Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your holiday mornings, you’ve come to the right place! This Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate. Filled with luscious cream cheese and fresh raspberries, this easy-to-make pastry brings the festive spirit right into your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it on Christmas morning or serving it at a family gathering, this Danish is sure to become a cherished tradition.

Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through your home. Each bite of this crescent roll candy cane is bursting with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Your friends and family will adore it, and you’ll love how simple it is to whip up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have this beautiful dessert ready in under 45 minutes.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the delicious combination of cream cheese and raspberries.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the filling ahead of time for an even quicker assembly in the morning.
• Festive flair: The candy cane shape makes this pastry not just tasty but also visually stunning for the holidays!
• Versatile flavors: You can easily adapt the fillings to suit your taste, making this recipe one you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this scrumptious Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Gather these treats for a deliciously festive breakfast!

For the Danish

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count)
• 4 oz (from 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, divided
• 3/4 cup fresh raspberries
• 2 tablespoons raspberry preserves
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the Glaze

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon milk

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different fillings or toppings based on what you have on hand.

• Swap the fruit: Use blueberries or strawberries instead of raspberries for a different flavor twist.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle some chopped almonds or walnuts inside for added crunch.
• Make it chocolatey: Add mini chocolate chips along with the raspberry preserves for a decadent treat.
• Try different cheeses: Swap cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta for a unique creamy texture.

How to Make Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This allows your Danish to bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden brown color. While it’s warming up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into eight triangles. To create thinner strips, cut each triangle in half lengthwise. This will give you more surface area for that delicious filling!

Step 3: Arrange the Dough

Place the crescent triangles on the prepared baking sheet in a long row, pointing in the same direction. Overlap the edges slightly and press them together gently; this helps seal everything up nicely while leaving those triangle points free.

Step 4: Mix Together Your Filling

In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and two tablespoons of granulated sugar until smooth and blended. This mixture will be creamy and sweet—just what your Danish needs!

Step 5: Spread It Out

Spread that lovely cream cheese mixture along the widest part of your dough strip, leaving about half an inch around the edges. This ensures that when we fold over our dough later, none of that delicious filling will escape!

Step 6: Add Raspberries

In another small bowl, toss your fresh raspberries together with raspberry preserves. Gently spoon this fruity mixture over your cream cheese layer.

Step 7: Shape Your Candy Cane

Fold over the tips of the dough to enclose all that goodness inside; pinch those ends together securely. Now comes the fun part—gently curve one end of your strip upward to form the top of your candy cane shape! Brush melted butter over everything and sprinkle with that last teaspoon of sugar for extra sweetness.

Step 8: Bake It Up

Pop your baking sheet into that preheated oven and let it bake for 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. The scent will fill your kitchen as it bakes—so mouthwatering! Once done, cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring carefully to a serving platter.

Step 9: Drizzle with Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar with milk until smooth. If it’s too thick, add just another drop of milk until you reach drizzling consistency. Spoon that sweet glaze over your warm pastry before serving—what a beautiful finish!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish! Serve warm and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight!

Pro Tips for Making Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish

Creating this delightful Danish is a breeze, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature cream cheese: This helps create a smooth filling that spreads easily and blends well with the raspberries, giving you a creamy texture without lumps.

• Don’t skip the melted butter: Brushing the dough with melted butter before baking not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that golden-brown crust that’s irresistible.

• Be gentle when shaping: When curving the dough to form the candy cane shape, handle it delicately. This keeps the filling intact and ensures a beautiful presentation.

• Experiment with fruit preserves: If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping raspberry preserves for other flavors like strawberry or apricot. Each variation brings a unique twist to your Danish!

• Serve warm for best taste: While this dish is delicious at room temperature, serving it warm enhances the flavors and gives that cozy holiday vibe.

How to Serve Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish

This festive Danish not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on your holiday table! Presenting it beautifully can elevate your breakfast experience. Here are some ideas:

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing touch that complements the sweet raspberry flavors.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving gives your Danish a snowy finish, perfect for the season!

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, berries, and kiwis adds freshness and balances the richness of the Danish.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that pairs well with the sweetness of the Danish.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a comforting beverage choice that enhances your holiday breakfast experience.
• Scrambled eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs bring protein to your meal, making it more filling while complementing the sweet flavors of the Danish.

With these serving suggestions, your Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish will be a showstopper at any holiday gathering! Enjoy creating this festive treat and sharing it with loved ones. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful breakfast without the morning rush. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it for later, ensuring that your holiday mornings are as stress-free as possible.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Danish to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled Danish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the Danish from the fridge or freezer and unwrap it.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious recipe:

Can I make Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish ahead of time?

Yes! This Danish can be prepared ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe instructions and store it in the fridge overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a warm treat!

How do I store leftover Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage if needed!

What can I substitute for fresh raspberries?

If fresh raspberries aren’t available, you can use frozen raspberries. Just ensure they’re thawed and drained before using in the recipe.

Can I use another type of cheese instead of cream cheese?

While cream cheese gives this dish its signature flavor, you could try mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you’re looking for different options!

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

To adapt this recipe for a vegan diet, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk for the glaze.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish a try! It’s not just a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table but also brings a burst of flavor with every bite. Whip up this delightful treat, and share it with family and friends—you’ll be spreading joy alongside those wonderful flavors. Happy baking, and enjoy every moment of your holiday celebrations!