Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your holiday mornings, you’ve found it! This Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning, the aroma of fresh pastries filling your home, and the excitement of gathering around the table with loved ones. This recipe is easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough for family gatherings, making it a wonderful addition to your holiday traditions.

What I love most about this Danish is how simple it is to whip together using just a few wholesome ingredients. It’s perfect for when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, everyone loves that combination of tangy cream cheese and fresh raspberries!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this beautiful Danish ready in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet flavors and fun shape make it a hit with kids and adults alike—perfect for breakfast or brunch!
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it the night before and simply bake in the morning for a stress-free holiday breakfast.
• Versatile Treat: While it’s perfect for Christmas, you can enjoy this Danish any time of year—it’s great for special occasions or cozy weekends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple ingredients! This Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish uses fresh, wholesome items that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible; feel free to get creative with your fillings! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Danish:

• Swap the Fruit: Use blueberries or strawberries instead of raspberries for a different fruity twist.
• Add Some Spice: Mix in a pinch of vanilla extract or almond extract into the cream cheese filling for added flavor.
• Go Nutty: Sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: After drizzling with powdered sugar glaze, add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch.

How to Make Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial; a hot oven ensures your Danish gets that beautiful golden brown color while baking. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it generously to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into eight triangles. Cutting each triangle in half lengthwise gives us more surface area for our delicious filling. This will help create that lovely candy cane shape!

Step 3: Shape Your Danish

On the lined baking sheet, place the crescent triangles in a long row, pointing in the same direction with their edges slightly overlapping. Press those edges together gently; we want them sealed but keep those triangle points free—they’ll form the top of our candy cane!

Step 4: Mix Your Filling

In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and two tablespoons of granulated sugar until everything is well blended. This creamy mixture will be rich and delightful against those tart raspberries.

Step 5: Assemble Your Delight

Spread your cream cheese mixture along the widest part of the dough strip, leaving about half an inch at each edge. Now toss those fresh raspberries with raspberry preserves in another bowl, then layer them on top of our cream cheese goodness!

Step 6: Form Your Candy Cane

Gently fold over the tips of your dough to enclose all that delicious filling. Pinch those ends together tightly so nothing escapes during baking. Now comes the fun part—curve one end gently upwards to create that classic candy cane shape!

Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown

Brush your masterpiece with melted butter and sprinkle over that last teaspoon of granulated sugar—a little magic happens in the oven! Bake for about 16 to 20 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Let it cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring it carefully onto a serving platter.

Step 8: Drizzle Your Glaze

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with half a teaspoon of milk until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more milk drop by drop until it’s drizzling consistency. Spoon this sweet glaze over your warm Danish—what an irresistible finish!

There you have it! A gorgeous Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish

Making this delightful Danish is a breeze, but a few tips can take your creation to the next level!

• Use room temperature cream cheese: Softening your cream cheese allows for easier mixing and spreading, ensuring a smooth filling that complements the raspberries perfectly.
• Be gentle with the raspberries: Fresh raspberries are delicate, so handle them carefully to avoid bruising. This preserves their beautiful appearance and fresh flavor in your Danish.
• Experiment with flavors: While raspberry is delicious, you can switch it up by adding lemon zest or almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• Don’t skip the butter brushing: Brushing the dough with melted butter before baking gives it that lovely golden-brown color and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Serve fresh out of the oven: For the best experience, serve your Danish warm. The combination of warm pastry and creamy filling creates an irresistible treat!

How to Serve Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish

Presentation is key when serving your Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish. With its beautiful candy cane shape and vibrant colors, this dish deserves to shine on your holiday table!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch and makes the Danish look festive.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint on the side not only add color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cream cheese.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A medley of seasonal fruits like oranges, kiwi, and berries offers a refreshing complement to the sweet Danish.
• Greek yogurt parfaits: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and more fresh raspberries for a wholesome side that balances out the sweetness.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs beautifully with this pastry, enhancing its flavors while providing warmth on a chilly morning.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a delightful breakfast experience that will impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite of your Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it ahead of time and store it for later, making your holiday mornings a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover Danish in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To maintain freshness, consume within the first couple of days.

Freezing

• Allow the Danish to cool completely after baking.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, allow the Danish to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the Danish on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delightful treat!

Can I use other fruits in the Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish?

Absolutely! While raspberries give it a lovely tartness, feel free to substitute with blueberries, strawberries, or even peaches. Just be sure to adjust the sugar according to your fruit’s sweetness!

How can I make this Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free crescent roll dough available at most grocery stores. The filling remains naturally gluten-free with cream cheese and fresh fruit.

What makes the Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish special?

This delightful recipe combines flaky crescent rolls with creamy cheese and fresh fruit, creating a festive treat that brightens up any holiday table. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing!

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time for my Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish?

Yes! You can mix the cream cheese filling and toss the raspberries with preserves ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your Danish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish as much as I do! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends, bringing warmth and joy to your breakfast table. Don’t hesitate to try it out—I’m sure it’ll become a beloved tradition in your home. Happy baking!