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If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to whip up, then the Cheese Danish Cups Recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. These little golden morsels combine flaky crescent roll pastry with a luscious, creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, crowned by a burst of fruity jam. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these Cheese Danish Cups are sweet, satisfying, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep it simple and scrumptious with ingredients that are staples in many kitchens. Each one plays a special role in bringing the perfect balance of flaky, creamy, and fruity flavors that make these Cheese Danish Cups Recipe shine.
- Crescent rolls: The flaky, buttery foundation that crisps up beautifully while baking, creating the perfect cup shape.
- Cream cheese: Provides the rich, smooth, and tangy filling that’s the star of the Cheese Danish Cups Recipe.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling flawlessly without any grittiness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic hint that elevates the flavor complexity.
- Egg yolk: Binds the filling ingredients together for a silky texture and adds a soft golden hue.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall depth of the filling.
- Fruit jam: Delivers a vibrant pop of flavor and color atop each cup, with your favorite variety.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cheese Danish Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin and Dough
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spraying 8 muffin tin cavities with non-stick spray. This ensures effortless removal of your cheese Danish cups once baked. Next, carefully separate the crescent roll dough. For each cup, lay the wide end of a triangle piece at the bottom of the muffin cavity, then gently press and wrap the narrow end around the sides. This creates the perfect flaky cup that will hold all that delicious filling without leaking. Press the seams to seal so everything stays cozy in place during baking.
Step 2: Whip Up That Cream Cheese Filling
Using an electric hand mixer, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and a pinch of salt together until the mixture is gorgeously smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will be the heart of your Cheese Danish Cups Recipe, so take a moment to appreciate how silky and inviting it looks.
Step 3: Assemble the Danish Cups
Now, evenly spoon the cream cheese filling into the prepared crescent dough cups, filling each almost to the top. Using the back of your spoon, create a small well or indentation right in the center of each filling. This little dip is where you’ll gently nestle your dollop of fruit jam, adding a bright burst of fruity sweetness that perfectly contrasts the creamy richness beneath.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the filling to be just set and the dough to turn a golden brown color, giving you that irresistible crispness on the edges. The aroma during baking is truly something to savor, promising an indulgent treat is moments away.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the Cheese Danish Cups cool in the pan for about five minutes. This helps them firm up slightly and makes them easier to remove. Run a sharp knife gently around the edges of each cup and carefully lift them out. Transfer to a wire rack so they can cool just a bit more — though these little beauties are best enjoyed while still slightly warm.
How to Serve Cheese Danish Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Delight your loved ones by dusting the tops with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. Fresh berries or thin slices of fruit like strawberries, kiwi, or peaches placed alongside add a refreshing contrast. A drizzle of honey or a touch of lemon zest can also brighten the flavors and make your Cheese Danish Cups Recipe feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These Danish cups pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich latte for a perfect morning or afternoon pick-me-up. Serve alongside creamy yogurt or a simple mixed fruit salad to create a balanced brunch spread that feels decadent without being overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Cheese Danish Cups on a rustic wooden board accompanied by small bowls of assorted jams or marmalades for a charming buffet-style presentation. Using colorful paper liners in the muffin tin adds a festive touch when serving guests. For celebrations, a light glaze of apricot jam brushed on top can add a beautiful shine and extra sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, no worries! Store the Cheese Danish Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the pastry flaky and the filling creamy, ready for a quick treat anytime.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each Danish cup tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Cheese Danish Cups Recipe treats last up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a preheated 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes the flaky texture of the dough and warms the filling to creamy perfection. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese substitutes for this recipe?
While traditional cream cheese brings the perfect tang and richness, you can experiment with mascarpone for a milder, creamier filling or even a mixture of ricotta and cream cheese. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the texture and flavor of the Cheese Danish Cups Recipe.
What kinds of fruit jam work best?
Almost any fruit jam will work beautifully! Classic favorites like raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or blueberry provide a lovely sweet-tart contrast to the creamy filling. Feel free to choose whatever jam you love or have on hand.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and choose a plant-based crescent roll dough if available. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may be a bit different, but you can still enjoy a delicious Cheese Danish Cups Recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.
How do I prevent the dough from shrinking during baking?
Make sure to press the crescent roll dough firmly into the muffin cups and seal any seams well. Also, avoid over-handling the dough which can cause it to shrink back. Using room temperature dough and baking right after prepping helps maintain the shape.
Can I add toppings like nuts or streusel?
Absolutely! Sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans on top of the jam before baking for a delightful crunch. A bit of cinnamon sugar or streusel can add sweetness and texture, offering a fun twist on the classic Cheese Danish Cups Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about biting into a warm Cheese Danish Cups Recipe — flaky, creamy, and bursting with fruity goodness. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between impressive and easy, making it ideal for sharing with family or impressing guests. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as joyful and delicious as I do. Happy baking!
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PrintCheese Danish Cups Recipe
Delightfully flaky and creamy Cheese Danish Cups perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, featuring a buttery crescent roll crust filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and topped with luscious fruit jam. These easy-to-make pastries bake to golden perfection in under 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls, unwrapped and separated
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- Pinch of salt
- 4 to 6 tablespoons fruit jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray 8 muffin tin cavities with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Form Danish Cups: Line each muffin cup with the crescent roll dough by placing the wide end at the bottom and wrapping the remaining dough up the sides. Press the dough to cover the entire cup and seal any seams firmly.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: Using an electric hand mixer, blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fill Danish Cups: Evenly distribute the cream cheese filling among the prepared dough-lined muffin cups. Create a small indentation in the center of each filling with a spoon, then place about half a tablespoon of fruit jam into the indentation.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cream cheese filling has set and the dough has turned golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the danish cups to cool in the pan for five minutes. Then, run a sharp knife around the edges to loosen them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and egg yolk for a smooth filling.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavors of fruit jams or preserves for variety.
- Ensure the seams of the crescent dough are sealed well to prevent leaks during baking.
- Allow the danish cups to cool slightly to set fully and maintain structure when removing from the muffin tin.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; best enjoyed fresh.