Flaky, creamy, fruity, and finished with a sweet drizzle—this crescent roll danish is everything you love about homemade pastries in a super simple, semi-homemade format.
Introduction: A Shortcut to Bakery Bliss
When you think of elegant bakery pastries, you might picture intricately braided doughs, laminated croissants, and rich cream cheese fillings encased in golden crusts. These might feel too labor-intensive for a home cook… until now.
With the help of refrigerated crescent rolls, you can make an incredible Strawberry Cream Cheese Crescent Danish that tastes like you picked it up fresh from your favorite bakery display. It has all the flavor and charm of traditional danish pastries, but comes together in under 30 minutes, thanks to a few clever shortcuts.
This recipe is a dream come true for anyone searching for:
- Dessert Recipes With Crescent Rolls
- Cream Cheese Danish With Crescent Rolls
- Crescent Roll Recipes Dessert Strawberry
- And of course, delicious Pie Filling Crescent Rolls
Whether you’re hosting brunch, preparing a sweet treat for a holiday, or want to impress guests with a beautiful breakfast pastry, this recipe is a must-try.
🍓 What Is a Crescent Danish?
A crescent danish is a simplified version of the classic Danish pastry. Traditional Danish pastries are made with laminated yeast dough (similar to croissant dough), which is folded repeatedly with butter and chilled to create light, flaky layers.
In this version, we shortcut the process using crescente rolo de massa, which mimics the texture of puff pastry when baked. Crescent rolls are buttery, soft, and easy to work with, making them ideal for both savory and sweet applications.
By adding a cheesecake-style filling and a spoonful of strawberry pie filling, we transform crescent roll dough into a truly decadent dessert with just a few ingredients.
🧾 Ingredientes que Você vai Precisar
This recipe calls for minimal ingredients—most of which are pantry staples or easy grocery store finds.
Danish Base:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (regular, not flaky layers)
- 8 oz de creme de queijo, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 colher de chá de extrato de baunilha
- 1 cup strawberry pie filling
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 xícara de açúcar de confeiteiro
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (or cream)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
👩🍳 How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Crescent Danish
This recipe is designed to be easy and stress-free. Here’s how it comes together, step-by-step:
🔪 Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Pré-aqueça o forno a 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
🧁 Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. The texture should resemble a silky cheesecake filling. This adds a creamy, slightly tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the strawberry topping.
🍞 Step 3: Shape the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into rectangles, pinching the seams between triangles to seal them together. You should have 8 rectangles from 2 cans.
Now choose your preferred style:
🌀 Option A: Danish Spirals (Individual Rounds)
- Spread a small spoonful of cream cheese mixture down the center of each rectangle.
- Add a teaspoon of strawberry pie filling on top.
- Roll the dough jelly-roll style from the short end, then curl into a spiral shape (like a cinnamon roll).
🔲 Option B: Open-Faced Danish Squares
- Press each rectangle into a square and slightly raise the edges to form a shallow border.
- Spread cream cheese in the center, then top with strawberry filling.
- Keep the edges clean so they puff up nicely.
🌿 Option C: Braided Danish (Sheet Version)
- Lay one full sheet of crescent dough on a lined baking sheet.
- Spread cream cheese filling down the middle third lengthwise.
- Top with strawberry pie filling.
- Cut 1-inch strips on either side and fold over in a crisscross braid pattern.
- Bake and slice into bars after cooling.
⏲️ Step 4: Bake
Place your assembled pastries on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart so they don’t touch as they expand. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, ou until golden brown and puffed.
🍯 Step 5: Drizzle With Glaze (Optional)
While the danishes are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Once slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each Danish for an extra touch of sweetness and bakery-style finish.
✅ Expert Tips for the Perfect Crescent Danish
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Não Encha demais: A little filling goes a long way! Too much can cause the filling to ooze out while baking.
- Chill the Dough Before Baking (Optional): If your kitchen is warm, pop the prepared danishes in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking. This helps them keep their shape.
- Use Parchment Paper: It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier, especially with sticky pie fillings.
🌟 Flavor Variations & Substitutions
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to inspire your next batch:
🍒 Cherry Cream Cheese Dessert Crescent Rolls
Swap strawberry pie filling for cherry pie filling for a classic cherry cheesecake flavor.
🍋 Lemon Cream Cheese Danish
Use lemon curd instead of pie filling and top with powdered sugar and lemon zest after baking.
🍫 Chocolate & Cream Cheese Danish
Add a few chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer. Drizzle with chocolate syrup instead of glaze.
🫐 Mixed Berry Danish
Use a combination of blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry fillings. This makes a colorful tray that’s perfect for brunch or baby showers.
🥜 Nutty Addition
Top your danishes with slivered almonds, chopped pecans, or crushed pistachios for extra crunch and flavor.
🧺 Serving Ideas and Occasions
This dessert is perfect for:
- Weekend Brunch
- Baby Showers
- Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day
- Holiday Dessert Tables
- Coffee Break Treat
- Quick After-Dinner Dessert
Pair with a latte, a cup of tea, or a tall glass of milk for a comforting, indulgent experience.
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
These pastries are best served the day they’re made, but you can easily store or freeze them too!
To Store:
- Let danishes cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the toaster oven for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness.
To Freeze:
- Freeze baked danishes (without glaze) on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Reheat directly from frozen at 325°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Add glaze after reheating for best texture.
💬 FAQs About Crescent Danish Recipes
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite puff pastry or yeast dough recipe, feel free to use it. Crescent roll dough just makes it quick and easy.
Can I make these gluten-free or dairy-free?
You can substitute with gluten-free crescent dough and dairy-free cream cheese and pie filling. Just watch the texture and baking time, as they may vary.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of pie filling?
Yes! Cook your fruit down with a little sugar and cornstarch to create a thick jam-like consistency before adding to the danish.
🍽️ Conclusion: A Little Pastry Joy in Every Bite
With minimal effort, simple ingredients, and loads of flavor, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Crescent Danish brings the charm of a bakery right into your home. It’s an ideal option for anyone who wants to create something beautiful, sweet, and crowd-pleasing without spending hours in the kitchen.
From brunch tables to dessert buffets, this danish fits every occasion. It’s time to unroll those crescent doughs and get baking—this sweet, flaky treat will be your new favorite go-to dessert.
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