Imagine biting into a warm, flaky danish with a luscious cream cheese filling and sweet vanilla glaze—all made fresh in your own kitchen in under an hour. Sounds dreamy? That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish.

Using refrigerated crescent roll dough and a rich, cheesecake-style filling, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a pastry shop classic. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or just need something sweet to go with your coffee, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Cheese Danish

✅ Made with simple ingredients
✅ Quick prep using crescent rolls
✅ Rich, creamy center like cheesecake
✅ Golden, buttery layers with no fuss
✅ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert

🛒 Ingredients – Pantry Staples with Bakery Results

This cheese danish uses convenient store-bought dough but delivers homemade flavor. Here’s what you need:

For the Danish:

2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg white (for brushing)

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

📝 Tip: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes for easy blending.

👩‍🍳 Method – Easy as Layer, Mix, Bake

Let’s walk through the process to make this bakery-style treat right at home:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Create the Base

Unroll one can of crescent rolls and lay it in the baking dish.
Press the seams together to form a single crust layer. Make sure to stretch it evenly across the pan.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, beat together:

2 packages of cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg

Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Spread the mixture evenly over the crescent roll base.

Step 4: Add the Top Layer

Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and place it over the cream cheese mixture.
Again, pinch together seams to seal.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Brush the top of the crescent dough with the egg white.
This helps create a golden, glossy finish.

Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Let the danish cool for at least 20 minutes before glazing.

In a small bowl, mix:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Drizzle the glaze generously over the danish before slicing and serving.

🕒 Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Bake Time: 35–45 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Yields: 12 squares
Skill Level: Easy

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with:

A hot cup of coffee or chai
A side of fresh fruit or berries
A dollop of whipped cream
As part of a brunch spread with eggs and bacon

It also makes a fantastic holiday breakfast or “wow” moment at a baby or bridal shower.

🔁 Variations and Add-Ons

You can customize this danish with any of the following:

Fruit preserves or jam (swirl into the cream cheese layer before adding the top crust)
Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries
Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling
Almond extract in place of vanilla for a nutty twist
Chopped nuts or streusel topping for extra texture

🍓 Strawberry cream cheese danish is a favorite—just add a few spoonfuls of jam under the top crust!

🧊 Storage Tips

This danish stores beautifully, so feel free to make it ahead.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for a warm treat
Freeze the fully baked (unglazed) danish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.

💬 Real Baker Reviews

“Tastes like it came from a bakery! I make this every weekend now.”
— Erica G.

“Added blueberry jam under the top crust—perfection!”
— Lana R.

“Easy enough for a weekday breakfast but impressive enough for brunch guests.”
— Tommy L.

📌 Final Thoughts – A Danish You’ll Make Again and Again

This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a flaky, creamy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want to indulge in something warm and comforting. With just a few ingredients and a simple method, you’ll have a decadent pastry that tastes like it came straight from a bakery case.

Ready to impress your family and guests with something effortless yet elegant? This danish is your new go-to recipe.

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