top with the egg white to create a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for 20 minutes before drizzling with the glaze.
- To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over the danish.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Variations
- Add Fruit: Spread a layer of fruit preserves (such as raspberry or blueberry) over the cream cheese mixture before adding the top crescent roll layer.
- Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the top before baking for an extra sweet touch.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra texture.
- Lemon Flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a fresh citrus twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How do I keep the crescent roll dough from sticking?
Grease your baking pan well or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Yes! Puff pastry will give a flakier texture, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
Can I make this danish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake it the night before and store it in the fridge. Warm it slightly before serving.
What’s the best way to seal the crescent roll seams?
Pinch them together with your fingers or use a rolling pin to press them together before placing them in the pan.
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Yes! Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer for a chocolate twist.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese will give a richer, creamier texture.
Can I make a smaller batch?
You can halve the recipe and use an 8x8-inch pan instead. Adjust baking time accordingly.
How do I prevent the top layer from getting too dark?
If it browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Can I add a crumble topping?
Yes! A simple mix of butter, sugar, and flour makes a delicious streusel topping.
Conclusion
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet, creamy pastries. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and delicious flavor, it's the perfect dish for busy mornings or special occasions. Try out different variations and enjoy this homemade treat with family and friends!
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a delicious, flaky pastry filled with a creamy, sweet cheese mixture, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Made with refrigerated crescent rolls, this quick and easy recipe is a family favorite. A light vanilla glaze adds the perfect finishing touch!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- cooling time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Danish:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.
- Layer Crescent Rolls: Press one can of crescent rolls into the bottom of the pan, sealing the seams.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
- Assemble Danish: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer. Place the second can of crescent rolls on top, gently pressing to fit.
- Egg Wash: Brush the top layer with the egg white for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool & Glaze: Let cool for 20 minutes. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze, then drizzle over the danish.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Add Fruit: Spread fruit preserves (raspberry, blueberry) over the cream cheese layer before adding the top dough.
- Extra Sweetness: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- Crunchy Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.