Giant Danish with Cream Cheese and Fruit Filling Recipe

Introduction

The Giant Danish is a delightful and easy-to-make pastry that combines creamy cheesecake filling with your favorite fruit pie topping, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls (8 oz each)
• 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 can pie filling, any flavor
• Powdered sugar, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a jelly roll pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Unroll the dough from one tube and press the perforations together until the dough covers the bottom of the pan evenly. Bake for 4 minutes.
3. Step 3: While the dough is baking, mix the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Remove the partially baked dough from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, reaching the edges. Dollop the pie filling over the cheese mixture, leaving some areas uncovered.
5. Step 5: Unroll the second tube of dough, separate the triangles, and arrange them evenly over the pie filling, leaving some of the filling exposed.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown and the cheese filling is set.
7. Step 7: Allow the Giant Danish to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture instead of vanilla.
• Use fresh fruit or homemade fruit compote instead of canned pie filling for a fresher taste.
• Try sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top of the triangles before baking for added sweetness and crunch.

Storage

Store leftover Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or until warm. It is best enjoyed fresh but remains tasty when gently reheated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pie filling instead of canned?

Yes, homemade pie filling works great and can add a fresher flavor. Just make sure it’s not overly liquidy to avoid soggy dough.

Can I prepare this Danish in advance?

You can assemble the Danish up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Allow extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Giant Danish with Cream Cheese and Fruit Filling Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 130 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 49 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Giant Danish recipe features a flaky crescent roll crust layered with a rich, creamy cheese filling and your choice of fruit pie filling. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that combines buttery dough, tangy cream cheese, and sweet fruit in a stunning, shareable pastry—perfect for brunch, potlucks, or any special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 2 can(s) refrigerated crescent rolls (8 oz each)

Filling

• 16 ounce(s) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup(s) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
• 1 can(s) pie filling, any flavor

Topping (Optional)

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prep the pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a jelly roll pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the bottom crust: Unroll dough from one tube and press firmly to seal perforations. Pat it out so it fully covers the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 4 minutes to set the crust.
3. Make the cream cheese filling: While the crust bakes, combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
4. Assemble the filling layers: Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust, extending to the edges. Dollop the pie filling over the cream cheese layer, leaving some areas uncovered to showcase the filling.
5. Add the top crust: Unroll the second tube of crescent dough, separate into triangles, and arrange them evenly atop the pie filling. The triangles should be placed so that the filling is still partially visible.
6. Bake: Return the assembled Danish to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the top crust is golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set.
7. Cool and serve: Allow the Danish to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Use any flavor of canned pie filling for variety — cherry, apple, blueberry, or peach all work wonderfully.
• Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Don’t overbake, as the cream cheese layer can dry out; 30 minutes is usually sufficient.
• Allow the Danish to cool fully to help the layers set for cleaner slicing.
• For an extra touch, serve with a drizzle of glaze or fresh fruit on the side.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 34 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: giant danish, cream cheese danish, crescent roll dessert, easy danish recipe, fruit danish, baked danish, cream cheese filling