Crescent Roll Fruit Danish Recipe

### **Instructions:**

#### **1. Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

#### **2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:**
– If using fresh fruit, wash and chop it into small pieces. For canned fruit, drain and chop as needed.
– In a small saucepan, combine the fruit and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the fruit releases its juices and thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.

#### **3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:**
– In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. This will be the base for the Danish filling.

#### **4. Assemble the Danish:**
– Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. Instead of placing them individually, arrange the triangles on the baking sheet, pinching the edges together to form a large rectangle. You’ll want to create a base for the Danish filling.
– Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
– Spoon the prepared fruit mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover.

#### **5. Fold the Edges:**
– Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a rustic, open-face pastry. This will form a beautiful, crimped edge around the Danish.

#### **6. Brush and Sprinkle:**
– Brush the exposed edges of the dough with melted butter to give it a golden, shiny finish.
– Sprinkle a little sugar over the top for extra sweetness and crunch.

#### **7. Bake:**
– Place the Danish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

#### **8. Cool and Serve:**
– Once baked, remove the Danish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. For extra flair, drizzle a little more powdered sugar or a glaze over the top if desired.

### **Tips for the Perfect Crescent Roll Fruit Danish:**

– **Fruit Varieties:** You can use any type of fruit for this recipe. Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are great choices, but canned peaches, apricots, or even apple pie filling work wonderfully too.
– **Thickening the Filling:** If using fresh fruit that has a lot of juice, be sure to cook the fruit with cornstarch to help thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming too runny.
– **Cream Cheese Texture:** Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to ensure a smooth filling that spreads easily.
– **Adding a Glaze:** For a little extra sweetness, make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk or vanilla extract and drizzle it over the cooled Danish for a polished look.

### **Healthier Alternatives:**

– **Low-Fat Cream Cheese:** To make this recipe a bit lighter, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese without sacrificing flavor.
– **Fresh Fruit:** Using fresh fruit instead of canned fruit can help reduce added sugars and provide more natural sweetness to the Danish.

### **Why This Recipe Works:**

This Crescent Roll Fruit Danish recipe works because it combines convenience with the comforting flavors of homemade pastry. The crescent roll dough provides the perfect balance of buttery flakiness without the need to make dough from scratch, making it an accessible option for busy cooks. The cream cheese and fruit filling deliver a deliciously sweet contrast, while the golden crust adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a simple, yet elegant treat that works for any occasion!

### **Conclusion:**

If you’re looking for a quick and indulgent breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this **Crescent Roll Fruit Danish** recipe is a must-try. With its buttery layers, creamy filling, and fruity topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe box. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just as a fun treat, this easy pastry delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness of a homemade fruit Danish without all the fuss!