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Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is quick and easy to make, featuring a creamy, silky filling and a flaky, buttery crescent dough crust. Perfect for cozy brunches and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Danish Base
  • 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls Use full sheets if possible for a flaky base.
Cream Cheese Filling
  • 2 packages cream cheese, softened Room temperature makes it silky and lump-free.
  • 1 cup sugar Balances the tang of the cream cheese.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Real vanilla smells heavenly.
  • 1 large egg Helps the filling set.
Glaze and Topping
  • 1 large egg white For brushing the top to brown beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar For the sweet glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons milk Thin the glaze to your liking.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Doubles down on warm vanilla flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
  2. Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the pan, sealing seams as you go.
  3. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and the egg until smooth.
  4. Spread the filling evenly over the crescent dough with a spatula.
  5. Lay the second sheet of crescent rolls on top and gently seal the edges.
  6. Brush the top with the egg white.
Baking
  1. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges look set.
Finishing Touches
  1. Cool for 20 minutes so the filling settles.
  2. Whisk powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla together until smooth to make the glaze.
  3. Drizzle the glaze over the danish before slicing into squares and serve warm.

Notes

Time-saver: Use room-temperature cream cheese so it mixes quickly and smoothly. If the center wobbles after baking, give it 5–10 extra minutes; ovens vary, and it will set further as it cools. Stir a handful of fresh berries into the filling, or sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for added flavor.