If you’re on the hunt for a lightning-fast, bakery-style treat that’ll turn an ordinary morning into something spectacular, look no further than Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes. This recipe is pure magic: golden, flaky pastry cradling a silky-sweet cream cheese filling, all finished with a dreamy vanilla glaze. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to spoil yourself, these danishes are the ultimate shortcut to pastry perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes so wonderful is their simplicity—each ingredient pulls its weight, creating the lush textures and flavors that make these danishes irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for getting the very best results.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz can): This is your shortcut to buttery, flaky pastry without any fuss—just unroll and you’re halfway to fresh danishes!
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The star of the filling, cream cheese should be room temperature so it whips up smooth and luscious.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the creamy filling.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the cheese mixture with classic, comforting flavor; don’t skip it.
- Lemon juice (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A tiny splash brightens everything up—highly recommended if you love a subtle tang.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): For that silky glaze that makes each bite extra special.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Helps thin out the glaze so it drizzles beautifully over your danishes.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon, for glaze): Rounds out the glaze with a hint of warmth and sweetness.
How to Make Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only keeps the danishes from sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze—always a win in my book!
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and (if you’re using it) lemon juice. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps in sight. This is the velvety heart of your Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes, so take a moment to taste and adjust if needed.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and gently separate it into four rectangles. If you see any seams, press them together with your fingers to seal. Next, cut each rectangle in half to create eight squares total. Fold the edges of each square slightly inward to form a border—this will help cradle the luscious filling as the danishes bake.
Step 4: Fill and Shape
Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each dough square. Don’t be shy here! The border you made earlier will hold everything in place, so pile on that creamy goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your filled danishes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and beautifully golden brown. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
While your danishes cool for a few minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a simple glaze. Drizzle it generously over the warm Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes, and get ready for that irresistible glossy finish. Serve warm for maximum deliciousness.
How to Serve Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes
Garnishes
A simple glaze is classic, but for extra flair, try a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries on top. You could also add a little lemon zest for brightness, or a tiny mint leaf for elegance—these little touches make each danish feel stunningly special.
Side Dishes
Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes are wonderful with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For brunch, pair them with fresh fruit, a light yogurt parfait, or even a savory egg dish to balance out the sweetness. They’re so versatile that they fit right in with any breakfast or dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to have fun with presentation! Try arranging the danishes in a circle on a pretty platter or stacking them on a tiered cake stand for a truly eye-catching display. If you’re feeling playful, drizzle a contrasting berry sauce over the glaze or tuck a tiny flag into each one for parties and showers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any danishes left over (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The pastry will stay soft and the filling creamy, making them just as tempting the next morning.
Freezing
To freeze Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes, let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, reheat danishes in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back the flaky texture and warms the filling just enough. A quick zap in the microwave works too, although the pastry won’t be as crisp.
FAQs
Can I add fruit to Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes?
Absolutely! Just add a small spoonful of your favorite jam or fruit preserves on top of the cream cheese filling before baking. Raspberry, blueberry, or apricot are all delicious options that add a colorful, tangy twist.
What if I don’t have lemon juice?
No worries—lemon juice is optional, but it does brighten the flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, simply leave it out, or try a tiny splash of orange juice for a similar effect.
Can I make Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them (unbaked) for a few hours before baking. Just bring them back to room temperature while the oven preheats and bake as directed for the freshest results.
How do I keep the crescent dough from unrolling during baking?
Press the seams of the dough rectangles firmly together before cutting and shaping them. Folding the edges in to create a border also helps keep everything neat and contained as they bake.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk to make these danishes suitable for a dairy-free diet. The results are still wonderfully creamy and satisfying!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a treat that’s as effortless as it is delightful, Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes are the answer. They’re the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s for a cozy breakfast, a last-minute dessert, or a little pick-me-up in the middle of the day. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
Print
Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 danishes 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crescent Roll Can Cheese Danishes are a quick and easy treat made with refrigerated crescent roll dough and a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they are golden, flaky, and topped with a simple vanilla glaze that enhances their rich flavor. Ready in just 22 minutes, they’re a delightful homemade pastry without the fuss.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Cut Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 4 rectangles. If necessary, press the seams together to seal them. Then cut each rectangle in half, creating 8 equal squares.
- Form Borders: Gently fold the edges of each square slightly inward to create a raised border around the center to hold the filling while baking.
- Assemble Danishes: Place about 1 tablespoon of the prepared cream cheese filling into the center of each square, spreading slightly but keeping inside the border.
- Bake: Arrange the danishes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puffed.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool just enough to handle but remain warm.
- Make Glaze: In a separate small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable to form the glaze.
- Glaze Danishes: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm danishes using a spoon or piping method for an attractive finish.
- Serve: Serve warm for best flavor and texture. Enjoy these delightful treats fresh out of the oven!
Notes
- For a fruity twist, add a small spoonful of your favorite jam or fruit preserves on top of the cream cheese filling before baking.
- These danishes are best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes to bring back warmth and crispness.
- Optionally, lemon juice in the filling brightens flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
