Flaky, creamy, and perfectly sweet, this easy breakfast cheese danish is a delightful way to start your day. With a buttery crescent roll crust and a rich cream cheese filling, it’s a no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick: Minimal ingredients and prep time make this a breakfast favorite.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Customizable: Add your favorite fruit fillings or toppings for a personal twist.
- Crowd-pleaser: A great option for holidays, gatherings, or weekday indulgence.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Danish:
- 2 cans ready-to-use refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Crescent Base
- Lay one can of crescent rolls in the prepared pan, spreading them out evenly to form the base.
- Pinch the perforations together to seal any openings.
Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll base.
Add the Top Layer
- Lay the second can of crescent rolls over the cream cheese mixture.
- Gently press the edges together to seal, then brush the top with the egg white for a glossy finish.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed.
Glaze and Cool
- Allow the danish to cool for about 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled danish before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35–45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Filling: Add a layer of fruit preserves, such as raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry, between the cream cheese mixture and the top layer of crescent rolls.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top of the glaze for added crunch.
- Cinnamon Twist: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the glaze for melted chocolate or drizzle both for a decadent touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed danish slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly less creamy and rich.
2. Can I make this danish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and bake the danish the day before, then glaze it right before serving.
3. What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry or phyllo dough can be used as an alternative, but baking times may vary.
4. How do I prevent the top layer from over-browning?
Cover the danish loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if it starts to brown too quickly.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and double all the ingredients. Adjust the baking time as needed.
6. What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
You can blend granulated sugar in a food processor to create a powdered sugar substitute.
7. Can I add lemon flavor to the filling?
Yes, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
8. Can I make mini danishes?
Yes, divide the dough and filling into smaller portions and bake for 20–25 minutes.
9. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze unglazed slices and glaze them after reheating for best results.
10. What can I serve with this danish?
Pair it with fresh fruit, coffee, or a side of scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast.
Conclusion
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a delightful combination of flaky crescent rolls and rich cream cheese filling, topped with a sweet glaze. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a simple yet indulgent pastry. Try it today and enjoy the deliciousness with every bite!
PrintEasy Breakfast Cheese Danish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
- Total Time: 45–55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky crescent rolls filled with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with a sweet glaze. This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is perfect for brunch or a quick morning treat!
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white (for brushing)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
- Layer the Crescent Rolls:
- Roll out one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared pan, pinching seams together to form a smooth layer.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Danish:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer.
- Roll out the second can of crescent roll dough and place it on top of the cheese mixture, pinching seams together.
- Brush the top with the egg white for a golden finish.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Add the Glaze:
- While the Danish cools (for about 20 minutes), whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Danish before serving.
Notes
- Add a layer of fruit preserves (like raspberry or apricot) over the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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