Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful, crowd-pleasing morning treat, this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe is an absolute winner. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create golden, flaky layers wrapped around a creamy, sweet cheese filling that melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect way to start any day, whether you’re hosting brunch or simply want to treat yourself to a homemade pastry without fuss. The sweet glaze drizzled on top adds that perfect finishing touch, making this dish irresistibly inviting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that work together beautifully to create its signature taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role in the final dish — from the buttery crescent rolls forming flaky layers to the creamy, sweet filling that delivers that dreamy cheese danish experience.
- Crescent rolls (2 cans refrigerated): Provides the golden, flaky crust that is super easy to work with, saving you time and effort.
- Cream cheese (2 8-oz packages): The star of the filling, lending a smooth, rich texture and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with sugar.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cheese filling just right without overpowering the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for filling + ½ teaspoon for glaze): Adds that warm, aromatic note that elevates every bite.
- Egg (1 whole + 1 egg white): The whole egg binds the filling, while the egg white gives the top a gorgeous golden finish.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Used in the glaze to create a smooth, sweet drizzle that complements the pastry perfectly.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Lightens the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling.
How to Make Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 13×9-inch baking pan. Unroll one of the crescent roll cans and press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, making sure to seal any seams so the filling won’t leak out during baking. This layer sets the foundation for the delicate flakiness that makes this Danish so special.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and whole egg until the mixture is silky smooth and completely blended. This filling is the heart of the dish — creamy, sweet, and rich — and spreading it evenly over the crescent roll base ensures every bite is deliciously balanced.
Step 3: Add the Top Layer
Unroll the second can of crescent rolls gently over the cream cheese filling. Pinch the seams carefully to seal the filling inside, creating a layered pocket that will puff up nicely in the oven. Brush the surface with the egg white to give it a beautiful glossy, golden-brown finish when baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in your oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is a stunning golden brown and the edges are crisp. Once baked, let it cool for about 20 minutes — this helps the filling set and makes the Danish easier to slice without losing its shape.
Step 5: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a simple glaze that adds sweetness and a lovely sheen. Drizzle this evenly over the cooled Danish for that classic, irresistible finish.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Cut your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe into 12 generous pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature — either way, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its fluffy layers and perfectly sweet, creamy center.
How to Serve Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries to add a pop of color and freshness. A sprig of mint or a few thin lemon zest curls can also brighten up the look and flavor without overpowering the Danish’s delicate sweetness.
Side Dishes
This pastry pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a bowl of tangy yogurt. For a more substantial breakfast, consider alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to balance the sweetness with savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual squares on cute dessert plates with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream. For a brunch gathering, arrange pieces on a tiered tray or large platter garnished with edible flowers for maximum wow factor and easy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain crispness, avoid refrigeration if you plan to eat it soon. If you refrigerate, allow it to come back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe freezes well for up to two months, perfect for prepping ahead or saving leftovers.
Reheating
To warm, simply unwrap the piece and heat in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy, and you want to keep that delightful flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pastry dough instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! While crescent rolls make this recipe quick and easy, using homemade puff pastry will add an extra buttery, flaky texture if you have the time and inclination to make it from scratch.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and use a non-dairy milk in the glaze. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I prepare the Danish the night before and bake it fresh in the morning?
You can assemble the Danish the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before baking and add a little extra baking time if needed since it will start cold from the fridge.
What type of cream cheese works best for this recipe?
Regular full-fat cream cheese is ideal to get that rich, creamy filling. Avoid whipped or low-fat versions as they might affect the texture and flavor balance.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Definitely! Adding fresh berries or a thin layer of jam between the cream cheese and top crust can add a fruity twist that complements the sweet, creamy filling beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe has become one of my go-to treats because it’s wonderfully simple yet impressive enough to serve any time. With buttery layers, a creamy center, and a sweet glaze, it’s a charming way to brighten up any morning or special occasion. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a new favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a delightful, flaky pastry featuring a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling sandwiched between layers of buttery crescent roll dough. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch treat, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
Pastry Base
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Glaze
- 1 egg white
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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 Bottom Layer: Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure to seal any seams for a solid base.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and one egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the crescent roll layer in the pan.
- Add the Top Layer: Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and carefully place it over the cream cheese filling, pinching the seams together to enclose the filling.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the top of the crescent roll layer with the egg white to give it a golden and glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool: Remove the danish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 20 minutes to set before adding the glaze.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the cooled danish.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the danish into 12 equal pieces and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Press the crescent dough seams well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- The glaze can be adjusted by adding more milk for a thinner consistency or more powdered sugar for thicker drizzle.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
- For a twist, add fresh fruit or fruit preserves to the filling before topping with crescent rolls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
