Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Start Your Day Right
Kick off your morning with a delightful treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish combines the flaky goodness of crescent rolls with a creamy cheese filling, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or just to brighten a regular morning, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Danish:
- 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls: The flaky base of your danish.
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese: Rich and creamy filling.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the filling.
- 1 egg white: For brushing the top layer to achieve a golden finish.
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Creates the perfect consistency.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Base:
- Lay Crescent Rolls: Unroll one pack of crescent rolls and lay it flat in the prepared pan. Pinch together any seams to form a continuous layer.
Create the Filling:
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly over the base layer of crescent rolls.
Add the Top Layer:
- Lay Second Pack: Carefully stretch the second pack of crescent rolls over the filling. Brush with lightly beaten egg white for a golden finish upon baking.
Bake:
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
Glaze and Serve:
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the danish to cool for about 20 minutes before drizzling with glaze. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze, then pour over the cooled danish.
Kitchen Notes
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and a sugar substitute like Splenda. This recipe is versatile, allowing adjustments to the filling according to taste. Halving the filling ingredients reduces richness if preferred; adjust baking time accordingly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish brings a touch of homemade bakery luxury to your breakfast table without complicated baking skills. Whether for a special breakfast, holiday brunch, or a delicious start to your weekend, it’s bound to become a favorite. The key lies in the golden, flaky crust paired with the creamy, sweet filling, all enhanced by a hint of vanilla from the glaze.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips:
- Best Served Warm: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes if cooled. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry crisp.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Enhance with fresh fruit like berries or sliced peaches, and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: Complement the sweetness with a hot cup of coffee or tea for balance.
Storage Tips:
- Cool Completely: Allow to cool before storing to prevent sogginess.
- Refrigerate Properly: Store leftovers in the fridge, covered loosely or in an airtight container, for up to 3-5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to revive flakiness.
FAQs
- Can I use homemade pastry dough instead of refrigerated crescent rolls? Yes, homemade pastry dough can add a personal touch. Ensure it’s rolled thinly to mimic crescent rolls. Adjust baking time as needed.
- How can I prevent the cheese filling from becoming too runny? Beat ingredients until smooth and use full-fat cream cheese for thickness. Let the danish cool for 20 minutes after baking to set the filling.
- Is it possible to prepare this cheese danish ahead of time? Yes, assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning or bake, cool, and reheat before serving.
- Can I add or substitute ingredients in the filling for different flavors? Absolutely! Customize with fruit preserves, lemon zest, or almond extract. Consider nuts or chocolate chips, mindful of moisture content.
Conclusion
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this exquisite Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish and start your day on a deliciously high note. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to everyone who tastes it. Happy baking!
