If you’re looking for a breakfast or dessert that’s ridiculously easy but feels like a special treat, Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes are your new best friend! Picture this: flaky, buttery crescent rolls enveloping a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling, all baked to golden perfection. You won’t believe how quick and simple these are to whip up. No complicated dough-making here—just grab a can of crescent rolls and a few basic ingredients, and you’ve got yourself a sweet, satisfying treat that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
These little pastries are perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, a sweet addition to brunch, or a fun snack when you’re craving something indulgent. Trust me, you’ll want to make these often—they’re that good! Plus, with the perfect balance of sweetness and tang from the cream cheese, you’ll find yourself making them every time you want something both comforting and a little fancy without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes
Here’s why these cheese danishes will steal your heart:
Quick and Easy: No need for fancy ingredients or hours of prep—just roll out the crescent dough, add the cream cheese filling, and bake! You’ll be enjoying these in less than 30 minutes.
Flaky, Buttery Perfection: The crescent rolls give the perfect buttery, flaky base that pairs wonderfully with the smooth, sweet cream cheese filling.
Customizable: You can tweak the filling to make it your own. Add a dash of vanilla, swirl in some lemon zest, or top with fresh berries for extra flair.
Kid-Friendly: This is a fun recipe for the kids to help with. They’ll love rolling up the dough and filling the pastries.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy morning at home, a potluck brunch, or a bake sale, these cheese danishes are sure to impress without much effort.
Ingredients for Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes
Here’s everything you need to make these simple and delicious danishes:
For the Danish Dough and Filling:
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough: The base of your danishes, providing that buttery, flaky texture.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: The creamy filling that makes these danishes so irresistible.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling, creating a balanced sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.
- 1 egg yolk: Gives the filling a rich, velvety texture and helps bind everything together.
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and adds that perfect finishing touch.
- 1 teaspoon milk or water: For the perfect consistency to drizzle over the danishes.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Adds a little extra flavor to the glaze.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making these super simple and delicious danishes:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your danishes bake to a golden, flaky perfection.
2. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the dough into 8 triangles.
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange the triangles in a circle, leaving a little gap between each piece. This will form the base for your danish.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Danishes:
- Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling might spill out while baking.
- Gently fold the sides of each crescent triangle over the filling, creating a pocket with the cream cheese inside. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; rustic is totally fine here!
5. Bake:
- Bake the danishes in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden and cooked through.
6. Add the Glaze (Optional):
- While the danishes are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Adjust the consistency as needed to make it pourable.
- Once the danishes have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for that sweet finishing touch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the danishes cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature.
(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per serving: 180
Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 180mg
Carbohydrates: 17g - Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 9g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 6%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 2%
(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.)
How to Serve Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes
These danishes are a hit on their own, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate the experience:
With Coffee or Tea: These danishes pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The buttery, flaky texture is even more satisfying when paired with a warm drink.
Top with Fresh Fruit: If you’re craving something fresh, add sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top of your danishes. The sweet fruit contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese filling.
Serve as a Brunch Treat: Serve these danishes alongside other breakfast treats like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fresh fruit salad for a fun brunch spread.
With Whipped Cream: For a touch of extra indulgence, top these danishes with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Additional Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cream cheese filling and roll out the dough the night before. Just refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Use a Different Filling: Try adding fruit preserves or chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a fun twist.
- Freezing: These danishes freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to refresh their texture.
- Customize the Glaze: If you prefer a lemon glaze or a cinnamon-sugar topping, feel free to swap out the powdered sugar glaze for something different.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of dough for this recipe?
A1: Yes! You can use puff pastry or even homemade dough if you prefer. Crescent rolls give the best flaky texture, but other doughs work too.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare them the night before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. They’ll still come out delicious!
Q3: Can I add fruit to the filling?
A3: Definitely! You can mix in fresh berries, fruit preserves, or even diced apples to the cream cheese filling for added flavor.
Q4: Can I freeze these danishes?
A4: Yes! After baking, let the danishes cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to refresh the texture.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Q6: Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
A6: Yes! You can substitute with low-fat or fat-free cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor might be slightly different.
Q7: Can I make these gluten-free?
A7: If you want to make these gluten-free, use a gluten-free crescent roll dough. Many stores offer gluten-free options for crescent rolls.
Q8: Can I add nuts to the filling?
A8: Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be a delicious addition to the cream cheese filling.
Q9: Can I skip the glaze?
A9: You can! The danishes are sweet enough on their own, but the glaze adds a nice touch if you want to make them a little fancier.
Q10: Can I make these in a larger batch?
A10: Yes! Just double the ingredients and bake in two pans or on a larger baking sheet.
Conclusion
These Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes are a delightful, no-fuss way to treat yourself or impress your guests. With buttery, flaky dough and a creamy, sweet filling, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a snack, or a special treat, this recipe has you covered! So, grab that can of crescent rolls and get ready to enjoy a warm, homemade pastry that’s sure to satisfy.
PrintCrescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes are an easy and delicious treat that can be whipped up in no time using store-bought crescent roll dough. Filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and topped with a sweet glaze, these danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
For the Glaze (optional but recommended):
- 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 for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles.
- Pinch the perforations together on each triangle to form a solid piece of dough (this will help create a better shape for the danishes).
4. Shape the Danishes:
- On the prepared baking sheet, place each piece of dough into a ring shape or slightly elongated oval. Leave a little space between each one.
- Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each dough piece.
5. Add an Egg Wash (Optional):
- If you want a golden and glossy finish, beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the edges of the crescent dough with the egg wash.
6. Bake:
- Bake the danishes in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
7. Make the Glaze:
- While the danishes are baking, whisk together 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tsp milk, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract in a small bowl to create the glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary (the glaze should be thick but pourable).
8. Finish the Danishes:
- Once the danishes are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the top of each warm danish.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add a spoonful of fruit preserves (such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry) to the cream cheese filling for a fruit-filled version.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cream cheese filling the night before and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
- Storage: These danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to restore their warmth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg