Candy Cane Cheese Danish
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Candy Cane Cheese Danish is a delightful holiday treat that’s as festive as it is delicious! Inspired by the charm of Christmas, this recipe combines the flaky goodness of crescent rolls with a creamy, sweet cheese filling and luscious cherry pie topping, making it perfect for brunch gatherings or dessert tables. The easy-to-follow steps mean even novice bakers can impress family and friends with a homemade holiday pastry that not only looks stunning but tastes divine.
Reasons to try it
Why settle for store-bought pastries when you can whip up your very own Candy Cane Cheese Danish at home? This dish is not just visually appealing—it’s also incredibly simple and budget-friendly. Using just a few ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert that embodies the spirit of the season without a lot of fuss. Picture this: golden-brown crescent rolls twisted into a candy cane shape, filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and topped with sweet cherry pie filling. It’s an impressive centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
“This Candy Cane Cheese Danish was a hit at our holiday brunch! Everyone raved about how beautiful and tasty it was. I can’t believe how easy it was to make!" – Happy Baker
How this recipe comes together
Creating a Candy Cane Cheese Danish involves a series of straightforward steps that come together quickly. First, you’ll unroll the crescent rolls and shape them into a candy cane, then mix a sweet cream cheese filling to spread over the dough. The cherry pie filling adds a delightful tartness, harmonizing beautifully with the sweetness of the cream cheese and glaze. After baking, a simple glaze drizzled on top gives this dish a final touch of sweetness while elevating its presentation.
What you’ll need
To make this Candy Cane Cheese Danish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tubes of crescent rolls
- 1 package of softened Philadelphia cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon squeezed lemon juice
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted to remove any lumps)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk or water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can substitute the cream cheese with a blend of Greek yogurt and a little powdered sugar for sweetness.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these simple directions to create your Candy Cane Cheese Danish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Unroll each tube of crescent rolls, setting aside two sections to make the twist strips.
- Lay the crescent roll sections out in a candy cane shape on a baking sheet. If you need help shaping it, a pizza cutter or knife can be handy!
- In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture generously across the crescent roll in the shape of a candy cane.
- Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer, but be sure not to let it reach the edges.
- Cut the reserved crescent roll pieces into strips, twist them, and place them on top of the filling to create stripes that resemble a candy cane. Pinch the edges down slightly to secure them.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Allow to cool slightly before glazing.
How to serve Candy Cane Cheese Danish!
This festive Cheese Danish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but it can also shine as a leftover treat. Consider serving it drizzled with a simple glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and milk for added sweetness. Pair it with a hot beverage like cocoa or spiced tea to enhance the cozy holiday atmosphere. For an extra special touch, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top before serving, adding a crunchy texture and additional holiday spirit.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Candy Cane Cheese Danish fresh, store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, consider assembling it without baking, wrapping it tightly, and freezing it. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen—adding a few extra minutes if necessary to ensure it’s warmed through.
Helpful cooking tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened for easy blending; this will create a smooth filling.
- If the crescent rolls are difficult to unroll, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Twist the strips tightly to make sure they hold together during the baking process.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with your Candy Cane Cheese Danish! Swap out the cherry pie filling for raspberry or blueberry for a twist on flavors, or even mix in some chocolate chips for a decadent touch. You can also infuse your cream cheese filling with peppermint extract for an extra dose of holiday cheer!
Your questions answered
-
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, with an additional 12-13 minutes of baking time. -
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a fresh treat. -
What can I substitute for cherry pie filling?
Any fruit filling or even a homemade fruit compote can work beautifully as a substitute.
Incorporating these tips and tricks, you’ll create a Candy Cane Cheese Danish that delights both visually and in flavor. This irresistible treat is sure to become a holiday tradition in your home!
Candy Cane Cheese Danish
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Unroll each tube of crescent rolls, setting aside two sections to make the twist strips.
- Lay the crescent roll sections out in a candy cane shape on a baking sheet.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture generously across the crescent roll shaped like a candy cane.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer, avoiding the edges.
- Cut the reserved crescent roll pieces into strips, twist them, and place them on top of the filling to create stripes resembling a candy cane.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before glazing.
- Drizzle a simple glaze made from confectioners' sugar and milk over the top for added sweetness.
