Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a simple yet indulgent breakfast treat, this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the light, flaky texture of crescent rolls, making it a perfect balance of flavors and textures. I’ve made this recipe countless times for family gatherings, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The best part is that it’s quick and easy to prepare, even if you’re short on time in the morning. You can prepare it in just a few steps and bake it until golden brown, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Once you drizzle the sweet glaze on top, you have a dessert-like breakfast that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. My family loves it, and it’s now a staple for holiday brunches and lazy weekends!

Ingredients

• 2 cans ready-to-use refrigerated crescent rolls
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to ensure the Danish doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Crescent Rolls:
   Open one can of crescent rolls and lay them out in the bottom of the greased baking pan. Pinch the seams together to create a solid base layer. This forms the bottom crust for the cheese mixture.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
   In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg together until smooth. This creamy mixture will serve as the filling for the Danish.
4. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture:
   Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll base in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out, covering the rolls completely with the mixture.
5. Add the Top Layer of Crescent Rolls:
   Open the second can of crescent rolls and lay it on top of the cream cheese mixture. Again, pinch the seams together, making sure the rolls fit snugly on top of the cheese.
6. Brush with Egg White:
   In a small bowl, whisk the egg white and then brush it over the top layer of crescent rolls. This will give the Danish a beautiful golden brown color as it bakes.
7. Bake the Danish:
   Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese filling is set.
8. Cool and Glaze:
   Once baked, remove the Danish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 20 minutes. While it’s cooling, mix the glaze ingredients by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Danish before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per Serving: 250

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on specific product choices.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Total Time: 50-60 minutes

How to Serve

These Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish are perfect for any occasion, and here are some great ways to serve them:

• As a Breakfast Treat: Serve it as part of a breakfast spread alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit for a complete morning meal.
• For Brunch: This Danish makes a perfect addition to a brunch table. Pair it with a pot of coffee, tea, or fresh juice.
• With a Sweet Touch: For an extra special treat, serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• For Dessert: Though it’s perfect for breakfast, this Danish is also great for dessert, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea in the evening.

Additional Tips

1. Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat cream cheese. Light or fat-free versions can affect the consistency of the filling.
2. Chill the Dough: If you find that the dough is hard to work with, try chilling the crescent roll dough for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
3. Add a Dash of Cinnamon: If you love cinnamon, try adding a pinch to the cream cheese filling for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Ensure Even Glaze: Make sure to drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled Danish to give it that perfect finishing touch.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare the cream cheese filling and crescent roll layers ahead of time. Assemble everything and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply bake and glaze!

Recipe Variations

• Fruit-filled Danish: Add fresh berries or fruit preserves in the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist. Blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries work wonderfully.
• Almond Flavored Danish: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a nutty, almond-flavored version of this Danish.
• Chocolate Chip Danish: Mix in some mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for an extra sweet and indulgent twist.
• Nutty Danish: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the filling or sprinkle them on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With Fresh Fruit: Pair this Danish with fresh berries, sliced apples, or citrus fruits for a refreshing contrast.
• With Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the creamy richness of the Danish and adds to the cozy experience.
• For a Special Occasion: This Danish is perfect for holidays like Easter, Christmas, or Mother’s Day brunch. Serve it as a centerpiece at your next festive gathering.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing:
If you have leftovers or want to make this Danish ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap the Danish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Storing Leftovers:
Store any leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving again, or gently reheat it in the microwave or oven.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of dough?
   Yes, you can use puff pastry or even phyllo dough for a different texture, though the flavor may vary slightly.
2. Can I make this Danish dairy-free?
   You can use dairy-free cream cheese and a non-dairy milk for the glaze, though the flavor will change slightly.
3. How can I make the glaze thicker?
   If you want a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Can I make this Danish without the glaze?
   Yes, if you prefer a less sweet version, you can skip the glaze and enjoy the Danish as is.
5. Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
   Yes, you can assemble the Danish the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, bake and glaze as usual.
6. Can I use a different kind of sugar for the glaze?
   You can use a substitute like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that the flavor will be different.
7. Can I add a crust layer at the bottom?
   You can add a layer of graham cracker crumbs or even a cookie crust at the bottom for a crunchy contrast.
8. What’s the best way to cut this Danish?
   Use a serrated knife or a pizza cutter to slice through the Danish, making sure it’s cool enough to hold its shape.
9. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan (like a 9×13-inch baking dish) if you’re serving more people.
10. How do I know when the Danish is done baking?
    The Danish is done when it’s golden brown on top and the cream cheese filling is set. The edges should be crisp, and the middle should no longer look wet.

Conclusion

This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its light, flaky crescent roll base and creamy, rich filling, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a special treat for your family, this Danish will impress every time. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a hit—give it a try today!

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