Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe

Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Cheese danishes change ordinary mornings into delightful culinary adventures.

These flaky pastries promise a symphony of rich, creamy textures that dance across your taste buds.

Buttery layers melt into soft, tangy cheese fillings, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence.

Each bite represents a delicate harmony between crisp, golden exterior and smooth inner essence.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike treasure these elegant breakfast treats for their simplistic yet sophisticated appeal.

The magic lies in understanding precise techniques that elevate simple ingredients into extraordinary morning delicacies.

Comfort and luxury intersect beautifully in this classic breakfast pastry that guarantees a smile with every heavenly forkful.

What Goes Into a Breakfast Cheese Danish

Base Layer:
  • Crescent Rolls: Soft, buttery dough that creates a flaky foundation for the danish, with convenient pre-made option from a can.
  • Coconut Oil: Light, versatile oil perfect for greasing the baking pan and providing a subtle hint of flavor.
Cream Cheese Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Rich, smooth base that gives the danish its classic tangy and creamy texture, best when softened at room temperature.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and balances the tanginess.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cream cheese.
  • Egg: Helps bind the filling and provides structure to the cream cheese mixture.
Topping and Glaze:
  • Egg White: Creates a beautiful golden sheen when brushed on top of the danish.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth egg wash and adds moisture to the glaze.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and creates a smooth, glossy glaze.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the glaze with a delicate, sweet flavor.

Simple Steps for Making a Cheese Danish

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with coconut oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Base Layer

Unroll first crescent roll can and gently press dough into pan, stretching to cover entire bottom surface completely.

Step 3: Prepare Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Egg

Mix until smooth and creamy consistency is achieved.

Step 4: Spread Cheese Mixture

Evenly distribute cream cheese filling across crescent roll base, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Add Top Layer

Carefully unroll second crescent roll can and place on top of cream cheese layer.

Step 6: Create Golden Finish

Whisk together egg white and milk, then brush mixture over top layer to create golden appearance.

Step 7: Bake Danish

Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes until top turns golden brown and edges look crispy.

Step 8: Cool and Rest

Remove from oven and let danish cool in pan for approximately 20 minutes.

Step 9: Prepare Sweet Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk

Blend until smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Drizzle glaze over cooled danish. Slice and serve at room temperature.

Tips to Bake a Fluffy Breakfast Danish

  • Seal the Edges Perfectly: Pinch the crescent roll seams together carefully to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
  • Check Doneness Strategically: Look for a deep golden-brown color on top and make sure the center is set before removing from the oven.
  • Chill Cream Cheese Wisely: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Glaze with Precision: Drizzle the glaze when the danish is completely cool to prevent it from melting and becoming runny.
  • Create Smooth Surface: Use a spatula to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly for a consistent texture in every bite.

How to Store and Heat Cheese Danish Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Wrap the cheese danish tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Reheat in Oven: Warm individual slices at 325°F for 8-10 minutes to restore the crispy texture and prevent sogginess. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
  • Microwave Option: Quickly reheat slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the pastry tough and compromise the delicate cream cheese filling.

Coffee and More to Serve with Breakfast Cheese Danish

  • Brew the Perfect Morning Coffee Companion: Pair this sweet, creamy danish with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that balances the pastry's sweetness and cuts through its richness with a smooth, slightly acidic profile.
  • Complement with Fruity Freshness: Serve alongside a bright mixed berry smoothie or fresh orange juice to add a tangy contrast and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy cheese danish.
  • Create a Breakfast Harmony: Enhance the danish experience with a side of light Greek yogurt topped with honey and chopped almonds, which adds a protein-packed, textural element that complements the soft, sweet pastry.
  • Elevate with Herbal Tea Pairing: Match the danish with a gentle chamomile or lavender tea, which offers a delicate, soothing backdrop that softens the pastry's richness and provides a calm start to your morning.

Flavor Options for Breakfast Cheese Danish

  • Berry Burst Danish: Replace cream cheese mixture with a blend of cream cheese and mixed berry compote for a fruity explosion. Sprinkle fresh berries on top before baking for extra color and flavor.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the cream cheese filling. Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cooled danish for added richness and texture.
  • Chocolate Swirl Edition: Mix melted chocolate into half of the cream cheese filling, creating a marbled effect. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between layers for intense chocolate lovers.
  • Savory Herb Breakfast Danish: Replace sugar with grated parmesan and add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cream cheese mixture. Top with cracked black pepper for a sophisticated breakfast option.

Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish That Hits the Spot

  • Effortless Morning Delight: Whip up this breakfast cheese danish with minimal effort, using ready-made crescent roll dough that transforms into a bakery-worthy treat in under an hour.
  • Creamy Texture Explosion: Experience the luxurious blend of smooth cream cheese filling nestled between layers of buttery, flaky pastry that melts in your mouth with each delightful bite.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, family brunches, or unexpected guests, this danish delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen time and simple ingredients everyone will love.
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Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe

Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Danish pastries from Scandinavia bring sweet morning magic to kitchen tables. Buttery, flaky layers cradle creamy cheese filling, offering delightful bites perfect for quick breakfasts or leisurely weekend mornings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 2 packages (8 ounces/226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 egg

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze and Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water (for egg wash)
  • ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 13×9-inch baking pan with a light coating of coconut oil.
  2. Carefully unroll the first crescent roll package and gently press the dough into the pan, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom surface.
  3. Create the creamy filling by blending cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Distribute the cream cheese mixture evenly across the crescent roll base, maintaining a smooth layer.
  5. Delicately unroll the second crescent roll package and layer it atop the cream cheese filling, covering the entire surface.
  6. Enhance the pastry’s appearance by applying a light egg wash, whisking together egg white and milk for a glossy finish.
  7. Position the danish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown coloration.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the pastry to rest and cool within the pan for approximately 20 minutes.
  9. Craft a smooth glaze by whisking powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
  10. Once cooled, drizzle or brush the glaze over the danish, creating an elegant, sweet finish before serving.

Notes

  • Elevate your breakfast game with this foolproof cheese danish that transforms simple crescent roll dough into a bakery-worthy treat.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for the smoothest, most luxurious filling that spreads like silk across the pastry base.
  • Golden brown perfection requires patience; let the danish cool slightly before glazing to prevent a runny, messy topping.
  • Customize your danish by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, lemon zest, or even a swirl of fruit preserves into the cream cheese mixture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, gently reheating in the oven to restore that fresh-baked texture.
  • Pro tip: Use a sharp knife to create clean, even cuts when serving, making each slice look as delicious as it tastes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Danish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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