Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your holiday mornings, you’ve landed in the right place! This Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish is an absolute joy to make and eat. With its warm, flaky layers and sweet raspberry filling, it’s sure to become a cherished family favorite. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through your home—what a beautiful way to start the day!

This recipe is perfect for various occasions, from festive brunches to cozy family gatherings or even as a special breakfast during busy weeknights. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for those busy mornings.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves the combination of sweet raspberries and creamy cheese wrapped in flaky pastry—it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the filling the night before, and then just roll it up and bake in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
• Festive Presentation: Its candy cane shape makes it not only delicious but also a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.
• Delicious Flavor: The balance of tangy cream cheese with fresh raspberries creates an irresistible flavor that’s perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. You probably have most of these items in your kitchen already!

• 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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Try Different Fruits: Swap out raspberries for blueberries or strawberries for a new twist on flavor.
• Add Some Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the cream cheese mixture for an extra burst of freshness.
• Make It Chocolatey: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top before serving for a rich chocolatey finish.
• Change Up the Cheese: For a different texture, use mascarpone or ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese.

How to Make Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with cooking parchment paper and spray it generously with cooking spray. This ensures that our Danish won’t stick while baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise; this gives us more pieces to work with and helps create that lovely candy cane shape.

Step 3: Arrange the Dough

On your prepared baking sheet, arrange the crescent triangles lengthwise in a long row, pointing in the same direction. Overlap them slightly at their edges and gently press them together. This step is crucial as it creates a seamless base for our delicious filling.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and two tablespoons of granulated sugar until well blended. This mixture will be rich and creamy—just what we need!

Step 5: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture

Spread this delightful cream cheese mixture along the widest part of your dough strip, leaving about half an inch on each edge. This helps prevent any filling from spilling out while baking.

Step 6: Add Raspberries

In another small bowl, toss together fresh raspberries and raspberry preserves. Spoon this fruity mixture over the cream cheese layer—oh, how lovely it looks!

Step 7: Shape Your Danish

Fold over the tips of your dough to enclose that delicious filling inside. Pinch the ends firmly so they stay sealed during baking. Now gently curve one end of your dough strip upwards to form that iconic candy cane shape! Brush melted butter over everything, then sprinkle with remaining granulated sugar.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake in your preheated oven for about 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. The smell will be heavenly! Let it cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before carefully sliding it onto a serving platter.

Step 9: Drizzle & Serve Warm

For that finishing touch, mix powdered sugar with milk until you reach a nice drizzling consistency. Drizzle this sweet glaze over your warm Danish just before serving—it adds such a lovely sweetness!

There you have it—a delightful Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every bite and happy holidays!

Pro Tips for Making Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish

Creating a delightful Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish is easier than you think! Here are some pro tips to ensure your holiday treat turns out perfectly.

• Use fresh raspberries: Fresh berries not only add vibrant color but also provide a burst of flavor that frozen ones can’t match. Look for plump, firm berries for the best results.
• Soften cream cheese properly: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will help achieve a smooth, creamy filling that spreads easily and blends well with the sugar.
• Don’t skip the butter brush: Brushing melted butter on the dough before baking gives it a beautiful golden color and adds a hint of richness that complements the sweetness of the filling.
• Monitor baking time closely: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your Danish as it bakes. You want it to be golden brown but not overdone—check it a few minutes before the recommended time.
• Let it cool slightly before serving: Allowing the Danish to cool for about 5 minutes after baking helps set the filling and makes it easier to slice without spilling.

How to Serve Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish

This festive treat is perfect for sharing with loved ones during breakfast or brunch gatherings. With its appealing candy cane shape and delicious filling, you can present it in an inviting manner that enhances its charm.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a refreshing pop of green and contrast beautifully against the red raspberries.
• Zest of lemon: A light sprinkle of lemon zest brightens up the flavors and adds an aromatic touch that elevates this dish.

Side Dishes

• Scrambled eggs: Light and fluffy scrambled eggs are an excellent protein-packed complement to balance out the sweetness of your Danish.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing bowl of mixed seasonal fruits provides a colorful, healthy side that pairs well with the richness of the cream cheese filling.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and more fresh berries for a creamy, crunchy dish that brings texture and flavor contrast to your holiday spread.
• Coffee or tea: Offering warm beverages like coffee or herbal tea alongside your Danish creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for festive mornings.

Enjoy making this charming Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish, and happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish is not only a delightful treat but also makes for excellent meal prep! You can prepare it in advance, making your holiday mornings a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the leftovers for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the Danish to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the Danish on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

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

Absolutely! You can assemble the Danish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking for the best results.

What can I use instead of fresh raspberries in Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish?

If fresh raspberries aren’t available, you can substitute them with other berries like blueberries or strawberries. Just ensure they are chopped similarly so they fit well into the filling!

How do I know when my Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish is done baking?

Your Danish should be golden brown and puffed up when it’s done baking. A good indicator is if the edges start to turn a nice golden color—this usually takes about 16-20 minutes.

Can I add other flavors to my Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish?

Certainly! Feel free to mix in some lemon zest or vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Raspberry-Cream Cheese Holiday Crescent Danish as I was when I first made it! It’s a wonderful addition to any holiday breakfast table that brings both warmth and cheer. Enjoy crafting this delightful treat with your loved ones, and don’t forget to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!