The Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful and festive breakfast treat that is perfect for your Special Occasion morning celebrations. With its charming presentation and sweet, creamy filling, this dish not only looks impressive but also tastes fantastic. It’s an easy recipe that can be prepared quickly, making it ideal for busy holiday mornings or brunch gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Stunning Presentation: The tree shape makes it a centerpiece for any festive table.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in just 30 minutes.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The cream cheese paired with cherry filling creates a delightful taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack throughout the day.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to make and enjoy, kids will love helping out in the kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Serrated knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Small bowl for glaze
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly for your cream cheese filling.
- Serrated knife: Perfect for slicing crescent rolls evenly without squishing them.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface to bake your Danish evenly.
- Small bowl for glaze: Allows you to mix the glaze easily before drizzling over the finished product.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Danish
- 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 4 ounces cream cheese; softened
- 3/4 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
For the Glaze
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
How to Make Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Once mixed well, set aside while you prepare the crescent rolls.
Step 2: Slice Crescent Rolls
Open the packages of crescent rolls but do not separate them. Using a serrated knife, slice each roll into 11 equal pieces.
Step 3: Form the Special Occasion Tree Shape
Arrange the dough circles into the shape of a Special Occasion tree. Start with one circle at the top and then work your way down, increasing the number of crescent roll circles as you go. Remember to save one for the stem!
Step 4: Create Indents for Filling
Using your thumb, tart tamper or back of a spoon, gently indent the middle of each circle to create space for the cream cheese filling.
Step 5: Fill with Cream Cheese Mixture
Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each crescent circle.
Step 6: Add Cherry Pie Filling
Top each filled circle with a small spoonful of cherry pie filling. You won’t need all of it!
Step 7: Bake Your Danish
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow your Danish to cool slightly after baking.
Step 8: Drizzle with Glaze
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle this glaze over the slightly cooled Danish before serving immediately.
Enjoy this festive treat that adds joy to any Special Occasion gathering!
How to Serve Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish
Serving Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful way to enhance your holiday brunch. Its festive appearance and delicious flavors make it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering.
Individual Servings
- Arrange each Danish on small plates for a charming presentation. This allows guests to enjoy their own piece without needing to slice.
Family Style
- Place the entire Special Occasion tree Danish on a large platter. Encourage guests to help themselves, creating a communal and joyful atmosphere.
Pair with Beverages
- Serve alongside steaming cups of coffee or hot chocolate. The sweetness of the Danish complements these warm drinks beautifully.
Garnish Ideas
- Add fresh mint leaves or edible flowers around the platter. These touches elevate the visual appeal and add a pop of color.
How to Perfect Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish
Perfecting your Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish can take your brunch to the next level. Follow these tips for a flawless result.
- Use room temperature cream cheese: This ensures a smoother filling that spreads easily into the crescent rolls.
- Don’t overfill: Adding too much cherry pie filling can cause spills while baking. A small spoonful is perfect.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 18 minutes to avoid over-baking.
- Allow to cool slightly before glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting into the warm Danish, keeping it visually appealing.
- Experiment with fillings: Feel free to swap cherry pie filling for other fruit options like blueberry or raspberry for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish
Complementing your Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish with side dishes enhances both flavor and presentation during your festive meal.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the Danish.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and pair well with sweet pastries.
- Breakfast Sausages: Turkey or chicken sausages offer a savory contrast to the sweet Danish.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light, refreshing option that contrasts nicely with heavier items.
- Mini Quiches: Bite-sized quiches can be filled with vegetables or cheese, adding variety to your brunch spread.
- Hash Brown Casserole: A cheesy hash brown dish brings comfort and hearty satisfaction to your holiday table.
- Cinnamon Rolls: For those who love sweets, cinnamon rolls can be an indulgent addition while staying in theme with breakfast pastries.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a DIY hot chocolate station with toppings for extra fun alongside your brunch offerings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Bold Preparation: Not preparing your ingredients beforehand can lead to chaos in the kitchen. Make sure to gather and measure everything before you start.
- Bold Dough Handling: Overworking the crescent roll dough can result in tough Danish. Handle it as little as possible for a flaky texture.
- Bold Filling Distribution: Placing too much cream cheese or cherry filling can cause overflowing during baking. Use only a small spoonful for each circle.
- Bold Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can change the outcome significantly. Always preheat your oven properly to ensure even baking.
- Bold Glazing Timing: Drizzling the glaze while the Danish is too hot can make it runny. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the glaze for better presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish
- Wrap individual Danish in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per Danish.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and heat until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish.
How do I make my Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish look more festive?
Adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the glaze can enhance visual appeal and make it more festive.
Can I use other fruit fillings besides cherry?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple for a different flavor profile.
How do I store leftover Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Danish and store it in the fridge overnight before baking it fresh on Special Occasion morning.
Final Thoughts
The Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish is not only visually stunning but also deliciously versatile. It makes a perfect addition to any brunch spread and allows for numerous customization options with different fillings and toppings. Try this delightful recipe and impress your family and friends this holiday season!
Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish
Indulge in the festive spirit with our Special Occasion Tree Cream Cheese Danish, a delightful centerpiece that adds charm to your holiday breakfast or brunch. This easy-to-make pastry features a flaky crescent roll base, filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and topped with sweet cherry filling. Its whimsical tree shape is not only visually stunning but also a hit among kids and adults alike. Ready in just 30 minutes, this treat is perfect for busy holiday mornings or cozy gatherings. Impress your family and friends with this deliciously sweet and creamy delight that captures the joy of the season.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 teaspoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- Open crescent rolls without separating them; slice each roll into 11 equal pieces.
- Arrange the circles in a Special Occasion tree shape on a baking sheet.
- Indent each circle to create space for filling.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each circle, followed by a small dollop of cherry pie filling.
- Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes until golden brown; allow to cool slightly.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to create glaze; drizzle over Danish before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing. Avoid overfilling with cherry pie filling to prevent spills during baking. Feel free to swap cherry filling for other fruit options like blueberry or raspberry for variety.