If you’ve ever craved a delightful, slightly sweet breakfast treat that combines flaky pastry and creamy filling, you’re going to adore this Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes Recipe. This recipe is the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence, using everyday ingredients like crescent roll dough and cream cheese to create something that looks and tastes like it took hours to make. Whether it’s for a special brunch or a weekend breakfast, these danishes offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes Recipe comes from its straightforward yet perfectly paired ingredients. Each item plays a key role in creating the ideal texture and flavor, from the buttery crescent dough to the sweet, creamy filling. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough: This pre-made dough saves time and bakes into light, flaky layers that are the foundation of the danish.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, cream cheese adds rich, smooth creaminess that balances the dough’s texture.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling, giving it a delicate hint of sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds fragrant warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling.
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional): Brushed on the dough edges for a gorgeous golden shine and slightly crisp finish.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Used to make the sweet glaze that adds a lovely finishing touch.
- 1-2 tsp milk: Helps create the perfect glaze consistency—thick enough to coat but pourable.
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Provides a subtle vanilla kick to the glaze, complementing the filling beautifully.
How to Make Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this ensures your danishes won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. Setting up your workspace before diving in always makes the process smoother!
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s silky smooth and perfectly creamy. This luscious filling is the sweet heart of the danishes, so take a moment to smooth out any lumps for the best texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough and carefully separate it into the suggested triangles. Now, here’s a little trick: pinch the perforations closed on each triangle to prevent the dough from separating while baking, giving you a nice, sturdy base to hold the cream cheese filling.
Step 4: Shape Your Danishes
Place each piece onto the baking sheet and gently stretch or form it into a ring shape or a slightly elongated oval—whatever shape you prefer that can cradle a dollop of filling. Leave a little space between each danish because these beauties will puff up as they bake. Once shaped, spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling right into the center of each dough piece. It’s important not to overload to keep the perfect balance between dough and cream.
Step 5: Add an Egg Wash (Optional)
If you want your danishes to have that irresistible shiny golden edge, beat an egg and lightly brush it around the edges of the dough before baking. This step is optional, but it truly elevates the look and adds an inviting crispness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the danishes into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the dough is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them near the end—nothing beats the aroma of baking crescent rolls filled with cream cheese!
Step 7: Prepare the Sweet Glaze
While they’re baking, whisk together 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 teaspoons of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl to make your glaze. Adjust the milk to get a thick but pourable texture. This glaze will be the cherry on top, adding a gentle sweetness and glossy finish.
Step 8: Drizzle and Serve
Once the danishes are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before generously drizzling the vanilla glaze over each one. The warmth of the danish helps the glaze spread beautifully, making every bite extra delightful.
How to Serve Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes Recipe
Garnishes
To make your danishes feel even more special, consider a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries on top. Chopped nuts like toasted almonds or pistachios also add a lovely crunch and color contrast that takes your presentation up a notch.
Side Dishes
These danishes pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich latte. For a heartier brunch, complement with a fruit salad or a refreshing citrus smoothie, balancing the sweetness with some tangy freshness on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your danishes on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter to highlight their golden hues. For gatherings, arrange them in a circular pattern for a stunning centerpiece or stack a few for a tempting pastry tower. Adding edible flowers or mint sprigs nearby can also bring a pop of color and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes Recipe (though that rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps keep the pastry flaky and the filling creamy without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these danishes before baking for up to one month. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, simply bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the danishes on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their crispy exterior while keeping the filling soft and smooth. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with low-fat cream cheese, but the filling might be slightly less creamy and rich. For the best decadent flavor, full-fat cream cheese is recommended.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the filling?
If powdered sugar isn’t on hand, you can use granulated sugar by pulsing it in a blender to make it finer, or simply use it as is — just be sure to beat well to dissolve the sugar fully for a smooth filling.
Can I add fruit to the danishes?
Absolutely! Adding a spoonful of your favorite jam or fresh fruit like blueberries or sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese before baking adds a fresh, fruity twist to the danishes.
Is the egg wash necessary?
The egg wash isn’t required, but it does give the danishes a beautiful golden color and shiny finish. If you skip it, they’ll still taste amazing but might look a bit paler.
How long can I freeze unbaked danishes?
Unbaked danishes can be frozen up to a month. Just make sure to freeze them individually on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed container. Bake from frozen for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes Recipe is truly a hidden gem that invites you to enjoy a bakery-quality treat without the fuss. It’s simple enough for a quick weekday breakfast yet impressive enough for special occasions. I hope you have as much fun making and eating these as I do—grab your crescent rolls and cream cheese, and let’s get baking!
Print
Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes are quick and easy to make, featuring creamy sweetened cream cheese filling wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Topped with a simple vanilla glaze, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert in just 22 minutes.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Egg Wash (Optional)
- 1 egg
Vanilla Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Pinch the perforations together on each triangle to form a solid piece of dough to help create a better shape for the danishes.
- Shape the Danishes: On the prepared baking sheet, place each piece of dough into a ring shape or slightly elongated oval. Leave a little space between each one. Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each dough piece.
- Add an Egg Wash (Optional): If you want a golden and glossy finish, beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the edges of the crescent dough with the egg wash.
- Bake: Bake the danishes in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: While the danishes are baking, whisk together 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tsp milk, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract in a small bowl to create the glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary; the glaze should be thick but pourable.
- Finish the Danishes: Once the danishes are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the top of each warm danish.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth filling.
- Pinch the perforations in the crescent dough to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
- The egg wash is optional but adds a beautiful golden color and shine to the danishes.
- Adjust the glaze consistency with milk to your preference for thicker or thinner coverage.
- Serve warm for the best experience, though these danishes also taste great at room temperature.
