There’s something extra magical about a breakfast pastry that looks as festive as it tastes, and this Candy Cane Danish is exactly that! Flaky, buttery pastry filled with a sweet, creamy filling and a touch of fruit—shaped like a candy cane for the perfect holiday vibe. Whether you’re serving this for Christmas morning, a holiday brunch, or just because you love a good pastry, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. Plus, it’s way easier to make than it looks! Trust me, once you try this, it might just become a new holiday tradition.
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Why You’ll Love Candy Cane Danish
This recipe is more than just a treat—it’s a celebration on a plate! Here’s why it’s a must-try:
Festive & Fun – The candy cane shape makes this perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s almost too pretty to eat (but trust me, you’ll want to!).
Easy to Make – Thanks to store-bought puff pastry or crescent dough, this comes together with minimal effort but maximum impact.
Crowd-Pleasing – Who can resist a warm, flaky pastry filled with creamy goodness? This is a hit with both kids and adults.
Customizable – Love a fruity twist? Use raspberry, strawberry, or even cherry preserves. Prefer a chocolate version? Swap in chocolate chips for an indulgent treat.
Great for Gifting – Make one (or two!) and wrap them up for a homemade holiday gift that will impress everyone.
Ingredients
Making this deliciously festive danish is simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
Puff Pastry or Crescent Dough – The foundation of this pastry, giving it that perfect flaky texture.
Cream Cheese – The creamy, rich base for the filling that makes every bite irresistible.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling without being overpowering.
Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture.
Fruit Preserves – Raspberry, strawberry, or cherry jam work beautifully to add a pop of color and tangy sweetness.
Egg Wash – Helps give the pastry that gorgeous golden brown finish.
White Chocolate or Icing – For drizzling on top to give it that perfect bakery-style touch.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Follow these steps to create this festive treat:
1. Preheat Your Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your pastry is assembled.
2. Prepare the Dough – Roll out your puff pastry or crescent dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Make the Filling – In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Assemble the Pastry – Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the dough, leaving space on the sides. Spoon fruit preserves on top for that delicious fruity contrast.
5. Shape It – Cut strips along the sides of the dough, then gently fold them over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided effect. Shape the entire pastry into a candy cane curve.
6. Apply Egg Wash – Brush the top of the pastry with a beaten egg to get that golden-brown finish.
7. Bake – Bake for about 18-22 minutes or until golden and flaky.
8. Let It Cool & Decorate – Once slightly cooled, drizzle with white chocolate or icing for the final festive touch.
9. Serve & Enjoy! – Slice and serve warm—everyone will love it!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: 280
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Candy Cane Danish
This danish is best served warm, fresh from the oven. Here are a few ways to make it even more special:
With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar – A light sprinkle makes it look extra fancy and adds the perfect sweetness.
Paired with Coffee or Hot Cocoa – A warm pastry with a hot drink? Perfection.
As a Holiday Centerpiece – Place it on a festive platter and watch as everyone gathers around for a slice.
Topped with Fresh Berries – Adds a burst of fresh flavor and enhances the fruity filling.
Additional Tips
Use Cold Dough – Keeping the dough cold before baking helps it stay flaky and crisp.
Experiment with Fillings – Try Nutella, cinnamon sugar, or even lemon curd for a fun twist.
Make It Ahead – Assemble the pastry the night before, then bake fresh in the morning.
Store Leftovers Properly – Keep in an airtight container at room temp for a day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat Gently – Warm it in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to bring back the crispness.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?
A1: Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade pastry dough recipe, feel free to use it.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble the danish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
Q3: How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
A3: Don’t overfill it with jam, and make sure to bake until golden brown to avoid sogginess.
Q4: Can I freeze this pastry?
A4: Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to crisp it up.
Q5: What other fillings can I use?
A5: Nutella, apple pie filling, lemon curd, or a cinnamon-sugar mix are all delicious options.
Q6: Can I use frozen puff pastry?
A6: Yes! Just make sure to thaw it according to package instructions before using.
Q7: How do I get the best golden brown crust?
A7: The egg wash is key! Brushing it on before baking helps achieve that golden, bakery-style finish.
Q8: Can I make this in different shapes?
A8: Definitely! You can make mini braids, a traditional Danish braid, or even holiday tree shapes.
Q9: What icing should I use?
A9: A simple powdered sugar glaze works great—just mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla.
Q10: How do I make the candy cane shape stay in place?
A10: Gently curve the pastry on the baking sheet before baking, and it will hold its shape as it bakes.
Conclusion
This Candy Cane Danish is everything you want in a holiday treat—flaky, creamy, sweet, and stunning on the table! Whether you’re making it for a special breakfast, a festive dessert, or just because, it’s sure to bring a little extra joy to your day. So go ahead, bake it up, and watch as it disappears in no time!
Print
Candy Cane Danish
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Candy Cane Danish is a festive and delicious treat filled with strawberries and cream cheese. Perfect for celebrating the holidays, it’s easy to make and sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls (8 count)
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Unroll the crescent rolls into 8 triangles and cut each triangle in half lengthwise. Arrange the crescent roll triangles slightly to the left of the center of the baking sheet, ensuring the point of each triangle is on the right. Overlap the left edges of each triangle by about 1 inch and pinch the edges together to seal.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture along the middle of the crescent dough, leaving about ½ inch on each edge.
- Add the strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese mixture and spread evenly. Top with chopped strawberries.
- Fold the tops of the dough over the filling and pinch the dough edges together to enclose the filling. Gently lift the top of the dough and curve it to the right to form a candy cane shape.
- Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
- To make the glaze, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and milk. Set aside.
- Once the candy cane is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with the glaze and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra festive flair, you can garnish with extra chopped strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- You can also make the glaze a little thicker by using less milk for a thicker drizzle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg