Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
If you’re craving a sweet, creamy breakfast treat that’s both indulgent and easy to make, look no further than this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish recipe. Combining the rich flavors of cream cheese, a light flaky crust, and a sweet glaze, this dish is sure to be a hit at any breakfast table. With minimal ingredients and just a few steps, you can have a delicious homemade pastry ready to enjoy in no time!
Ingredients for Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this scrumptious cheese Danish:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans ready-to-use refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients come together to create a rich, smooth cream cheese filling surrounded by flaky crescent rolls, all topped off with a sweet glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a breakfast cheese Danish that’s golden brown, creamy, and absolutely delicious!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking your Danish to golden perfection.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Next, grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent the crescent rolls from sticking. You can use non-stick spray, butter, or even a bit of oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Unroll one pack of refrigerated crescent rolls and lay them in the prepared baking pan. Pinch the seams together to form a solid base for the cheese mixture. This will serve as the bottom layer of your Danish.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the filling that gives the Danish its rich and velvety texture.
Step 5: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
Once the cream cheese mixture is ready, spread it evenly over the layer of crescent rolls in the pan. Make sure to cover it completely to ensure every bite is filled with that delicious cream cheese flavor.
Step 6: Add the Second Layer of Crescent Rolls
Open the second can of crescent rolls and unroll them. Place this second layer of dough over the cream cheese filling. Gently press down to seal the edges and make sure the dough sticks to the filling below.
Step 7: Brush with Egg White
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white. Brush the egg white evenly over the top layer of crescent rolls. This will help the Danish achieve a golden, glossy finish as it bakes.
Step 8: Bake the Danish
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top layer of crescent rolls is golden brown. The edges should be crispy, and the cream cheese filling will be perfectly set.
Step 9: Cool the Danish
Once your Danish is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes. This will give the filling a chance to firm up and make it easier to slice.
Step 10: Prepare the Glaze
While the Danish is cooling, it’s time to make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle over the Danish but still smooth.
Step 11: Drizzle the Glaze
Once your Danish has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. The glaze adds a sweet finish to this already delicious pastry and gives it that classic Danish pastry touch.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy!
Now that your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is complete, it’s time to cut into it and enjoy! The combination of flaky crescent rolls, creamy cheese filling, and sweet glaze makes for a breakfast treat everyone will love.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cheese Danish
While this recipe is simple, a few helpful tips can make your Danish even better:
Tip 1: Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese
For the best texture and flavor, opt for full-fat cream cheese. It creates a richer and smoother filling that pairs perfectly with the crescent rolls.
Tip 2: Let the Dough Rest Before Using
If you find that the crescent dough is too cold and difficult to work with, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This will make it easier to unroll and press into the pan.
Tip 3: Experiment with Fruit Toppings
While the glaze is delicious on its own, you can take this breakfast cheese Danish to the next level by adding fruit. Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries make great additions, either mixed into the cream cheese filling or sprinkled on top.
Tip 4: Make Ahead for Convenience
This recipe can easily be made the night before. Simply assemble the Danish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it fresh for an easy breakfast that’s ready in no time.
Why This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe Works
There are a few reasons why this recipe is a favorite for many breakfast enthusiasts:
Quick and Easy Preparation
The combination of crescent rolls and a simple cream cheese filling makes this recipe incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Minimal Ingredients
With just a handful of common ingredients, you can create a delicious pastry that tastes like it came from a bakery. It’s an ideal option for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Versatile and Customizable
This recipe is versatile and allows for plenty of customization. You can add fruit, sprinkle in some cinnamon, or even add a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture to change things up. The glaze can also be modified by adding a bit of almond extract for a new twist.
Perfect for Special Occasions or Everyday Enjoyment
Whether you’re preparing for a holiday breakfast, a brunch gathering, or just want a treat to start your day, this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is perfect for any occasion. It’s delicious, impressive, and sure to make your morning feel extra special.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of dough for this recipe?
Yes! While crescent rolls are the classic choice, you can experiment with puff pastry or even croissant dough for a different texture. Just make sure the dough is easy to work with and bake thoroughly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it the next morning. This makes it perfect for busy mornings or special occasions when you want to save time.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Wrap the cooled Danish tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. To reheat, simply bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes, adding fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to the cream cheese filling is a great way to elevate this recipe. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid from the fruit before adding it to avoid making the filling too runny.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use gluten-free crescent roll dough or puff pastry. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the cream cheese and sugar, are also gluten-free.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by using dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based milk for the glaze. Look for alternatives that provide a similar texture and taste to regular cream cheese.
With this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish, you have everything you need for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat. Whether you’re looking for a simple pastry for yourself or preparing for a gathering, this recipe will certainly impress. Enjoy baking, and even more, enjoy eating!