Candy Cane Cheese Danish is a delightful holiday treat that captures the joy of the season in every bite. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a festive gathering, where the combination of the flaky crescent rolls and creamy cheese filling had everyone raving. It’s a perfect dessert to bring to family brunches or potlucks, marrying the nostalgia of classic pastries with a fun seasonal twist. It’s not just about taste; its whimsical shape and colors are a surefire way to brighten up any holiday spread.
Why you’ll love this dish
What makes this Candy Cane Cheese Danish so exceptional? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, thanks to the use of store-bought crescent rolls. This means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying holiday festivities with your loved ones. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for those on a tight holiday budget. Children and adults alike will be enchanted by its playful appearance and creamy, sweet filling—a true crowd-pleaser!
“This was the star of our holiday party! Everyone loved the festive shape, and the flavor was just divine.” – Anonymous reviewer
How this recipe comes together
Making Candy Cane Cheese Danish is a straightforward process that combines fresh ingredients with simple techniques to create a stunning dessert. You’ll be unrolling crescent rolls, mixing a luscious cream cheese filling, and creating that fun candy cane shape in no time. The entire preparation can be done in about 30 minutes, and the baking brings out that golden, flaky goodness. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.
What you’ll need
- Two tubes of crescent rolls
- 1 package of Philadelphia cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp squeezed lemon juice
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted to remove lumps)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk or water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Feel free to substitute the cherry pie filling with your favorite flavor—strawberry or raspberry works beautifully too!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Unroll each tube of crescent rolls and set aside two sections for the twist strips.
- Lay out the crescent roll sections in the shape of a large candy cane.
- If needed, use a pizza cutter or knife to shape it precisely.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and pure vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll in the candy cane shape.
- Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling on top, avoiding the edges.
- Twist the two reserved crescent roll sections and place them on top of the filling to create stripes resembling a candy cane. Pinch the sides to secure.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown.
- For the glaze, mix confectioners’ sugar with milk (or water) and vanilla until smooth and drizzle over the warm Danish once it’s out of the oven.
Best ways to enjoy it
This whimsical Candy Cane Cheese Danish is best served warm, straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or cocoa, making it a delightful feature at your holiday brunch. For a more festive touch, dust with additional powdered sugar or add crushed peppermint candies over the glaze for that extra holiday flair.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store your Candy Cane Cheese Danish, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to savor it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then sealed in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
- To achieve that perfect golden crust, make sure not to skip the pinching step when securing the twisted strips.
- If you want to save time, prepare the cream cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the Danish.
- Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens differ. A golden-brown finish indicates it’s ready!
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Swap the cherry pie filling for apple or mixed berry for a seasonal twist.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for a warm spice note.
- Instead of a glaze, try drizzling with melted chocolate or a white chocolate drizzle.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare and bake this recipe?
Total prep and bake time is around 30 minutes, making it a quick holiday treat.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Danish and store it unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for crispiness, or use the microwave for a quick warm-up.
With its charming design and scrumptious flavor, Candy Cane Cheese Danish is not just a recipe; it’s a holiday tradition waiting to be shared! Enjoy making and savoring this delightful pastry with friends and family this season.
