Crescent Cheese Danishes

Crescent Cheese Danishes are a simple yet satisfying treat you can whip up in no time. With just a few ingredients like crescent rolls, cream cheese, and sugar, you can create a flaky pastry that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Plus, they’re customizable with your favorite toppings. If you’re curious about how to make these delicious pastries and what makes them special, keep going to discover the details.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious treat, you’ll love this Crescent Cheese Danish recipe. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, using just crescent rolls and cream cheese, and you can whip it up in less than 45 minutes. Plus, each danish contains only 5 smartpoints per serving, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

You don’t need advanced cooking skills, making it perfect for holiday breakfasts or any time you want a sweet snack. You can customize your Danish with various toppings, like strawberry or blueberry preserves, allowing you to get creative.

The flaky crust pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling, and you can even glaze it for extra sweetness. Plus, it’s versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

History

Crescent Cheese Danishes have a fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century.

In 1850, a strike among Danish bakery workers led to the hiring of Austrian bakers who introduced their pastry recipes. These bakers brought the Viennese lamination technique, which Danish bakers adapted, increasing the egg and fat content to create the now-popular Danish pastry.

Curiously, these pastries were called “wienerbrød,” meaning Vienna bread, reflecting their origins. The yeast-leavened dough used in these pastries contributes to their distinctive flaky texture, making them a beloved treat around the world.

Similar to the croissant, which evolved from the Austrian kipferl, the Danish pastry showcases the interconnectedness of culinary traditions.

The lamination technique used in both pastries creates the flaky layers we love today, illustrating how recipes can transform and adapt over time while maintaining their cultural significance.

Recipe

Crescent Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that combines the flaky goodness of crescent rolls with a rich and creamy filling. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, these danishes aren’t only easy to prepare but also versatile. You can customize them with various flavors and toppings, guaranteeing that everyone will find their favorite version. Additionally, this recipe is inspired by a church friend’s recipe, making it a cherished favorite.

The process of making Crescent Cheese Danishes is simple and straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for both novice cooks and seasoned bakers. With a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can enjoy these delicious treats fresh from the oven. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, these danishes are sure to impress.

Ingredients:
– 2 cans (228 g each) of ready-to-use refrigerated crescent rolls
– 8 ounces (226 g) of softened cream cheese
– 1 cup (200 g) of granulated sugar
– 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
– 1 whole egg (for cream cheese mixture)
– 1 whole egg (for egg wash)
– 1 cup (130 g) of powdered sugar (for glaze)
– 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of milk (for glaze)
– 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of vanilla extract (for glaze)
– Optional toppings: fruit preserves, cinnamon sugar, lemon juice, and zest

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, 1 whole egg, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Unroll the crescent rolls and pinch the seams together to create a solid sheet of dough. Place half of the crescent roll dough in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll layer, spreading it evenly to cover the dough.
Place the remaining crescent roll dough on top of the cream cheese mixture, pinching the seams together for a cohesive top layer.
In a small bowl, whisk together the second whole egg. Brush the egg wash over the top of the danish to give it a nice golden color while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
While the danish is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Once baked, remove the danish from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before applying the glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled danish and add any desired toppings such as fruit preserves or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

For the best results, verify that the cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth filling. Don’t skip the cooling step, as it allows the filling to set properly, making slicing easier.

Feel free to experiment with different flavorings, such as adding lemon zest to the cream cheese for a fresh twist or incorporating fruit preserves either in the filling or as a topping. Enjoy your delicious Crescent Cheese Danishes!

Final Thoughts

Enjoying your freshly baked Crescent Cheese Danishes is just the beginning. These treats are incredibly versatile, perfect for casual breakfasts, brunches, or even as desserts. Each Danish packs about 230 calories, along with calcium and vitamins from the cream cheese, making it a decent addition to a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. You can customize them easily by using reduced-fat cream cheese or sugar-free preserves. Additionally, they have a high calorie density with 311 calories per 100g, so be mindful of portion sizes. For presentation, serve them warm on a platter with fresh fruit or a fruit salad. If you have leftovers, store them properly and reheat gently in the oven.

FAQ

What do you need to know about making Crescent Cheese Danishes? First, gather your essential ingredients: 8 oz of cream cheese, 2 tubes of crescent rolls, sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter.

Start by separating the crescent dough into 8 rectangles, sealing the perforations, and rolling each into a coil. This quick and easy pastry is ideal for breakfast or dessert.

For the filling, mix softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth. Place a tablespoon of filling on each coiled dough, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. You can store leftovers in the fridge and reheat them later.

Feel free to add flavors like jam or try different fruits for variety!