If you’re craving something delightfully sweet and irresistibly creamy to kickstart your day, this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine flaky crescent roll layers hugging a luscious cream cheese filling, all topped with a delicate vanilla glaze that ties every bite together perfectly. It’s the kind of recipe that looks impressive but couldn’t be simpler to make, bringing bakery-quality goodness to your morning routine with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine perfectly to create a rich, tender Danish with just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess. Each element plays a key role in bringing that bakery magic right onto your breakfast table.
- Ready-to-use refrigerated crescent rolls: Provides a flaky, buttery base and topping without the need to handle dough from scratch.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, delivering that smooth, tangy richness that makes the Danish so addictive.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling to balance its tang and add a soft caramelized flavor once baked.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing both the filling and the glaze with aromatic notes.
- Egg: Helps bind the filling together and provide a silkier texture.
- Egg white: Used to brush the top layer, yielding a perfectly glossy, golden crust.
- Powdered sugar: The base for the sweet glaze that finishes the Danish with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
- Milk: Thins the glaze just enough for a smooth drizzle over the pastry.
How to Make Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to ensure your Danish comes out easily once it’s baked. This is a small but essential step to achieve that perfect texture without any sticking or ripping.
Step 2: Prepare the Bottom Layer of Crescent Rolls
Open one can of crescent rolls and gently unwrap the dough sheets. Lay them flat in the prepared pan, pressing the seams together firmly to create one solid base layer. This creates a sturdy crust that will hold the creamy filling without leaking.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The key here is to get it well blended so your filling is velvety without any lumps, giving that signature silky texture inside the Danish.
Step 4: Spread the Filling Evenly
Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the bottom crescent layer, smoothing it out to cover every corner without spilling over the edges. This generous layer reveals itself when you slice into the finished Danish, so be generous!
Step 5: Add the Top Layer of Crescent Rolls
Unwrap the second can of crescent rolls and gently place it on top of the filling. Pinch together the seams securely to seal in the cream cheese filling, giving your Danish its classic layered and enclosed look while preventing the filling from oozing out during baking.
Step 6: Brush with Egg White
Beat the egg white separately and brush it over the top of the crescent roll layer. This simple brush gives your Danish a stunning glossy, golden finish as it bakes, making it absolutely irresistible to the eye and lovely to hold in your hands.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake in your preheated oven for about 35 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges and top; the Danish should turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling should be set but still creamy. This step ensures that delicate balance between flaky pastry and rich filling.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Once out of the oven, let the Danish cool for about 20 minutes. In the meantime, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Drizzle this glaze generously over the warm Danish to add a final touch of sweetness and that signature shiny glaze that elevates every bite.
How to Serve Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries really makes the Danish extra special. You could also sprinkle a few toasted almonds or a light zest of lemon over the glaze to add a subtle crunch or a burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
This cheese Danish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad, a steaming cup of coffee, or even a chilled glass of orange juice. These light and refreshing sides balance the richness of the Danish, making your breakfast complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Danish on a wooden board with a scattering of edible flowers or alongside a dollop of whipped cream. For brunch parties, cut it into small squares and arrange it on tiered trays to impress your guests with minimal effort but maximum wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Danish can be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping it covered helps maintain the pastry’s tender texture and prevents the cream cheese filling from drying out.
Freezing
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, giving you a quick breakfast option whenever you need.
Reheating
For the best texture after freezing or refrigeration, reheat your Danish in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its flakiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent roll dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, it will add a lovely personal touch, although the store-bought crescent rolls save time and effort without sacrificing taste or texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute with gluten-free crescent roll dough available in many stores or make your own gluten-free dough. Just ensure other ingredients like cream cheese haven’t been cross-contaminated.
Can I add fruit to the cream cheese filling?
Definitely! Adding berries or finely chopped fruits inside the cream cheese filling before baking adds a nice fruity twist. Just be careful not to add too much liquid or juice, which can affect the filling’s consistency.
What can I substitute for the powdered sugar glaze?
If you want a tangier glaze, try mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice instead of milk and vanilla. It adds a bright contrast that pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese filling.
How do I prevent the Danish from becoming soggy?
Sealing the edges well and using the egg white wash ensures the layers hold together tightly, which helps keep moisture in check and the crust crisp. Also, don’t slice until it has cooled enough to set properly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about waking up to the warm aroma of freshly baked Danish with a luscious cream cheese center. This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe has quickly become a treasured delight for casual mornings and special occasions alike. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to recipe for breakfast happiness shared with friends and family.
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 pastry featuring layers of flaky crescent rolls filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, it’s perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat that is simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 cans ready-to-use refrigerated crescent rolls
Cream Cheese Filling
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Glaze
- 1 egg white
- 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). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the First Layer: Open one can of crescent rolls and unroll it flat into the prepared pan. Pinch the seams together carefully to form a solid base layer that will hold the creamy filling.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar, vanilla extract, and whole egg until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and homogenous.
- Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the base layer of crescent rolls in the pan, ensuring full coverage but leaving a slight edge.
- Add the Second Layer: Open the second can of crescent rolls and unroll it over the cream cheese filling. Pinch the seams together gently to seal the filling inside and create the top crust.
- Brush with Egg White: Beat the egg white lightly and brush it evenly over the top layer of crescent rolls. This step promotes a golden-brown and glossy crust as it bakes.
- Bake the Danish: Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the Danish is golden brown on top and the filling is set. Keep an eye on the edges to avoid over-browning.
- Cool and Glaze: Remove the Danish from the oven and let it cool for approximately 20 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to prepare the glaze.
- Drizzle the Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the prepared vanilla glaze over the cooled Danish. Slice into servings and enjoy your sweet, flaky breakfast treat!
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- Pinching the seams tightly prevents the filling from leaking during baking.
- Use an egg white glaze to achieve a shiny golden crust; avoid using the whole egg on top to prevent excessive browning.
- Cooling before glazing helps the glaze set properly without melting off.
- This Danish is best served the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
