Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of freshly baked cherry danishes, warm and inviting, ready to brighten your morning. This simple treat combines the buttery flakiness of crescent roll dough with a luscious cream cheese filling and bursts of vibrant cherry pie filling.
Perfect for busy mornings or an effortless dessert, these danishes come together quickly with just four basic ingredients. The balance of tart cherries and creamy cheese makes each bite a delightful experience that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Only four everyday ingredients are needed, making it accessible and quick.
- The crescent roll dough stays soft yet golden, creating a perfect flaky texture.
- Combines creamy and fruity flavors for a deliciously balanced taste.
- Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a last-minute dessert option.
Ingredients
- Pillsbury crescent rolls: Pre-made dough comes in a convenient can, providing a buttery and flaky base for the danishes.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 oz): Smooth and creamy, it adds richness and a slight tang to the filling that pairs beautifully with fruit.
- Powdered sugar (4 tbsp): Finely ground sugar sweetens the cream cheese, creating a silky, sweet layer inside each danish.
- Cherry pie filling (7 to 8 tbsp): Sweet and slightly tart cherries add flavor and color, giving the danishes a burst of fruity freshness.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat. This ensures even baking and helps the danishes achieve a golden, flaky crust right from the start.
- Prepare the crescent roll dough for slicing
Open the can of crescent rolls but keep the dough rolled together in its log shape—do not unroll it. This log form makes it easier to cut uniform pieces without stretching or tearing the dough.
- Slice the dough into rounds
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the crescent roll dough into 7 to 8 even rounds, about half an inch thick. These rounds will serve as the base for each danish.
- Form the danish cups on the baking sheet
Place each dough round onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press down the center of each round with your fingers to create a shallow cup, taking care to maintain raised edges that will hold the filling without spilling.
- Mix the cream cheese filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Stir until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. This sweet, tangy mixture creates the perfect creamy layer inside each danish.
- Fill the danishes with cream cheese and cherry topping
Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each dough cup. Then, top with roughly 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling to add bright color and fruity flavor.
- Bake until golden and cooked through
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges of the crescent rolls turn a light golden brown. The filling should be bubbly and set.
- Cool and serve your delicious danishes
Allow the danishes to cool for a couple of minutes after baking. They are delightful served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for immediate enjoyment or serving later.
- Keeping the dough in a log shape before slicing is crucial to maintain the structure and avoid uneven pieces.
- Softened cream cheese mixes better with powdered sugar for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Avoid overfilling the danishes to prevent spillover during baking and keep edges crisp.
- Feel free to swap cherry pie filling with other fruit flavors like blueberry or apple for variety.
- Best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for 1-2 days and gently reheated.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat individual danishes in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to regain warmth and softness before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these danishes alongside a cup of your favorite coffee, tea, or fresh juice for a satisfying breakfast or brunch. They also make a lovely sweet treat after dinner when paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Use a non-stick or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, easily spreadable consistency.
- Cut dough with a sharp knife to get clean slices and uniform danish shapes.
- For a glossy finish, brush crescent edges with a light egg wash before baking.
- Experiment with different pie fillings or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique twist.
FAQs
- Can I use homemade crescent roll dough?
Yes, homemade crescent roll dough can be used, but baking times may vary slightly. Ensure the dough is sturdy enough to hold fillings without leaking.
- Is it possible to freeze these danishes?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked danishes by preparing them on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a sealed container. Bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes.
- Can I substitute cream cheese?
Softened mascarpone or ricotta cheese can be a flavorful substitute, though the texture and taste will differ slightly from cream cheese.
- What other fillings work well?
Try blueberry, apple, strawberry, or even apricot pie fillings for delicious variations that suit your tastes.
- How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Press the edges firmly and avoid overfilling each danish cup to keep the filling contained during baking.
- Can I make these gluten-free?
For gluten-free versions, use gluten-free crescent roll dough and verify that pie fillings are free from gluten-containing ingredients.
- Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe contains no meat or gelatin and is suitable for a vegetarian diet, but contains dairy and gluten.
4 Ingredient Cherry Danish
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 can Pillsbury crescent rolls
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 tbsp powdered sugar
- 7 to 8 tbsp cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Open the crescent roll can and keep the dough in its log shape without unrolling.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the dough log into 7 to 8 rounds about half an inch thick.
- Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and press down the center of each to create a cup shape.
- Mix softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth.
- Spoon approximately 1.5 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each crescent roll cup.
- Add about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Keep crescent roll dough in log form to slice easily.
- Use very soft cream cheese for smooth mixing.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent spillage while baking.
- Try different pie fillings like blueberry or apple for variation.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to two days; best eaten fresh.
- Perfect for quick breakfasts or simple desserts.
