This Breakfast Cheese Danish is a buttery, flaky treat with a creamy, sweet filling and a simple glaze on top. Made effortlessly with crescent rolls and a few pantry staples, it's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Whether you're serving it for a weekend treat or a holiday gathering, this easy recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Uses pre-made crescent rolls for a hassle-free preparation.
- Creamy and Flaky – The perfect balance of a rich cream cheese filling and golden, buttery layers.
- Versatile – Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.
- Crowd-Pleaser – A great choice for gatherings, potlucks, or family breakfasts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepped in advance and stored for easy reheating.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Danish:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Prepare the Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.
- Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press them into the bottom of the prepared pan, pinching the seams together to form an even layer.
2. Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer in the pan.
3. Add the Top Layer
- Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and lay it over the cream cheese mixture. Pinch the seams together as much as possible.
- Brush the top layer with egg white.
4. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 20 minutes.
5. Make the Glaze
- While the danish cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Finish and Serve
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled danish.
- Slice into 12 portions and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: 310 kcal per serving
Variations
- Fruit-Filled Danish – Add a layer of fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry) under the cream cheese filling for extra flavor.
- Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the top before baking for added texture.
- Cinnamon Sugar Twist – Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon into the sugar for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Lemon Glaze – Replace vanilla extract in the glaze with fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Version – Drizzle melted chocolate over the top instead of glaze for a decadent touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or bake at 300°F for a few minutes to restore crispness.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How do I keep the crescent roll dough from separating?
Pinch the seams together firmly and press them down with your fingers to ensure they stay intact.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Yes! Puff pastry will give a flakier texture but may require a slightly longer baking time.
Do I need to refrigerate the cheese danish after baking?
Yes, since it contains cream cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving for best results.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese can be used for a slightly different texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the top layer from getting too dark?
If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly less creamy. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best results.
What’s the best way to cut the danish neatly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to prevent sticking.
Can I add icing instead of glaze?
Yes, a thicker cream cheese icing can be used if you prefer a richer topping.
How do I make it extra crispy?
Bake for an additional 5 minutes and let it cool slightly before slicing to keep the layers crisp.
Conclusion
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a simple yet impressive treat that's perfect for any occasion. With its buttery, flaky layers and creamy filling, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're serving it fresh from the oven or reheating leftovers, this danish is always a delightful way to start the day. Try different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy this homemade bakery-style treat in the comfort of your own home!
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a buttery, flaky pastry with a rich cream cheese filling and a simple vanilla glaze. Made effortlessly with crescent rolls, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat. Whether you're preparing it for a holiday gathering or a weekend indulgence, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Base
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.
- Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the pan, sealing any seams.
- Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
- Spread the filling evenly over the crescent roll base.
- Add the Top Layer
- Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and place it over the filling, pinching seams together.
- Brush the top with egg white for a golden finish.
- Bake
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 20 minutes before glazing.
- Make the Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Finish and Serve
- Drizzle the glaze over the danish.
- Slice into 12 pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Fruit Variation: Add a layer of strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry preserves before spreading the cream cheese mixture.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the top before baking.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the sugar for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10–15 seconds or bake at 300°F for a few minutes.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
