Cherry Cheese Danish For A Crowd
Light, buttery crescents swirled with sweet cream cheese and juicy cherries make a crowd‑pleasing snack that’s both festive and easy to share.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly butter a 15½" x 10½" cookie sheet.
- Mix cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla.
- Press one tube of crescent rolls onto the cookie sheet to form a crust.
- Bake for 4 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool slightly.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough.
- Scatter cherry pie filling evenly over the cheese layer.
- Unroll the remaining crescent roll tube, separate into 8 triangles, and arrange on top, leaving some gaps.
- Brush the uncovered crescents with beaten egg yolk for a glossy finish.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you want to try a different fruit, consider substituting the cherry pie filling with blueberry or peach. You can also add a pinch of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a zesty twist. If you're short on time, pre-made pastry dough can be used instead of crescent rolls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cherry Cheese Danish warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch option. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be complemented with Aloha Bars for a sweet spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual pieces on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes, until heated through and the crust is crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Cheese Danish For A Crowd contains roughly 405 calories, with 6g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Cherry Cheese Danish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture and assemble the danish a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What if I don't have crescent roll dough?
If you don't have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry as an alternative. Simply roll it out to fit your baking sheet and follow the same instructions. Puff pastry will give you a flakier texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.
Can I freeze the Cherry Cheese Danish?
Yes, you can freeze the baked Cherry Cheese Danish. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).