Description
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Ingredients:
2 cans crescent rolls
16 oz cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup melted butter
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
Steps:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spread one can of crescent dough in a baking pan.
Blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla; spread over dough.
Add the second layer of dough, brush with butter, and bake for 30 minutes.
Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze.
Would you enjoy this warm or chilled?
#SimpleCheeseDanish
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish every time.
- Prepare Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or pan.
- Create the Base: Unroll the first can of crescent roll dough. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, pinching any seams together to form a solid layer.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough layer in the pan. Unroll the second can of crescent dough and carefully place it on top of the filling, gently stretching it to cover.
- Add Topping and Bake: Brush the top layer of dough generously with the melted butter. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown.
- Glaze and Cool: While the Danish bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and immediately drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Danish is delicious served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. For a warm, gooey experience, serve slices fresh from the oven. If you prefer a firmer, more traditional pastry texture, chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours. Pair a slice with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a dusting of extra powdered sugar. It’s perfect for brunch buffets, holiday mornings, or as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee.
How-to Summary
To make this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish: Layer crescent roll dough in a pan, top with a sweet cream cheese filling (cream cheese, sugar, vanilla), add a second dough layer, brush with butter, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Finish with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Yes, you can substitute one sheet of thawed puff pastry for each can of crescent rolls. The result will be flakier and slightly less sweet.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The glaze may soak in slightly over time.
Can I freeze the baked Danish?
Absolutely. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently if desired.
Why is my filling runny?
A runny filling is often due to using cream cheese that isn’t full-fat or not beating the filling long enough to incorporate air and thicken it. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes! Fold in 1/2 cup of lemon curd, blueberry pie filling, or finely chopped strawberries into the cream cheese mixture for a fruity twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Pressing Dough Seams: Failing to pinch the crescent roll perforations together can cause the filling to leak through during baking.
- Overbaking: Bake only until golden brown. Overbaking can make the edges too hard and dry out the filling.
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese will not blend smoothly, leaving lumps in your filling. Let it soften at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
- Slicing Too Soon: Cutting the Danish immediately after baking will cause it to fall apart. Let it set so the filling firms up.
Conclusion
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is the ultimate shortcut to an impressive and delicious pastry. With its creamy, sweet filling and flaky, buttery layers, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite for special mornings and simple treats alike. Its simplicity is its strength, requiring minimal effort for maximum reward. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, this recipe delivers classic Danish flavor in every bite. So, preheat your oven and get ready to receive rave reviews for this effortlessly delightful bake.
