There’s something about starting the morning with a warm, flaky Cheese Danish that feels like a little luxury. I remember the first time I made this recipe—it was a lazy Sunday morning, and I wanted something quick yet special for breakfast. This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish checked all the boxes. It’s buttery, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, all without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Using crescent roll dough or puff pastry keeps things simple, while the rich cream cheese filling makes each bite irresistible. Whether you enjoy it plain or add fruit preserves for a fruity twist, this Danish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Trust me—once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes using store-bought dough.
- Rich and creamy: Smooth cream cheese filling adds a decadent touch.
- Customizable: Add fruit preserves, chocolate chips, or nuts for variety.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance for busy mornings.
Recipe
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheets
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup fruit preserves (optional, for fruit-filled versions)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Unroll 1 can of crescent roll dough and press it into a rectangle, pinching the seams together to seal.
- Lay it flat on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Danish:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Add small dollops of fruit preserves if making a fruit-filled version.
- Top with Second Layer:
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully lay it over the filling.
- Pinch the edges to seal and press lightly.
- Bake the Danish:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed up.
- Let it cool slightly before adding the glaze.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Danish using a spoon or piping bag.
- Slice and Serve:
- Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve warm for a fresh-from-the-oven feel, or at room temperature for a firmer texture. Pair with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast or brunch.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.
- Freezing Option: Freeze unglazed Danish slices in a single layer. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Puff Pastry Alternative: Substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry sheets for an extra flaky texture. Adjust baking time by adding 5 extra minutes.
- Fruit Options: Swap fruit preserves with fresh fruit slices like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fresher flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a zesty kick, or drizzle melted chocolate for added richness.
FAQs
- Can I make this Danish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Danish the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh the next morning. - What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
Use puff pastry sheets or even pie dough. Puff pastry will give a crispier texture, while pie dough creates a sturdier base. - How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the edges well and avoid overfilling with cream cheese or fruit preserves. - Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the filling may be slightly less rich and creamy. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture. - How can I add a crunch to the topping?
Sprinkle sliced almonds or crushed walnuts on top before baking for added texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for busy mornings, weekend brunches, and holiday breakfasts. It’s creamy, flaky, and customizable, making it perfect for any occasion. The simplicity of using crescent roll dough or puff pastry means you can whip it up in no time without sacrificing flavor.
I love how versatile this recipe is—add fruit preserves, drizzle with chocolate, or keep it classic with just the cream cheese filling. No matter how you serve it, it’s sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake a breakfast treat everyone will love!
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 2 cans 8 oz each crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheets
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup fruit preserves optional, for fruit-filled versions
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough:
- Unroll 1 can of crescent roll dough and press it into a rectangle, pinching the seams together to seal.
- Lay it flat on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Danish:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Add small dollops of fruit preserves if making a fruit-filled version.
Top with Second Layer:
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully lay it over the filling.
- Pinch the edges to seal and press lightly.
Bake the Danish:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed up.
- Let it cool slightly before adding the glaze.
Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Danish using a spoon or piping bag.
Slice and Serve:
- Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Puff Pastry Alternative: Substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry sheets for an extra flaky texture. Adjust baking time by adding 5 extra minutes.
- Fruit Options: Swap fruit preserves with fresh fruit slices like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fresher flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a zesty kick, or drizzle melted chocolate for added richness.
