Looking for a delightful addition to your brunch table or dessert spread? This Giant Danish recipe is a must-try. Combining the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of fruit fillings, this Danish is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized based on your favorite flavors.
I stumbled upon this recipe in a magazine two decades ago and have since perfected it to my taste. It has become a staple at gatherings, winning me accolades in cooking contests and serving as a delightful treat for friends and family. My husband adores the apple pie filling variation, while I have a soft spot for the strawberry version. The versatility of this recipe lies in its ability to embrace any pie filling, ensuring a consistently delicious outcome every time.
Why You’ll Love This Giant Danish
– Decadent Delight: The blend of cream cheese and sugar offers a rich and tangy flavor profile.
– Buttery Crust: The crescent roll dough bakes into a flaky, buttery crust that complements the filling.
– Customizable Fillings: Experiment with various pie fillings to cater to different tastes and preferences.
– Easy and Versatile: Suitable for brunch, breakfast, or dessert, this Danish is a versatile and simple recipe.
Ingredient Notes
– Refrigerated crescent rolls (8 oz each): Provides the flaky, buttery base for the Danish.
– Cream cheese, room temperature: Imparts a rich and creamy texture to the filling.
– Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
– Egg: Helps bind the filling together.
– Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile.
– Pie filling, any flavor: Customize your Danish with your favorite fruit filling.
– Powdered sugar (optional): For a final dusting of sweetness.
How to Make Giant Danish
– Step 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a jelly roll pan with nonstick spray.
– Step 2: Prepare Dough: Unroll one tube of crescent roll dough and press it into the pan, covering the bottom completely. Bake for 4 minutes.
– Step 3: Make Cheese Mixture: Mix cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
– Step 4: Assemble: Spread the cheese mixture over the partially baked dough, topping it with pie filling.
– Step 5: Add Top Crust: Unroll the remaining dough, arrange triangles over the filling, and bake until golden.
– Step 6: Cool and Serve: Allow the Danish to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Storage Options
To store your Giant Danish, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for a few days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers. To reheat, place in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
– Seasonal Flavors: Experiment with different seasonal fruit fillings such as pumpkin or cranberry.
– Nutty Crunch: Add a layer of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added texture.
– Citrus Zest: Enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of lemon or orange zest over the top.
– Glaze Finish: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled Danish for a polished look.
What to Serve With Giant Danish
– Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side to balance the richness of the Danish.
– Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of ice cream alongside for a decadent dessert.
– Hot Coffee or Tea: Pair your Danish with a warm beverage for a cozy treat.
– Whipped Cream: Dollop some whipped cream on top of each serving for an extra touch of indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Can I use homemade pie filling?: Yes, feel free to substitute homemade fruit compote or pie filling for a more personalized touch.
– Can I make this recipe in advance?: Absolutely, assemble the Danish the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
– Can I freeze leftovers?: Yes, you can freeze individual portions for later enjoyment. Just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
– Can I use a different type of dough?: While crescent roll dough works beautifully, you can experiment with puff pastry for a different texture.
Indulge in the lusciousness of this Giant Danish, where the creamy cheese filling meets the fruity sweetness of your chosen pie filling. Your taste buds will dance with delight as you savor each buttery, flaky bite, making this Danish a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Giant Danish
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (8 oz each)
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pie filling, any flavor
- powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a jelly roll pan with nonstick spray.
- Unroll one tube of crescent roll dough and press it into the pan, covering the bottom completely. Bake for 4 minutes.
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the partially baked dough, topping it with pie filling.
- Unroll the remaining dough, arrange triangles over the filling, and bake until golden.
- Allow the Danish to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.