Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish

If you’re looking for a delightful addition to your holiday breakfast table, I have just the treat for you! This Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish is not only easy to make, but it also brings a festive touch to any brunch gathering. Picture it: a charming tree made of delicious crescent rolls, stuffed with creamy goodness and topped with bright cherry pie filling. It’s a show-stopper that will impress your family and friends without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.

This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. Whether it’s Christmas morning or a cozy family brunch, this Danish is sure to be a hit. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing while baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Presentation: The Christmas tree shape makes it a beautiful centerpiece.
• Quick Prep Time: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have this ready in no time!
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves the combination of cream cheese and cherry pie filling.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble when you’re ready to bake.
• Deliciously Simple: Using store-bought crescent rolls means less fuss and more flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make this recipe shine. Most of these items are pantry staples, so you might already have them on hand!

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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and adjust based on what you love or have available.

• Change the Fruit Filling: Swap out cherry pie filling for blueberry or raspberry for a different flavor twist.
• Add Some Spice: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese mixture for added warmth.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking for an extra layer of texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives if you prefer.

How to Make Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mixing these until smooth is important as it creates that luscious filling we all love. Set this aside while we work on shaping our crescent rolls.

Step 2: Shape the Crescent Rolls

Open those packages of crescent rolls but keep them intact! With a serrated knife, slice each “roll” into 11 equal pieces. This step is crucial because it allows us to form our tree shape beautifully.

Step 3: Arrange Your Dough Circles

Now comes the fun part! Arrange those dough circles into the shape of a Christmas tree on your baking sheet. Start with one circle at the top and increase the number as you move downwards—don’t forget to save one piece for the stem!

Step 4: Create Indents for Filling

Using your thumb or any small tool, gently indent each circle’s center. This little indentation is where all that creamy goodness will go—so don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Fill with Cream Cheese Mixture

Place a small spoonful of your cream cheese mixture into each crescent circle. Be generous but careful not to overfill! Then add just a dollop of cherry pie filling on top.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake your creation for about 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. The smell will be irresistible as they come together in that warm oven.

Step 7: Drizzle with Glaze

Finally, allow your Danish to cool slightly before mixing powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl. Drizzle this sweet glaze over your Christmas Tree Danish and serve warm! Enjoy every bite with family and friends—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish

Making a beautiful and delicious Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish is easy with these helpful tips!

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This ensures the cream cheese mixes smoothly with the sugar and vanilla, resulting in a creamy filling that’s easy to scoop.
• Don’t Skimp on the Glaze: A drizzle of glaze adds a sweet finish that complements the tangy cream cheese and tart cherry filling. It makes your Danish not only taste better but also look more festive!
• Adjust Cherry Pie Filling Amounts: Depending on how much fruit flavor you prefer, feel free to adjust the amount of cherry pie filling. This lets you customize each bite to your liking.
• Shape Consistency Matters: Try to keep your crescent roll circles of uniform size when arranging them. This helps with even baking and creates a more polished look for your Christmas tree.
• Serve Fresh: For the best texture and flavor, serve these Danishes right after drizzling with glaze. They’re best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish

Presenting your Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish can be just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas to make it a centerpiece at your holiday breakfast or brunch.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds an elegant touch and enhances the festive appeal of this dish.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: A pop of green from mint leaves not only brightens up the presentation but adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet flavors.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, berries, and pomegranate seeds provides freshness and balances the richness of the Danish.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and more fruit for a healthy and satisfying side that complements the creaminess of the Danish.
• Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein to your meal. Their mild flavor pairs well without overpowering the sweetness of the Danish.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm beverage like coffee or decadent hot chocolate is perfect for cozying up with this delicious treat during a winter morning.

With these serving suggestions, your Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish will shine at any holiday gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish is not only a festive showstopper but also a fantastic option for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance, making your holiday morning a breeze!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Danish to cool completely.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap individual Danish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped Danish in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove from the refrigerator or freezer and let sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop into your mind as you prepare this delightful dish!

Can I make the Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and shape the Danish ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and bake fresh on Christmas morning.

What can I use instead of cherry pie filling for the Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish?

You can easily swap cherry pie filling for other flavors like blueberry, raspberry, or even apple pie filling. Get creative with your favorite fruit!

How do I store leftovers of the Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’re delicious even after a day!

Can I freeze the Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish?

Yes! Wrap individual pieces tightly and freeze them for up to two months. It’s perfect for those busy mornings when you want something special without much effort.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish brings joy to your holiday gatherings! Its delightful presentation and delicious flavors make it truly special. Enjoy creating this festive treat, and don’t hesitate to share it with loved ones. Happy baking!