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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat and prep the pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a jelly roll pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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