Crescent Cheese Danishes – Get ready for a treat that’s both creamy and crispy in every bite. Our Crescent Cheese Danishes not only promise a sweet symphony of flavors but also the sheer joy of preparing them right in your own kitchen. With main ingredients like prepared crescent roll dough, cream cheese, lemon juice, and a hint of vanilla, it’s no wonder these delightful pastries have become a cherished delicacy in American cuisine.
I remember the first time I whipped up these heavenly Crescent Cheese Danishes. The kitchen filled with an intoxicating aroma as they baked, making my husband and our little one grow impatient with every passing minute. When they finally emerged from the oven, golden brown and glazed to perfection, the first bite transported us to our own sweet paradise. From that day onward, the Danishes have been a recurrent request, accompanying our Sunday brunches and mid-week indulgences.
What makes this Crescent Cheese Danishes truly special?
What makes our Crescent Cheese Danishes special? Well, aside from the undeniably delightful cream cheese filling enveloped by the buttery crescent dough, it’s the ease and speed of preparation. Ready in just 30 minutes, these Danishes are perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Not to mention, the option to top with your choice of fruits allows you to add a personal touch to this already irresistible recipe.
What You Need To Make This Crescent Cheese Danishes Recipe?
Prepared Crescent Roll Dough: For our recipe, we’ll need some prepared crescent roll dough. You can easily find this at grocery stores, which saves you the hassle of making the dough from scratch. The dough is what gives our Danishes their signature tender texture.
Cream Cheese: Next we’ll use cream cheese at room temperature for a creamy filling. Its rich and tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the sugar making it a crucial ingredient in our Danishes.
Unsalted Butter: We’ll also need some unsalted butter, melted and mixed with sugar to be brushed over the slices of dough. Using butter allows us to control the sodium level in our dessert while preventing it from becoming too salty.
Lemon Juice: To add a tanginess that balances out the sweetness, we’ll use a teaspoon of lemon juice. It adds depth to the flavor profile of your Danishes.
Light Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is another key ingredient as it has a less refined texture with traces of molasses giving it a moist and clumpy consistency along with a caramel-like flavor. In this recipe we’ll mix it with melted butter to create a glaze for the dough, enhancing its taste and giving it a color.
Granulated White Sugar: Lastly we will use granulated sugar which’s your everyday standard sugar.
In our recipe, we mix it with cream cheese to add a touch of sweetness to our filling. The tiny crystals ensure that it blends perfectly into the mixture.
Vanilla Extract: For a sweet aroma just a teaspoon of vanilla extract is used in the Danishes. It complements the tang of the cream cheese and the richness of the butter. It’s always best to opt for vanilla extract, for flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners sugar is used for the glaze because of its texture, which guarantees a lump-free mixture. It provides a foundation for the glaze.
Milk: Milk is added to thin out the glaze and achieve the desired consistency for drizzling. Adjust the quantity according to your preference, for thickness.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract also contributes to the flavor of the glaze enhancing the taste of these delicious Danishes.
Steps To Make Crescent Cheese Danishes:
Step 1: To begin preheat your oven to a temperature of 350°F setting the stage for the baking process ahead.
Step 2: Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with a piece of parchment paper. This will ensure that your Danishes do not stick!
Step 3: Now take out the tubes of crescent roll dough. There is no need to unroll them at this point; simply set them aside.
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Step 4: In a bowl create a delightful mixture by combining cream cheese, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Stir until all the ingredients are perfectly blended together.
Step 5: Let’s return to the dough now! Using a knife cut slices of about 1/2″ to 3/4″ in thickness. Place these slices on the baking trays that are covered with parchment paper. Using your fingers gently build a raised edge on each dough slice creating a nest for the filling.
Step 6: In a bowl combine melted butter with brown sugar and give it a quick mix until well combined.
Step 7: Brush this buttery mixture onto each of the dough slices.
Step 8: Now comes the time to add your creamy filling! Spoon equal amounts onto each slice.
Step 9: Place the tray in the oven. Allow them to bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until they achieve a lovely golden brown color.
Step 10: While the pastries are in the oven get the glaze ready by mixing sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until you achieve a smooth texture.
Step 11: After baking allow the Danishes to cool off a bit before drizzling the glaze over each pastry.
Step 12: Now comes the exciting part! You can keep the Danishes as they are or add some fruits on top. Either way, they will surely be absolutely delicious. Savor these delightful homemade Crescent Cheese Danishes!
Tip:
For a gourmet experience consider incorporating a subtle touch of citrus zest into the cream cheese mixture. The vibrant essence of lemon or orange can enhance the complexity and brightness of your Crescent Cheese Danishes perfectly complementing the richness of the cheese and the delectable sweetness of the pastry. Moreover, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can infuse these pastries with a comforting warmth and irresistible aroma. It’s worth remembering that baking is, about exploration and personalization allowing you to make a recipe yours!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the cheese filling in advance?
Absolutely! You have the option to prepare the cheese filling a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a mix before using it.
What kind of fruit can I use as a topping?
Feel free to choose any fruit you prefer! Berries, sliced peaches, or even a zesty citrus-like lemon would all make amazing choices.
How should I store leftover Danishes?
To ensure freshness store any leftover Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for up to a week. Before serving gently reheat them.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Crescent Cheese Danishes
Ingredients
- 2 packs of ready-made crescent roll dough
- 8 oz of room temperature cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of white sugar granulated
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoons of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Let the baking fun begin! Preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F, because it's about to get delicious in here!
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. It's the trusty sidekick that ensures your Danishes slide off the sheet like a dream!
- Bring out the stars of the show - your tubes of crescent roll dough. No need to unroll, they're perfect just the way they are.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Mix until your ingredients are partying together in perfect harmony.
- Slice it Nice. Using a sharp knife, carve your dough into 1/2” to 3/4” thick slices. Arrange these dough disks on your lined baking trays.
- With gentle fingers, shape a cozy little nest on each slice. This will cradle your delicious filling.
- Melted butter and light brown sugar join forces in a small bowl. Brush this golden concoction onto each slice for that extra flavor kick!
- Filling Fiesta. Time to fill those nests! Spoon even amounts of your creamy filling onto each slice.
- Let your creations bake in the oven for 15-17 minutes, until they're blushing golden brown.
- While the Danishes are baking, make your glaze by combining powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Stir until it's smooth and drizzle-ready.
- Once your Danishes are cooled a bit, have fun drizzling the glaze all over each one. There's no such thing as too much glaze!
- Jazz up your Danish with a fruit topping of your choice, or let it shine in its original glory. Either way, it's ready to be savored and enjoyed. Happy baking!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
