If you’re in search of a delightful pastry that’s surprisingly simple to make yet irresistibly tasty, this Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes Recipe is your new best friend. With creamy, dreamy cheese filling nestled inside flaky, golden crescent dough and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, these danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any moment you deserve a little treat. The ease of using canned crescent roll dough combined with luscious cream cheese transforms everyday ingredients into a bakery-worthy delight that’s bound to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of pantry staples that come together effortlessly, each bringing its own magic to the final danish. The crescent roll dough adds that beautiful flakiness, while the cream cheese filling offers creamy richness balanced by the vanilla and sugar’s sweet notes. The glaze ties everything together with an irresistible shine and subtle sweetness.
- Crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz): The flaky, buttery base that bakes to a perfect golden crust.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides smooth, rich filling that’s the star of the danishes.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup + 1/4 cup): Adds sweetness to both the filling and the glaze for balance.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp + 1/4 tsp): Infuses fragrant warmth, enhancing the flavor profile beautifully.
- Egg (1, optional): Used for an egg wash to give the dough a shiny, golden finish.
- Milk (1-2 tsp): Adjusts the glaze consistency to be thick yet pourable.
How to Make Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). To keep things easy, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This simple prep step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your danishes don’t stick – a small detail with a big impact.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling is where all the luscious flavor comes from, so don’t rush—aim for a velvety texture that will melt beautifully once baked.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough
Carefully unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. Pinch the perforations together on each triangle to create a solid piece of dough. This little trick helps the dough hold its shape and prevents any filling from leaking out during baking, resulting in a perfect danish every time.
Step 4: Shape and Fill
Arrange each piece of dough on your baking sheet in a ring shape or slightly elongated oval, leaving space between them for expansion. Spoon a generous dollop of cream cheese filling into the center of each dough shape. These little hand pies are about to become your new favorite bite!
Step 5: Egg Wash for Shine (Optional)
For that professional bakery look, lightly beat the egg and brush the dough edges. This step isn’t mandatory but trust me, it creates a gorgeous golden-brown, glossy finish that’s incredibly tempting to the eyes and makes the danishes look like they just came from a patisserie.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out as the crescent dough browns and puffs up, signaling your danishes are ready to come out. The aroma at this point is absolutely heavenly, filling your kitchen with warm notes of baked dough and sweet cheese.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
While your danishes bake, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 teaspoons milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but still pourable—adjust with a bit more milk if needed. This glaze is the crowning glory, adding a touch of sweetness and shine.
Step 8: Drizzle and Enjoy
After your danishes have cooled just slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. The contrast of warm pastry and cool glaze creates an irresistible treat that’s as pleasing to the taste buds as it is to the eyes.
How to Serve Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate these danishes with a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon can add bursts of color and extra flavor. For a nutty crunch, finely chopped toasted almonds or pecans on top of the glaze work wonders. These little touches make your danishes feel even more special.
Side Dishes
Pair your cheese danishes with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting start to your day. Fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait complements the richness of the pastries nicely, balancing sweetness with fresh acidity and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Arrange your danishes on a tiered dessert stand or rustic wooden board, adding sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers for a charming touch. You could also serve them warm with small bowls of extra glaze or fruit preserves for dipping—making this a communal, interactive treat everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps your danishes fresh without losing their flaky texture. Avoid refrigeration unless your kitchen is very warm, as the dough can dry out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze baked danishes in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to two months. This way, you always have a quick sweet snack ready to thaw.
Reheating
Reheat danishes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore that original warmth and crispness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy. Warm danishes fresh out of the oven are truly the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent roll dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer making your own dough, go for it. The key is to have flaky, buttery layers that puff well in the oven. Homemade dough might require a bit more care with shaping, but it’s just as delicious and rewarding.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta cheese can work as alternatives, though they’ll alter the texture slightly. You might want to adjust the powdered sugar in the filling to taste, depending on the substitute’s sweetness.
Is the egg wash necessary?
The egg wash isn’t required, but it does give the danishes a glossy and beautifully browned crust. If you’re avoiding eggs, you can brush the dough with a little melted butter for a softer shine instead.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes! Small berries like blueberries or chopped strawberries can be folded into the cream cheese filling for a fresh fruit twist. Just be careful not to add too much moisture, or the dough might get soggy while baking.
How long do these danishes keep their freshness?
They’re best enjoyed the day they’re made for maximum flakiness and flavor, but can be kept at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, reheating can help revive their texture, or freeze them to prolong freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes Recipe is a perfect combination of simple ingredients, quick preparation, and incredible flavor that feels like a bakery treat made right in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a special occasion or an everyday indulgence. Give it a try and share the joy—because moments with fresh, warm danishes are the sweetest kind of moments.
Print
Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes Recipe
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes are a delightful and easy-to-make pastry featuring buttery crescent roll dough filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, these danishes come together quickly for a perfect breakfast treat or snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Egg Wash (Optional)
- 1 egg
Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into the individual triangles. Pinch the perforations on each triangle to seal them and create a solid base for the danishes.
- Shape the Danishes: On the prepared baking sheet, arrange each dough piece into either a ring shape or a slightly elongated oval, spacing them apart. Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling in the center of each piece of dough.
- Add an Egg Wash (Optional): Beat the egg in a small bowl, then brush the edges of the crescent dough with the egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden finish after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the danishes are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: While baking, whisk together 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 teaspoons milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl, adjusting the milk amount to create a thick but pourable glaze.
- Finish the Danishes: Once the danishes are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly, then drizzle the vanilla glaze over each warm danish before serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and ensure crescent rolls are dairy free.
- Make sure to pinch perforations well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Egg wash is optional but adds a beautiful golden sheen to the danishes.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or less for a thicker consistency.
- Serve danishes warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
