Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Rolls Recipe

Zesty Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Rolls Recipe

Lemon raspberry cream cheese Danish rolls sparkle with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Soft, flaky pastry envelops a luxurious filling that promises pure indulgence.

Delicate layers hint at complex textures waiting to unfold with each delectable bite.

Tangy citrus notes intertwine with sweet berry essence, creating a harmonious culinary symphony.

Elegant yet approachable, these rolls elevate traditional breakfast treats into something truly extraordinary.

Buttery pastry serves as the perfect canvas for creamy, bright ingredients that surprise and delight.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft these impressive pastries with confidence.

Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Rolls That Brighten the Day

  • Burst of Fruity Freshness: Tangy lemon zest and juicy raspberries combine to create a vibrant, bright flavor profile that dances on your taste buds with every bite.
  • Quick and Easy Bakery Magic: Transform simple crescent roll dough into bakery-style danish rolls in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous breakfast treats or last-minute desserts.
  • Creamy Indulgent Texture: Smooth cream cheese filling provides a luxurious, velvety texture that perfectly complements the flaky, golden-brown pastry, offering a decadent eating experience.
  • Stress-Free Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make these danish rolls a foolproof recipe that will impress family and friends without requiring advanced baking skills.

Ingredients for These Citrus and Berry-Stuffed Rolls

Pastry Base:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Convenient pre-made base for quick and easy pastry with soft, flaky texture.
Dairy Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Rich, tangy filling that provides creamy base for danish rolls.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and balances tartness.
Fruit and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Fresh Raspberries: Adds bright, juicy burst of flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Provides bright, citrusy notes that complement cream cheese and raspberries.
Icing:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk: Creates smooth, sweet glaze to drizzle over warm danish rolls.

How to Shape and Bake Lemon Raspberry Danish Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Line baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Set baking sheet aside

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

  • Grab medium mixing bowl
  • Combine softened cream cheese
  • Add sugar
  • Mix in lemon zest
  • Pour lemon juice
  • Blend until smooth and creamy
  • Gently fold fresh raspberries into mixture

Step 3: Assemble Danish Rolls

  • Unroll crescent roll dough
  • Spread cream cheese mixture evenly across dough
  • Leave 1/2-inch border around edges
  • Roll dough tightly from long edge into tube shape
  • Slice tube into 12 equal discs using serrated knife

Step 4: Arrange Danish Rolls

  • Position discs in slightly overlapping circular pattern
  • Place on prepared baking sheet

Step 5: Bake Golden Treats

  • Slide baking sheet into preheated oven
  • Bake 20-25 minutes
  • Watch for golden brown color

Step 6: Prepare Drizzle Icing

  • Mix powdered sugar
  • Add milk
  • Stir until smooth consistency

Step 7: Finish and Serve

  • Remove rolls from oven
  • Allow slight cooling
  • Drizzle icing over top
  • Serve warm and enjoy

Tips for a Flaky Exterior and Tangy Cream Cheese Center

  • Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Allow cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Prevent Raspberries from Bleeding: Gently pat fresh raspberries dry with a paper towel to minimize color bleeding into the cream cheese mixture.
  • Roll Dough Tightly: Use gentle, consistent pressure when rolling to create uniform, compact danish rolls that bake evenly.
  • Slice with Clean Precision: Wipe the serrated knife between cuts with a damp cloth to get clean, neat slices without crushing the dough.
  • Glaze for Gorgeous Shine: Drizzle icing while rolls are still slightly warm to create a beautiful, glossy finish that sets perfectly.

Save and Reheat Danish Rolls While Keeping Them Tender

  • Refrigerate: Seal danish rolls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Reheat in Oven: Warm rolls at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore original flaky texture. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
  • Microwave Option: Briefly heat for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to maintain pastry's delicate consistency.

Sips and Fruit Pairings That Shine with These Rolls

  • Brew Complementary Citrus Tea: Pair these danish rolls with a light, zesty Earl Grey or lemon-infused green tea that echoes the bright lemon notes in the pastry.
  • Select Creamy Champagne Partner: Enjoy a crisp, slightly sweet champagne or prosecco that complements the tangy cream cheese and cuts through the richness of the pastry.
  • Match with Fresh Berry Smoothie: Create a vibrant raspberry or mixed berry smoothie that enhances the fruity raspberry flavor and provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, buttery rolls.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm danish for a luxurious dessert experience that balances the citrus and berry flavors.

Filling Swaps to Add Variety to Your Next Bake

  • Berry Burst Delight: Swap raspberries with a mixed berry blend, using strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful and vibrant danish roll experience.
  • Tropical Sunshine Swirl: Replace lemon zest with orange zest and add shredded coconut to the cream cheese filling, creating a tropical-inspired pastry with bright, sunny flavors.
  • Chocolate Raspberry Fusion: Incorporate mini dark chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture and sprinkle cocoa powder on top of the icing for a rich, decadent variation that complements the tangy raspberries.
  • Almond Cream Dream: Fold chopped toasted almonds into the cream cheese filling and use almond extract instead of lemon juice, then garnish with sliced almonds before baking for extra crunch and nutty depth.
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Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Rolls Recipe

Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Rolls Recipe


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4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Lemon raspberry cream cheese danish rolls bring European bakery magic to home kitchens. Delicate pastry swirls filled with tangy cream cheese and zesty lemon complement sweet raspberry, offering you a luxurious breakfast treat that feels like a morning in Paris.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) tube Pillsbury crescent roll dough sheet
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup fresh raspberries

Filling Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Icing Ingredients:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons milk

Instructions

  1. Craft a velvety filling by whipping cream cheese with sugar, infusing it with bright lemon zest and tangy lemon juice until silky smooth.
  2. Gently incorporate fresh raspberries into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring delicate berries remain intact.
  3. Carefully unfurl the crescent roll dough on a clean surface, creating a rectangular canvas for the filling.
  4. Spread the luscious cream cheese and raspberry mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a narrow border to prevent spillage during rolling.
  5. Tightly roll the dough from the long edge, creating a cylindrical log filled with vibrant flavors.
  6. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the log into twelve uniform rounds, revealing swirled layers of cream cheese and raspberries.
  7. Arrange the rounds in a slightly overlapping circular pattern on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space for expansion.
  8. Heat the oven to 350°F and bake the danish rolls until they transform into golden, puffy pastries with crisp edges.
  9. While the rolls cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar and milk into a smooth, glossy icing.
  10. Drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls, allowing it to cascade and settle into the delicate pastry folds.

Notes

  • Quick and easy pastry treat that combines tangy lemon, sweet raspberries, and creamy cheese in every bite.
  • Crescent roll dough transforms into elegant danish rolls with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Ensure cream cheese is completely softened for smooth, lump-free filling that spreads effortlessly.
  • Cut rolls with a sharp serrated knife for clean, precise slices that maintain their shape during baking.
  • Arrange rolls slightly overlapping to create a stunning circular presentation that looks professionally made.
  • Drizzle icing while rolls are still warm for maximum absorption and glossy, appetizing appearance.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 330 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
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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