Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This breakfast treat is the ideal balance of flaky, creamy, and sweet. Using refrigerated crescent rolls makes the base quick and easy, while the cream cheese filling adds that rich, smooth flavor everyone loves. The sweet glaze on top brings everything together perfectly, creating a breakfast pastry that feels indulgent without being complicated. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch.
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat & Prepare the Pan:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan. - Make the Base Layer:
Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the prepared pan, pinching the seams together to form a smooth, even layer. - Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the crescent roll base. - Add the Top Layer:
Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and place it over the cream cheese mixture. Pinch the seams together to seal. Brush the top layer with the egg white for a glossy finish. - Bake:
Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let cool for 20 minutes. - Prepare the Glaze:
While the Danish is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Drizzle & Serve:
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Danish. Slice and serve!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 35-45 minutes
- Cooling time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Topping: Add some fresh berries (like strawberries or raspberries) on top of the glaze for added flavor and color.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the glaze for a crunchy texture.
- Flavored Cream Cheese: Mix in a little lemon zest or almond extract to the cream cheese filling for a subtle twist in flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of dough instead of crescent rolls?
You can use puff pastry or even a pie crust as an alternative, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the danish the night before, refrigerate it (before baking), and bake it fresh in the morning.
3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, though the flavor and texture may not be as rich as the full-fat version.
4. Can I freeze this breakfast cheese danish?
Yes, you can freeze the entire Danish (before glazing) for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
5. How can I make this danish even sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter treat, increase the sugar in the cream cheese filling by 2-3 tablespoons.
6. Can I use a different flavor of extract for the glaze?
Yes, you can try almond extract or lemon extract in the glaze for a unique twist.
7. Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You could try using plant-based cream cheese and egg substitutes, such as flax eggs, for a vegan-friendly version.
8. Can I use a different type of glaze?
Yes, you could make a lemon glaze or a simple icing made with powdered sugar and milk.
9. How do I prevent the bottom from getting soggy?
Be sure to pinch the seams of the crescent rolls together well, and bake long enough until the dough is golden brown and crisp.
10. Can I make this recipe into individual danishes?
Yes, you can divide the dough into individual servings by cutting the crescent rolls into smaller pieces and layering them with cream cheese mixture before baking.
Conclusion
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is an irresistible, simple treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious, creamy, and sweet pastry that feels like a special indulgence. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it as a treat on a quiet morning, this breakfast danish is sure to be a hit!

Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a delightful, quick-to-make treat featuring a buttery crescent roll base, a rich cream cheese filling, and a sweet glaze on top. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch, it combines flaky, creamy, and sweet flavors into a satisfying breakfast pastry. Enjoy this simple indulgence without any fuss!
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prepare the Pan:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan. -
Make the Base Layer:
Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the prepared pan, pinching the seams together to form a smooth, even layer. -
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the crescent roll base. -
Add the Top Layer:
Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and place it over the cream cheese mixture. Pinch the seams together to seal. Brush the top layer with the egg white for a glossy finish. -
Bake:
Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let cool for 20 minutes. -
Prepare the Glaze:
While the Danish is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. -
Drizzle & Serve:
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Danish. Slice and serve!
Notes
- Add fruit: Top with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing twist.
- Nutty variation: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the glaze for a crunchy finish.
- Flavor change: Mix lemon zest or almond extract into the cream cheese filling for a new flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American