Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly simple, using store-bought crescent roll dough for convenience while delivering delicious, homemade flavors. The rich cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with the golden, buttery pastry, and the vanilla glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. Plus, you can customize them with fruit toppings like blueberries, cherries, or strawberries.
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 2 tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tsp milk
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and white sugar until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: Open the crescent roll tubes but do not unroll them. Use a sharp knife to slice them into thick rounds.
- Shape the Danishes: Lay each slice onto the prepared baking sheet and gently press down the center to create a small indentation for the filling.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with brown sugar. Brush this mixture over each danish.
- Fill the Danishes: Spoon an equal amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each danish.
- Bake: Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm danishes.
- Optional Toppings: Top with fruit like cherries, blueberries, or strawberries before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 danishes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
Variations
- Fruit-Flavored Danishes: Add fruit preserves or fresh fruit on top before baking.
- Savory Version: Use chive-flavored cream cheese and top with crumbled bacon.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the buttered pastry for extra warmth and sweetness.
- Puff Pastry Option: Swap crescent roll dough for puff pastry for a more flaky texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds before serving.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry will give the danishes a flakier texture, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the danishes in advance and bake them just before serving for maximum freshness.
Can I freeze crescent cheese danishes?
Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving.
What fruits pair well with this recipe?
Cherries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and apples all make great toppings.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or white sugar if preferred.
Can I add a streusel topping?
Absolutely! A simple mixture of butter, flour, and brown sugar makes a great streusel topping.
How do I make the filling extra creamy?
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing, and beat it until smooth for the best texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
You can try mascarpone for a richer filling or ricotta for a lighter version.
How do I keep the danishes from spreading too much?
Make sure to create a firm indentation in the dough to hold the filling in place.
What’s the best way to serve these?
They are best served warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
Conclusion
Crescent Cheese Danishes are an easy and delicious way to enjoy a bakery-style treat at home. With their flaky texture, creamy filling, and sweet glaze, they make the perfect breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you keep them classic or experiment with different toppings, these danishes are sure to be a hit!
Crescent Cheese Danishes
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 danishes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crescent Cheese Danishes are a simple and delicious way to enjoy bakery-style pastries at home. Made with crescent roll dough, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet vanilla glaze, these easy danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Customize them with fruit toppings for an extra-special treat!
Ingredients
- 2 tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and white sugar until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: Open the crescent roll tubes without unrolling them. Slice into thick rounds.
- Shape the Danishes: Lay each slice onto the prepared baking sheet and gently press down the center to create a small indentation for the filling.
- Make the Topping: Mix melted butter with brown sugar and brush over each danish.
- Fill the Danishes: Spoon an equal amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each danish.
- Bake: Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm danishes.
- Optional Toppings: Top with fruit like cherries, blueberries, or strawberries before serving.
Notes
- Fruit Variations: Add fruit preserves or fresh berries on top before baking.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
- Puff Pastry Option: Swap crescent dough for puff pastry for a flakier texture.
