Ingredients:
- 1 can of crescent rolls (8-count)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- Fresh fruit of your choice (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix!)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you’re assembling your danishes. - Prepare the Crescent Rolls:
Open the can of crescent rolls and lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press the edges of the rolls together to form rectangles (instead of the usual triangles), and fold the outer edges slightly to create a little barrier, forming a « rim » around the dough. This will help contain the cream cheese filling. - Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend everything together until smooth and creamy. If you like a sweeter filling, feel free to add a bit more sugar to taste! - Assemble the Danish:
Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center of each dough rectangle. You can spread it out evenly, but be sure to leave a bit of space on the edges for the dough to rise without overflowing. - Add the Fruit:
Top each danish with your fruit of choice. If using berries, feel free to scatter them on top, or slice larger fruits (like strawberries or peaches) before arranging them. The fruit adds a burst of freshness and color, plus a nice contrast to the creamy filling. - Sprinkle with Sugar:
Lightly sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the top of the fruit for a touch of sweetness and an extra golden finish when baked. - Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden and the cream cheese filling is slightly set. Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don’t over-brown. - Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are great warm, but they’ll also hold up well if you need to store them for later.
Benefits of This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or when you want a quick dessert. It takes just a few ingredients and minimal time to prepare.
- Customizable: You can swap out the cream cheese for mascarpone, ricotta, or even a dairy-free alternative, and choose any fruit that’s in season or that you prefer.
- Affordable: For less than $10 (depending on what fruit you choose), you get a homemade pastry that tastes like it came from a bakery!
- Versatile: While this recipe is fantastic for breakfast or dessert, you can serve it as a snack, brunch treat, or even bring it to a potluck or gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and assemble the danishes the night before. Just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate them. The next morning, pop them in the oven and bake as directed.
Q: What fruits work best?
A: Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) are excellent, but feel free to get creative! Sliced peaches, apples (pre-cooked for extra softness), or even a mix of fruits work great. Try pairing fruits that have a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Q: Can I use a different dough instead of crescent rolls?
A: Yes! You can use puff pastry if you want a flakier texture, or even biscuit dough if you’re after a slightly thicker base. Just keep an eye on the baking time as different doughs may cook a little faster or slower.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Yes! Once baked, you can freeze these danishes. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can substitute the cream cheese for dairy-free cream cheese or a coconut-based alternative. For the dough, make sure you’re using a dairy-free crescent roll (many store-bought brands now offer dairy-free options). And top with fruits like mango or berries for a delicious dairy-free treat.
Final Thoughts:
This easy cream cheese danish recipe proves that you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to create a sweet, indulgent treat. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or a dessert, you’ll love how customizable it is—and how quickly it comes together! Enjoy your homemade pastries! 🍓🍏🫐