Easy Cherry Cheese Danish
A delightful and easy-to-make cherry cheese Danish featuring a creamy cheese filling topped with sweet cherry pie filling and a golden crescent roll crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it offers a blend of rich, fruity, and flaky textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Combine and cream together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Butter a jelly roll pan.
- Pat one package of crescent rolls into the bottom and a little up the sides of the pan.
- Bake for 4 minutes to set.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly on top.
- Spread the cherry pie filling over the cheese layer.
- Stretch the remaining crescent roll and lay it on top of the filling.
- It will not completely cover the filling.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- When cool, sift powdered sugar on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries for a more natural flavor. If you want to add a hint of spice, consider mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese mixture. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to explore other fruit fillings or add a layer of almond extract for depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Cherry Cheese Danish as a delightful breakfast or brunch item, pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It also makes for a fantastic dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad. This dish pairs beautifully with Traditional Christmas Fudge for a festive treat.
Storage & Reheating
After it cools, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain its flaky texture. Enjoy it warm for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cherry Cheese Danish contains roughly 328 calories, with 6g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (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 use a different type of fruit filling?
Absolutely! While cherry is classic, you can replace it with blueberry, apple, or even a mixed berry filling. Just ensure the fruit is well-drained if using canned options to avoid excess moisture that could make the Danish soggy.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crescent roll dough available at most grocery stores. Just ensure that all other ingredients, such as the cream cheese and pie filling, are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling and roll out the crescent dough a day in advance. Assemble the Danish and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh in the morning for a homemade breakfast that feels effortless.
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).