This easy breakfast cheese danish combines creamy, sweetened cream cheese with buttery crescent rolls for a decadent, bakery-style treat made right at home. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for holiday mornings, brunches, or a quick indulgent breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Uses refrigerated crescent rolls for convenience.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family breakfasts, gatherings, or potlucks.
- Customizable: Add fruit or flavored extracts to make it your own.
- Bakery-style results: Sweet, creamy, and flaky without the fuss of homemade dough.
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 (8-ounce) 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
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 13×9-inch baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Layer the First Crescent Roll Pack:
Unroll one can of crescent rolls and lay it flat in the bottom of the prepared pan. Pinch the seams together to create a uniform layer.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll layer in the pan.
Layer the Second Crescent Roll Pack:
Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and carefully place it on top of the cream cheese filling. Pinch the seams together, ensuring the filling is fully covered.
Brush with Egg White:
Lightly whisk the egg white and brush it over the top crescent roll layer for a golden finish.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
Cool and Glaze:
Let the danish cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled danish before slicing and serving.
Variations
- Berry Danish: Add a layer of strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry preserves over the cream cheese mixture.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds on top before baking.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon into the cream cheese filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest to the glaze for a bright, tangy finish.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or snack.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their freshly baked taste.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Softened cream cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Seamless layers: Take time to pinch the seams of the crescent rolls for a uniform and polished appearance.
- Don’t skip the egg white: Brushing the top with egg white gives it a golden, shiny crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese creates the richest, creamiest filling.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the danish and store it in the refrigerator. Add the glaze just before serving for the best texture.
3. What if I don’t have crescent rolls?
Puff pastry or phyllo dough can be used as alternatives, but baking times may vary.
4. Can I freeze this danish?
Yes, freeze the baked and cooled danish (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the glaze before serving.
5. How can I prevent the top layer from shifting?
Gently press the top crescent roll layer into the cream cheese filling before brushing with egg white.
This easy breakfast cheese danish is a decadent and versatile treat that will make any morning special. With its creamy filling, flaky layers, and sweet glaze, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite. Enjoy!
