Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe: Quick & Delicious Breakfast Delight 🧀🥐
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast treat? This Easy Cream Cheese Danish recipe is the perfect choice. With a flaky, buttery pastry and a sweet, creamy filling, it’s sure to become your go-to breakfast option. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply craving something sweet in the morning, this recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to please your taste buds. Let’s dive into this delightful, foolproof recipe!
Ingredients 🛒
Before you start, let’s gather everything you’ll need for these tasty cream cheese danishes.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crescent roll dough | 1 can (8 oz) |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Egg (for egg wash) | 1 |
| Powdered sugar (optional) | For dusting |
| Lemon zest (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Salt | A pinch |
Time & Servings ⏱️
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8 danishes
Step-by-Step Guide 🍽️
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat until smooth and creamy. If you like a little zing, add lemon zest to the mixture. It adds a fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough
Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto your prepared baking sheet. Separate the dough into the triangles along the perforated lines. You should have 8 pieces.
4. Form the Danish Shape
To make the danishes, take each triangle and press the wide end into a square shape with your fingers. Pinch the corners to form a small edge, creating a space in the center to hold the cream cheese mixture.
5. Fill the Dough
Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each dough square, spreading it out evenly.
6. Add an Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each Danish with the egg wash to give them a golden, glossy finish.
7. Bake
Place the danishes in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
8. Add the Finishing Touch
Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If desired, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.
Recipe Notes 📋
- Dough Options: You can also use puff pastry for a flakier, more decadent pastry.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar to the cream cheese filling if desired.
- Extra Flavors: Add fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry to the center for a fruity twist.
Time and Servings ⏱️
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 8 danishes |
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving) 🍴
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 6g |
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
These Cream Cheese Danishes are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to enhance your breakfast or brunch experience:
- With Coffee or Tea: Pair these danishes with your morning coffee or tea for a delightful start to your day.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance the richness of the cream cheese filling.
- With a Side Salad: A simple green salad works well to contrast the sweetness of the danishes and make it a complete meal.
- Yogurt: A dollop of plain or flavored yogurt on the side adds a creamy, tangy element to the dish.
Looking for another easy breakfast recipe? Try these Fluffy Sheet Pancakes for a delicious morning treat alongside your cream cheese danishes.
Storage & Reheating 🏠
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have more, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These danishes freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warm.
- Reheating: To reheat, use the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or place in the oven for a crispy texture.
Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect 🔥
- Don’t Overfill: Don’t overstuff the danishes with cream cheese mixture. Leave a little room around the edges so they can bake properly and not overflow.
- Use Fresh Cream Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, use full-fat, fresh cream cheese. Avoid the spreadable versions, as they tend to be too soft and watery.
- Flaky Layers: For extra flakiness, make sure your dough is cold when you work with it. If it’s been sitting out for a while, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before rolling it out.
Health Benefits of Cream Cheese Danish 🌱
While these Cream Cheese Danishes are undoubtedly indulgent, they do provide some benefits:
- Calcium from Cream Cheese: Cream cheese provides calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth.
- Protein from the Dough and Filling: Both the crescent roll dough and cream cheese filling provide a small amount of protein, helping you feel satisfied longer.
- Portion Control: By making these at home, you can control the portion size, unlike store-bought danishes that are often larger and higher in calories.
Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫
- Overbaking: Make sure you remove the danishes once they are golden brown. Overbaking will result in dry pastries.
- Not Using Egg Wash: An egg wash gives the danishes a beautiful golden color and glossy finish. Don’t skip this step!
- Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking to ensure even cooking and a properly baked pastry.
FAQs ❓
1. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Yes! Puff pastry will give the danishes a flakier texture, but the recipe works well with both options.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the danishes the night before and refrigerate them. Then, bake them fresh in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
3. Can I freeze these danishes?
Absolutely! You can freeze them after baking. Just store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
4. How can I make these danishes less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar in the cream cheese filling if you prefer a less sweet flavor. You can also add some lemon zest for a tangy kick.
5. Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes, adding fruit preserves like strawberry or raspberry works great with cream cheese. You can also add fresh berries to the center before baking.
Final Thoughts 🌟
These Easy Cream Cheese Danishes are perfect for anyone who loves a sweet breakfast or dessert. They’re quick, simple, and always a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying them as part of a weekend brunch or serving them at a gathering, these danishes bring a burst of sweetness and comfort. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch today? Happy baking!
