Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

Imagine waking up to the smell of warm, buttery pastry filled with a rich, creamy cheese filling and topped with a delicate glaze. This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is everything you could want for a sweet breakfast treat simple, comforting, and downright delicious. Using refrigerated crescent rolls and a handful of pantry staples, you can create a bakery-style danish right in your own kitchen, perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and simple ingredients mean you can whip this up without breaking a sweat.
• Irresistibly Creamy: The luscious cream cheese filling is rich and perfectly sweetened.
• Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert.
• Perfect for Sharing: Serves a crowd and is guaranteed to impress guests at any gathering.

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Danish

• 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls: The magic ingredient that makes this recipe so quick and easy.
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese: Softened, for a smooth and creamy filling.
• 1 cup sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1 egg: Mixed into the filling for a richer texture.
• 1 egg white: Brushed on top to create a golden crust.

For the Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweet and smooth for the finishing touch.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Creates a pourable consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Complements the danish with an extra layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Danish Perfection

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to help lift the danish out of the pan for serving.

Step 2: Create the Base Layer

1. Open one can of refrigerated crescent rolls.
2. Unroll the dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Pinch the seams together to create a solid base layer for the filling.

Pro Tip: Rolling the crescent dough out on parchment paper before transferring it to the pan can make this step easier.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg.
2. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer in the pan.

Step 4: Add the Top Layer

1. Open the second can of crescent rolls.
2. Unroll the dough and carefully lay it over the cream cheese mixture, pinching the seams together as you go.
3. Brush the top layer with egg white to help achieve a shiny, golden-brown finish.

Pro Tip: If the dough tears, don’t worry just pinch it back together or patch it with leftover pieces.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top layer is puffed and golden brown.
2. Remove the danish from the oven and let it cool for at least 20 minutes before adding the glaze.

Pro Tip: For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the cooking time.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the danish once it has cooled slightly.

Pro Tip: Use a piping bag or a small spoon for more control when drizzling the glaze.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe’s brilliance lies in its simplicity. Refrigerated crescent rolls act as a shortcut to homemade pastry dough, saving you time and effort. The cream cheese filling is velvety and sweet, perfectly balanced by the buttery crust. Brushing the top with egg white ensures a golden, bakery-quality finish, while the glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to round out the flavors.

Tips for Success

• Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: To avoid lumps in your filling, make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.
• Seal the Edges: Pinching the seams of the crescent rolls ensures the filling stays intact during baking.
• Cool Before Glazing: Letting the danish cool slightly helps the glaze stay in place without melting.

Variations to Try

This cheese danish recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to customize it to suit your taste:

Add Fruit

• Berry Bliss: Spread a layer of blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry preserves over the cream cheese filling before adding the top layer.
• Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the filling for a refreshing twist.

Change the Flavor

• Almond Extract: Swap out the vanilla extract in the filling or glaze for almond extract for a nutty flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the top layer before baking for a spiced finish.

Toppings

• Nuts: Add sliced almonds or crushed pecans to the glaze for a bit of crunch.
• Fresh Fruit: Top with fresh berries or slices of peach for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can take your breakfast or brunch to the next level:

• Beverages: Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
• Sides: Pair with a savory dish like scrambled eggs or bacon to balance the sweetness.
• Dessert Spread: Include it in a dessert buffet alongside cookies, brownies, and cupcakes.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy the danish as if it were freshly baked.
• Freezing: Wrap the danish tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Repertoire

This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is more than just a recipe it’s a reminder that homemade treats don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With its creamy filling, golden crust, and sweet glaze, this danish is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re hosting brunch, surprising your family with a weekend breakfast, or indulging in a sweet treat just because, this recipe will never let you down.

Bake it once, and you’ll find yourself returning to it time and time again it’s just that good. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a slice of danish heaven! 🥐✨