If you are on the hunt for a delightful morning treat that feels fancy but comes together with surprising ease, this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of buttery, flaky crescent rolls hugging a luscious cream cheese filling, finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that adds the perfect touch of indulgence. It’s a breakfast that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat, perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests without spending all morning in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a key role in the final flavors and textures. From the rich cream cheese filling to the flaky crescent roll layers, every element is essential for crafting this irresistible dish.
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls: These form the buttery, flaky pastry layers that are easy to work with and bake up beautifully.
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese: Provides a creamy and tangy center that melts into perfect richness.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture, balancing the tanginess perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that elevate the filling.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 egg white: Used as a glaze on top for a golden, glossy finish.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: The base for the glaze that adds a delicate sweetness and shine.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with extra flavor to complement the filling.
How to Make Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan so your Danish doesn’t stick and can slide out easily once baked. Then, unroll one can of crescent rolls and press the dough firmly into the bottom of the pan. Make sure to seal any seams together to create a solid base that will hold the creamy filling beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and the whole egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend is where the magic happens—the sweet, velvety filling is the star match to the buttery pastry.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Spread this dreamy cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll base. Smoothing it out carefully will ensure every bite is full of that rich, tangy center.
Step 4: Add the Top Layer
Unroll your second can of crescent rolls and carefully lay it over the filling. Pinch all the seams together to seal the layers and keep the filling inside during baking.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Brush the entire top layer with the egg white. This step may seem small, but it’s crucial in getting that shining, golden crust that looks as delicious as it tastes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the enticing aroma of warm pastry and vanilla. When the top is a beautiful golden brown, it’s time to take it out and let it cool for 20 minutes.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While your Danish cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm Danish in gentle ribbons. Slice into 12 generous pieces and get ready to enjoy a crowd-pleasing breakfast that tastes like it took twice the effort to make.
How to Serve Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra wow factor, you can sprinkle some finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds over the glaze while it’s still wet. Fresh berries or a light dusting of cinnamon also make for lovely, colorful touches that brighten the presentation and add extra flavor notes.
Side Dishes
This cheese Danish is wonderful on its own, but pairing it with something simple like fresh fruit, a yogurt parfait, or even a cup of your favorite coffee or tea turns it into a fully rounded breakfast experience. The slightly tart berries or tangy yogurt contrast perfectly with the rich sweetness of the Danish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a brunch or special occasion, try placing the slices on a pretty serving platter lined with fresh mint or edible flowers. You can also offer small bowls of extra glaze or fruit preserves on the side so everyone can customize their pastry just the way they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover any leftover Danish tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese filling stays creamy while the crescent rolls retain their softness when reheated properly.
Freezing
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent roll dough instead of canned ones?
Absolutely! Homemade dough can add a personal touch and might even be fresher. Just be sure to roll it out to the approximate thickness of store-bought crescent dough for similar baking results.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you substitute the crescent rolls with a gluten-free puff pastry or crescent dough alternative, you can enjoy this dessert without gluten. Keep in mind baking times may vary slightly.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Definitely! Fresh or frozen fruits like blueberries or raspberries folded gently into the cream cheese mixture make for a fruity twist. Just be careful not to add too much liquid to keep the filling firm.
How long does this Danish stay fresh at room temperature?
Because of the cream cheese filling, it’s best to keep your Danish refrigerated if it’s not eaten within 2 hours. Otherwise, it may not stay fresh and could spoil.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, doubling the ingredients to make two pans is straightforward and works great for bigger gatherings. Just adjust your baking time and make sure to give the pans enough space in the oven for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe is one of those special treats that elevates any morning with minimal fuss. The balance of creamy filling, buttery layers, and sweet glaze makes every bite feel indulgent yet homemade. Give it a try for your next brunch or lazy weekend morning—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.
Print
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a delightful, homemade pastry perfect for a sweet morning treat. Featuring a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling layered between buttery crescent roll doughs, it bakes to a golden perfection and is finished with a simple vanilla icing glaze. Ready in under an hour, this recipe yields 12 delicious servings, ideal for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Danish Base and Filling
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg white (for brushing top)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Form the Base Layer: Unroll one can of refrigerated crescent rolls and press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure to seal all the seams to form a solid crust.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and one egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly distribute the cream cheese filling over the crescent roll base, smoothing it out to cover the entire surface.
- Add the Top Layer: Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and carefully place this dough over the cream cheese filling. Pinch any seams together to seal the top layer properly.
- Prepare the Top: Brush the surface of the top dough with the egg white to achieve a shiny, golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes until the Danish is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the Danish to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, which helps the filling to set.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled Danish. Slice into 12 pieces and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing without lumps.
- Sealing the seams of the crescent rolls helps prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Use fresh eggs for the best flavor and appearance when brushing the top layer and preparing the filling.
- The glaze can be adjusted in consistency by adding a little extra milk to thin or more powdered sugar to thicken.
- For a fruit variation, consider adding a layer of jam or fresh fruit within the filling before topping with crescent dough.
- Allow the Danish to cool properly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting too much.
