Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy classic bakery flavors without leaving your kitchen, this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish might just become your new morning favorite. It brings together that perfect blend of flaky crescent roll pastry, silky-smooth cream cheese, and a sweet vanilla glaze that takes everything over the top. Whether you’re pulling together a weekend brunch, a casual treat for guests, or just need something cheerful on a weekday, this recipe makes impressive pastries feel downright simple. The Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is not only easy to whip up but utterly irresistible—one bite and you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of basics, you’re on your way to guaranteed breakfast delight. Every ingredient here plays a starring role in taste, texture, or getting that classic Danish look—so don’t skip a thing!
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The secret shortcut for buttery, golden layers without all the effort; two cans make the top and bottom pastry.
- Cream cheese, softened: Rich and tangy, this creates that decadent, creamy filling at the heart of every great cheese Danish.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the filling just enough for perfect balance with the pastry and glaze.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely warmth and depth to both the filling and the finishing glaze.
- Large egg: Helps the cream cheese filling fluff up and set properly while baking.
- Powdered sugar: The foundation of that gorgeous, sweet glaze drizzled on top.
- Milk: Thins out the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency—use 2–3 teaspoons for your desired thickness.
How to Make Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this prevents any sticking and makes for easy serving. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of your dish, pinching together any seams. This forms the flaky base for your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish, so make sure it’s an even layer.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, beat together your softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This little mixture is pure bliss and will bake up to be the gently sweet, velvety center that really makes this Danish shine.
Step 3: Layer, Cover, and Seal
Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the bottom crescent roll layer, taking care not to rip the dough. Then unroll the second can of crescent roll dough, lay it carefully over the filling, and once more pinch together the seams. Run your fingers around the edges for a neat, sealed finish—this keeps all that delicious filling tucked in during baking!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the pastry is puffed. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now—almost impossible to resist! Let it cool just a few minutes before glazing for the best texture.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish
While the Danish is still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, 2–3 teaspoons of milk (add more milk for a thinner glaze), and a dash of vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze liberally across the top, letting it cascade into all the nooks and crannies for that classic look and finishing touch. Your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is ready to serve!
How to Serve Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Garnishes
Want to make your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish even more dazzling? Try sprinkling a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving, or add a few fresh berries for a burst of color and freshness. A light zesting of lemon or orange can give a subtle citrusy kick, too.
Side Dishes
This Danish pairs beautifully with just about anything on your breakfast or brunch table! Serve alongside fresh fruit salad, a simple omelette, or a yogurt parfait. For a more indulgent spread, include crispy bacon or a warm mug of your favorite coffee or tea—the flavors balance each other out perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, slice the Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish into elegant rectangles, arrange them on a tiered stand, and tuck in some edible flowers or mint sprigs for brunch flair. For grab-and-go mornings, wrap individual slices in parchment or serve in cupcake wrappers for portable treats. You can even swirl a little bit of fruit preserves over the cream cheese layer before baking for a pop of fruity color and taste—a lovely twist your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a little as it sits, and a quick warm-up brings back that just-baked magic.
Freezing
Need to plan ahead? You can freeze unglazed Danish slices, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze before serving. This makes it ideal for prepping in advance for holidays or busy mornings!
Reheating
To reheat, pop a slice into the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This restores the flakiness of the pastry and brings out the creaminess of the filling. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze for an extra touch of decadence!
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated crescent rolls?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite quick pastry or puff pastry recipe, feel free to use it here. The classic crescent roll dough just makes things super quick and ensures reliable, flaky results every single time.
What kind of cream cheese works best?
Regular full-fat cream cheese gives the richest flavor and best texture, but reduced-fat can work in a pinch. Avoid whipped or spreadable cream cheese—it won’t set quite as nicely in the center of your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish.
How can I add a fruity twist?
For a simple upgrade, spread a thin layer of your favorite fruit preserves—such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot—right over the cream cheese filling before adding the top layer of dough. The fruity touch pairs beautifully with the sweet cheese center!
Can I make Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish in advance?
You sure can! Either assemble the Danish and keep it covered in the fridge overnight before baking, or bake and store as directed. Just remember to add the glaze right before serving for the freshest look and taste.
What’s the best way to cut neat slices?
Let the Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish cool for 10–15 minutes after glazing, then use a sharp knife (wiped clean between cuts) to slice. For a really tidy finish, use a serrated knife to carefully saw through the soft filling and crispy pastry.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and celebratory about making a pan of Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish, whether it’s for a laid-back breakfast or a special occasion. Give this recipe a try the next time you want to treat yourself or loved ones—one easy bite and you’ll be hooked!
Print
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish recipe is a delightful combination of flaky crescent roll dough filled with a sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with a vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a simple dessert, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Vanilla Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer crescent roll dough: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, pinching seams together.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the dough.
- Add top crust: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully lay it over the filling, pinching seams to seal.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm Danish before serving.
Notes
- For a fruity twist, spread a thin layer of fruit preserves over the cream cheese layer before adding the top crust.
- Best served warm but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
