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

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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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.

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