Who says you can’t have a little indulgence for breakfast? These Breakfast Cheese Danishes are just the right balance of buttery, flaky, and creamy. Imagine starting your morning with golden, crisp pastry topped with sweetened cream cheese—sounds like heaven, right? Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer, and it’s bound to become a staple in your breakfast rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheese danish recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s about creating a warm, cozy moment first thing in the morning. Here’s why you’re going to love making this:
Versatile: Whether it’s a special weekend breakfast, brunch with friends, or just a treat for yourself, these danishes fit any occasion perfectly. Plus, you can always swap in different fillings if you’re in the mood for a change!
Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients, these danishes bring big flavor without breaking the bank. You don’t need to spend extra on fancy pastries when you can make these at home.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a pro baker to make these—puff pastry makes things easy, and the cream cheese filling is super simple. These danishes are quick to assemble, and the oven does the rest!
Customizable: You can mix up the filling! Add fruit, like berries or apples, or even a touch of lemon zest for extra brightness. The possibilities are endless.
Crowd-Pleasing: These danishes are a hit every time. People of all ages will be lining up for their share, and you might just find yourself having to make a second batch!
Ingredients
Here’s what makes these danishes so special:
Puff Pastry: The base of the danish, puff pastry is buttery and light, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese filling is rich, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s the star of the danish!
Sugar: A little sweetness to balance the cream cheese and enhance the flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warmth and richness that rounds out the flavor.
Egg Yolk: This makes the filling smooth and helps create a golden, glossy finish when baked.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s get to the good part—how to make these delicious danishes!
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot to get that golden, flaky finish.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lay out your puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on how large you want your danishes to be.
Make the Filling: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This is the filling that will make your danish absolutely irresistible.
Assemble the Danishes: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the edges of the pastry around the filling, leaving the center exposed. You can fold the corners up for a more traditional shape or keep it simple with an open center.
Brush with Egg Wash: For that golden, shiny finish, brush the edges of the pastry with a beaten egg.
Bake to Perfection: Place the danishes on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and puffed up. The smell while they bake will drive you crazy in the best way possible!
Cool and Serve: Let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, so don’t wait too long to dig in!
How to Serve Breakfast Cheese Danish
These danishes are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your breakfast:
Coffee or Tea: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for that perfect breakfast combo.
Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries, sliced apples, or citrus can add a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy danish.
Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey will complement the sweetness of the danish beautifully.
Presentation: Serve these danishes on a nice platter, maybe with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for a little extra flair.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips for making these danishes even better:
Use Store-Bought Pastry: Don’t be afraid to use store-bought puff pastry—it saves so much time and still results in a flaky, delicious pastry.
Add a Fruity Twist: Feel free to add some jam or fresh fruit to the center of the danish before adding the cream cheese mixture. Berries, apricots, or even a bit of lemon curd work wonderfully.
Make Ahead: If you’re planning to serve these for brunch or a get-together, you can assemble them the night before and pop them in the oven the next morning.
Dietary Adjustments: If you need to make these dairy-free, you can use a plant-based cream cheese and follow the rest of the recipe as is.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just reheat them in the oven to get that fresh, flaky texture back.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can assemble the danishes the night before and bake them the next morning for an easy breakfast.
Q2: Can I use a different kind of filling?
A2: Absolutely! You can mix things up with fruit jams, Nutella, or even chocolate chips for a different twist.
Q3: Can I freeze these danishes?
A3: Yes! Just assemble them and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q4: Can I make these without egg?
A4: Yes! If you’re avoiding eggs, you can skip the egg wash for the shiny finish. The danishes will still turn out flaky and delicious.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, or freeze them for later!
Q6: Can I make this recipe without puff pastry?
A6: Puff pastry is key to getting that flaky texture, but you can try using crescent roll dough if you don’t have puff pastry on hand.
Q7: How can I make these more festive?
A7: Add a drizzle of icing or sprinkle with a little cinnamon sugar before baking. You can also top them with sprinkles for a fun, colorful touch.
Q8: Can I double this recipe?
A8: Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches or on a larger baking sheet!
Q9: Can I add nuts to the filling?
A9: Definitely! Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and flavor that complements the creamy filling.
Q10: What should I serve with these danishes?
A10: Serve these with a hot drink, fresh fruit, or even a light egg dish like scrambled eggs or a quiche for a complete breakfast spread.
Conclusion
These Breakfast Cheese Danishes are the perfect way to start your day with a little indulgence. Buttery, flaky pastry filled with a creamy cheese mixture—it’s a simple breakfast that feels like a special treat. Whether you’re making them for yourself or for a crowd, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Breakfast Cheese Danish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This simple and delicious cheese Danish is made with flaky crescent rolls and a rich, creamy filling. Perfect for a quick breakfast, brunch, or sweet treat, it’s easy to prepare and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. #BreakfastDanish
Ingredients
Danish:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
- Layer the Dough: Unroll one pack of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching the seams together to seal.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer.
- Top with Dough: Unroll the second pack of crescent rolls and lay it on top of the cream cheese mixture. Lightly brush with the egg white.
- Bake: Bake for 35–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled Danish before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon over the cream cheese filling before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg