There’s something about starting a weekend morning with a warm, flaky pastry that feels downright magical, and this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is the ultimate treat for those days when you crave bakery-level deliciousness without the fuss. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a luscious, cream cheese-filled danish that’s golden on the outside and decadently creamy inside. Whether you’re hosting brunch or making an ordinary morning feel special, this recipe brings together the comfort of a classic cheese danish with the ease of crescent roll dough, making it a joyful staple for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is how each ingredient plays an important role. Every component is simple and familiar, but together, they create a pastry that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
- Crescent roll dough: The shortcut hero of this recipe, giving you perfectly flaky layers without any kneading or rolling.
- Cream cheese (softened): Delivers the rich, creamy filling that makes every bite irresistibly smooth.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough to complement the tangy cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that really brings the filling to life.
- Large egg (room temperature): Helps bind the filling together, making it extra silky.
- Lemon juice (optional): A splash of brightness that cuts through the richness—highly recommended if you love a hint of citrus.
- Powdered sugar: The star of the sweet glaze that finishes your danish with a bakery-worthy touch.
- Milk: Just a few teaspoons to create the perfect drizzly glaze for the top.
How to Make Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep the danish from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step ensures your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish will lift out in perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Create the Flaky Base
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and lay it flat in the bottom of your prepared dish. Pinch any seams together gently with your fingers to make a solid, even layer. This will form the buttery, golden foundation for your luscious filling.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, egg, and (if you’re using it) lemon juice. Beat everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! This dreamy filling is what sets your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish apart.
Step 4: Assemble the Danish
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll base, taking care to reach all the edges. For a fun twist, you can add a few spoonfuls of your favorite jam or pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer at this point. Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the filling, gently pinching the seams to seal.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your assembled danish into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is puffed and beautifully golden. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make everyone eager for breakfast! Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10–15 minutes so the filling sets just right.
Step 6: Glaze and Slice
While the danish cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until you have a silky-smooth glaze. Drizzle it generously over the top, then slice your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish into squares. Serve them warm for maximum gooeyness or at room temperature for a firmer bite.
How to Serve Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Garnishes
For that beautiful bakery look, dust a little extra powdered sugar over the top, or add fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness. A sprig of mint or a few lemon zest curls can also make each piece look (and taste) even more special.
Side Dishes
This danish is wonderfully rich, so pair it with simple sides like fresh fruit salad, Greek yogurt, or scrambled eggs to round out your breakfast table. If you’re in a celebratory mood, a hot cup of coffee or a mimosa elevates the experience even more.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, arrange the squares on a pretty platter lined with parchment and scatter some sliced strawberries or blueberries around the edges. For brunch parties, cut the danish into smaller, bite-size pieces and skewer with toothpicks for a fun, grab-and-go option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them a tempting snack any time of day.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead or save some for later, simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked flavor, warm leftover danish in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds per piece, or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes. The glaze will soften and the pastry will become perfectly tender again.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works well in the filling and will still give you a deliciously creamy texture, though it may be slightly less rich than the classic version.
Is it possible to make this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap in gluten-free crescent roll dough if you have access to it. Just follow the same steps and keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free doughs sometimes brown a bit faster.
Can I add fruit directly into the filling?
Definitely! Swirl in a few spoonfuls of your favorite jam, pie filling, or even fresh berries on top of the cream cheese layer before adding the top dough for a fruity twist.
What’s the best way to keep the crescent roll dough from sticking?
Lightly greasing your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray will do the trick. You can also use a sheet of parchment paper for even easier removal and cleanup.
Can I prepare the Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the danish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake it fresh in the morning, add the glaze, and enjoy a stress-free start to your day!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch treat that’s as easy as it is scrumptious, this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is about to become your new go-to recipe. Don’t be surprised if it disappears in minutes—so go ahead, give it a try, and make your mornings a little sweeter!
Print
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish recipe combines flaky crescent roll dough with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling, finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for brunch or a sweet breakfast treat, this recipe is quick to prepare and delivers a bakery-style pastry without the fuss.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare bottom layer: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to pinch the seams together to create a sealed base.
- Make cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, egg, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy, without lumps.
- Assemble filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pressed crescent roll dough in the baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Add top dough: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and gently place it over the cream cheese filling. Press the seams together to seal the filling inside.
- Bake: Bake the assembled Danish in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the Danish from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes on a wire rack to set the filling slightly.
- Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 teaspoons of milk until smooth to create a simple glaze.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled Danish. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a fruity twist, add 2–3 tablespoons of your favorite jam or pie filling (such as raspberry or cherry) on top of the cream cheese layer before adding the top dough.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat slightly before serving for the best taste and texture.
- You can substitute lemon juice with orange juice for a different citrus flavor.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
