Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe uses crescent dough to save time while still offering a homemade taste.
- Creamy Filling: The cream cheese filling is rich, sweet, and smooth.
- Customizable: Add fruit toppings or a glaze to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent dough
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: Fruit toppings or powdered sugar for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough and pinch the seams together to form a rectangle.
- Mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the dough, leaving a border on the sides.
- Fold the dough over the cream cheese mixture to form a log or braid, pressing the edges to seal.
- Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Garnish with fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15–20 minutes
- Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Topping: Top with fresh berries or fruit preserves for added sweetness.
- Glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
1. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry will create a flakier, more delicate texture.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them the night before and refrigerate them before baking in the morning.
3. Can I freeze the danish?
Yes, freeze the unbaked danish on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a bag. Bake from frozen when ready.
4. Can I add more filling?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cream cheese filling to your liking.
5. How do I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based dough.
6. How can I add a glaze?
Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a simple glaze, then drizzle over the baked danish.
7. Can I use a different fruit topping?
Yes, any fruit, like strawberries, apples, or raspberries, would be a great addition.
8. How do I know when the danish is done?
The danish should be golden brown on the outside and puffed up. The cream cheese filling will be soft but set.
9. Can I make this into individual danishes?
Yes, simply cut the dough into smaller squares or triangles and fill each with cream cheese.
10. Is this recipe suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely! These danishes are perfect for a sweet breakfast treat.
Conclusion
This Easy Cream Cheese Danish is a fantastic pastry that combines the sweetness of cream cheese with the flakiness of crescent dough. Whether for breakfast or dessert, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Print
Easy Cream Cheese Danish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Danish features a buttery, flaky crescent dough filled with a rich, sweet cream cheese mixture. Quick to make and perfect for breakfast or dessert, it’s a simple yet delicious pastry that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent dough
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: Fruit toppings or powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough and pinch the seams together to form a rectangle.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the dough, leaving a border on the sides.
- Fold the dough over the cream cheese filling to form a log or braid, pressing the edges to seal.
- Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Garnish with fruit or powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Add fresh berries or fruit preserves on top for extra flavor and sweetness.
- For a sweeter finish, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
