Are you looking for a delectable pastry to elevate your breakfast or brunch? Look no further than this Easy Cheese Danish recipe. With its flaky layers, creamy cheese filling, and a hint of citrus, these danishes will become a favorite among your family and friends.
Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or want to treat yourself to something indulgent, this recipe will surely impress. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through creating these heavenly danishes, along with some handy tips, variations, and serving suggestions. So, let’s get started!
Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
- Clean, lint-free dish towel or plastic wrap
- Small bowl for icing
Storage and Leftovers:
Place the danishes in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap to store any leftovers. They can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Warm them up slightly in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy them.
Recipe Variations and Tips:
Add some grated lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrusy twist. Experiment with different fruit preserves such as strawberry, blueberry, or apricot to create exciting flavour combinations.
If you’re short on time, use store-bought crescent roll dough instead of Rhodes Dinner Rolls. Paint the seams together to create a solid dough sheet before proceeding with the recipe.
Serve the danishes with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra decadence. Pair these delightful danishes with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea for a complete breakfast or brunch experience.
Easy Cheese Danish
Ingredients
- 12 Rhodes Dinner Rolls thawed but still cold (I got mine at Walmart)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg beaten
- 12 tablespoons lemon curd or raspberry preserves
- White Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4-5 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
- Sprinkle a little flour on your hands to prevent sticking. Take each thawed dinner roll and flatten it into a 3-inch disc. Place the discs onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Brush each disc with warm melted butter, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the discs with granulated sugar, adding a touch of sweetness to the danishes.
- Cover the baking sheets with a clean, lint-free dish towel or sprayed plastic wrap. Place them in a warm spot to rise until they have doubled in size. This may take approximately 50 minutes, depending on the temperature in your home. You can create a warm environment by turning on the light in your oven without the heat.
- While the rolls are rising, prepare the cream cheese filling. Combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set it aside for later use.
- Once the rolls have doubled in size, remove them from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Uncover the rolls and use your fingertips to create an indentation in the center of each one. Fill each indentation with approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture, followed by a teaspoon of either lemon curd or raspberry preserves. The combination of flavors will add a burst of fruity goodness to the danishes.
- Brush the edges of the rolls with the beaten egg to give them a golden shine during baking.
- Bake the danishes in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be delightful!
- After removing the danishes from the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- While the danishes are cooling, let’s prepare the white icing. Combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 4 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl. Mix well until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency. Add more milk as needed to thin the icing to your desired thickness. Be careful not to make it too thin; otherwise, it won’t drizzle nicely.
- Drizzle the icing generously over the danishes, allowing it to cascade down the sides. The icing will add a touch of sweetness and an elegant finishing touch.
- Your Easy Cheese Danishes are now ready to be served! These pastries are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
