Cream Cheese Danish Squares

[Linda in MO]

I made these for my sorority's "secret" breakfast yesterday morning. I made it last year also and it was requested that I make it again. They're so yummy! I made the first recipe, but I also included a fruit variation. I have not made those yet.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Cream Cheese Danish Squares

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Breakfast, Pastry

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cans reduced fat refrigerated Pillsbury crescent rolls
16 ounces light cream cheese -- softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg -- separated
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (1 to 1 1/2 t.)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts -- optional (1/4 to 1/2 cup)

Spread 1 can of crescent rolls on bottom of ungreased 9 x 13" pan.

Cream together cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla.

Spread cheese mixture over crescent rolls.

Lay second can of rolls on top.

Beat egg white and lightly brush over the top. (you won't use the whole egg white)

Mix sugar, cinnamon & nuts.

Sprinkle topping over crescent rolls.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it's golden brown and tests done.

Store leftovers in the fridge.

Serving Ideas : These are good served warm, room temp., or cold. They will serve 12 to 24 depending on what else is being served.


Fruit Variation:

2 (8-count) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 egg, separated
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla or almond flavoring
1 can fruit pie filling
powdered sugar, optional

Unroll and place one package roll dough on 9 x 13 inch pan. Blend softened cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, and extract. (I think I would also add a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.) Spread mixture on top of layer of roll dough. Top with pie filling. Unroll and place second package of roll dough over pie filling. Brush lightly with egg white. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle on a glaze.

[JHolcomb]

My mom used to make these. I'd forgotten about them, but they are good. I'll have to remember them the next time I need something quick, easy, and yummy to take to a gathering.

[rinsav]

These look great! Thanks for posting. I'll definitely try them sometime.:)

[BlueMoose]

Linda,

Those look really good. I wish I had a brunch to go to so I had an excuse to make them! ;) Thanks!

[Linda in MO]

Hope you all get a chance to try these. They really are as JHolcomb described them "quick, easy, and yummy".

BlueMoose, maybe you could cut the recipe in half and just make them for your family. It might work in an 8x8 pan. BTW, how is your daughter doing in pre-K? Is she enjoying it more now?

[BlueMoose]

Linda,

Thanks for asking! She still whines about going, but once we get there she just gives me a hug and goes off to do her thing. She's always in a good mood when she gets out. :)

Chrisi

[Linda in MO]

That's good to hear, Chrisi. I had been thinking about you guys and was hoping things were going well.

[newcook]

I made 2 batches of danish, one regular and one fruit variation over the weekend for a brunch. I made them both with light cream cheese but otherwise made them exactly as posted.

They were not like I expected them to be, I was expecting something more like a regular cheese danish with only very little cheese and the cheese being sort of like paste (Yum). The cheese in these was very soft and runny and I'm not sure if it was supposed to be that way or not, but it was still very delicious. The sugar topping didn't quite melt in a few areas so we decided to melt a tablespoon of butter and drizzle it over the unmelted parts.

Everyone loved them.

They are very very rich, so they need to be cut in very small pieces. I would say at least 16 servings per 9 x 13 pan.

I would definitely be making these again. Thanks for posting the recipe.

Daniele

[Jodi]

Linda,
Thanks for posting this! I always look forward to your postings and reviews.

I just found out that my brother, SIL, and newborn baby will be staying with us for a few days at Christmas, which means lots more visitors in and out for a few days, since they live in California and most people haven't seen them since my wedding 2 years ago -- let alone meet the baby! So I've been trying to collect some ideas, and this certainly fits the bill.
Jodi

[Linda in MO]

Originally posted by newcook
They were not like I expected them to be, I was expecting something more like a regular cheese danish with only very little cheese and the cheese being sort of like paste (Yum). The cheese in these was very soft and runny and I'm not sure if it was supposed to be that way or not, but it was still very delicious.

Daniele, Glad they were a hit for you. I still haven't tried the fruit version. I don't remember my filling being too soft or runny. Not sure what happened. Was it still runny after you refrigerated them?

Jodi, you're welcome! :) I think these will work great for your situation.

[newcook]

Linda, actually I just ate some of the leftovers from the refrigerator and it was not runny. I baked them the same morning we ate them, they may have still been warm.

Both versions were equally delicious but completely different. I used raspberry pie filling for the fruit one. I also gave some of the leftovers to my sister and I just heard from them that they were a hit there as well.

Daniele