There’s something magical about starting your day with a warm, flaky, and indulgent breakfast. And if you’re like me, you love something sweet but easy to make. This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish recipe has all the charm of a classic bakery pastry without the hours of effort. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to breakfast treat!
I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself on a quiet morning, this Cheese Danish is bound to become a favorite. It’s quick, simple, and absolutely delicious!
Why This Cheese Danish is So Amazing
What I love about this recipe is how simple it is to put together. With just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, you can whip up something that feels like a special treat. The crescent roll base gives the pastry a buttery, flaky texture that perfectly complements the rich, creamy filling. And that glaze? It’s the finishing touch that ties everything together.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can add fruit, like fresh berries or even a dollop of jam, if you’re feeling adventurous. But honestly, the classic version with just the cream cheese filling is already so good, it might just be perfect as is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cheese Danish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Crescent Roll Base:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
Cheese Filling:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Topping:
- 1 egg white (for brushing)
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat Your Oven
Before we get started with the fun part, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to warm up while you prepare the danish. You’ll also want to lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to keep the danish from sticking.
Prepare the Crescent Roll Layers
Now, grab your first can of crescent rolls. Unroll the dough and lay it out into the prepared baking pan. Press the seams together to create one big seamless layer. It’s okay if it’s not perfect—after all, you’ll be covering it up with the cream cheese filling. This step is all about getting that delicious, buttery base.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the whole egg. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want it to have a thick, spreadable texture that will sit nicely on top of the crescent roll base.
Assemble the Danish
Now it’s time for the fun part! Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll base. Try to get an even layer so each bite has a perfect balance of creamy and flaky goodness.
Once that’s done, open the second can of crescent rolls. Unroll it gently and lay it over the cream cheese layer. Pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly sealed—it’ll still taste amazing!
To finish off the pastry, brush the top layer with the egg white. This gives it a golden, glossy finish once it’s baked. You’ll see it start to puff up and turn golden brown in the oven, and it’s going to look absolutely irresistible.
Bake It Up
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pastry has puffed up nicely. The smell that will fill your kitchen is just incredible!
Check the danish halfway through—if you notice it’s getting too brown, you can loosely cover it with some foil to prevent it from overbaking. But don’t worry if it takes a little longer than expected; ovens can vary, and you’ll know it’s ready when it looks golden and puffy.
Cool and Glaze
Once the danish is baked to perfection, let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. This helps it set, making it easier to cut into squares or rectangles.
While it’s cooling, it’s time to make the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. The glaze should be thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to stay put when you pour it over the danish.
Once your danish has cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Don’t be shy with it—the glaze is the sweet finishing touch that makes this recipe extra special!
Serve and Enjoy
Finally, slice the danish into squares or rectangles (or whatever shape you prefer). Serve it up with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the simple joy of a homemade pastry. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Tips for the Best Cheese Danish
- Use softened cream cheese: This ensures that your cream cheese mixture is smooth and creamy. If the cream cheese is too cold, it might be difficult to mix and could leave lumps in your filling.
- Brush with egg white: This simple step creates a golden finish and gives your danish a professional look. Plus, it helps seal the layers together for a neat and tidy pastry.
- Let it cool: It might be tempting to dive right in when it’s fresh out of the oven, but allowing it to cool slightly makes it easier to cut and lets the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Add fruit or jam: If you want to switch things up, add some fresh berries or a dollop of fruit jam on top before baking. It adds a fun, fruity twist to this already amazing recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is perfect for busy mornings when you want something that feels like a treat but doesn’t take a lot of effort. The flaky, buttery crescent rolls are the perfect base for the creamy, sweet filling, and that glaze on top just takes it over the top. It’s a breakfast everyone will love, and it’s simple enough to make even on a hectic morning.
Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a brunch, or just treating yourself to something special, this danish is the way to go. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it looks like you spent hours in the kitchen—when really, it only takes about 50 minutes from start to finish!
So, the next time you’re looking for a sweet breakfast that’s guaranteed to impress, give this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish a try. I promise it’ll be a hit in your home too!
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories: ~280 per serving
I hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out or if you added any fun twists to make it your own. Happy baking!