This easy cream cheese danish goes red velvet! A creamy red velvet center is surrounded by crescent dough and baked to perfection. An easy glaze finishes off this danish that is perfect for breakfast or brunch.

For another fun and easy danish recipe, try this Puff Pastry Danish with Blueberries and Cream Cheese.

Easy Red Velvet Cream Cheese Danish: A Quick & Delicious Brunch Treat

Imagine a vibrant red velvet filling, rich and creamy, nestled within layers of golden, flaky pastry, all topped with a sweet, delicate glaze. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality of our incredible Red Velvet Cream Cheese Danish. Perfect for a special breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or even a delightful dessert, this recipe brings together the beloved flavors of red velvet cake and the comforting appeal of a classic danish, all with an incredibly easy preparation method.

We all love a good danish, especially one that looks as impressive as it tastes, but who has hours to spend making dough from scratch? This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, using a clever shortcut that will have you enjoying bakery-quality pastries in no time. Forget complicated techniques; with readily available crescent dough, you’re just minutes away from a truly memorable treat. This Red Velvet Cream Cheese Danish offers an irresistible combination of creamy filling and tender, golden crust, making it an instant favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Red Velvet Danish Recipe

There are countless reasons to make this Red Velvet Cream Cheese Danish your new go-to recipe. Here’s why it stands out as a must-try:

• Effortless Elegance: Despite its sophisticated appearance, this danish is surprisingly simple to make, even for novice bakers. The “braiding” technique might look intricate, but it’s straightforward and quick to master, yielding a professional-looking pastry without the fuss.
• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The classic tang of cream cheese perfectly balances the subtle cocoa notes and vibrant color of the red velvet filling. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, and slightly tart, a true delight for your taste buds.
• Time-Saving Shortcut: By utilizing store-bought crescent dough, we significantly cut down on preparation time, making this a feasible option for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans. There’s no need for lengthy proofing, complex pastry folding, or intricate dough preparation when you use this clever hack.
• Versatile Treat: While ideal for breakfast or brunch, this danish also makes a fantastic dessert served with coffee, a delightful afternoon tea accompaniment, or a sweet snack any time of day. Its vibrant color also makes it perfect for holiday gatherings or special celebrations.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: The striking red filling peeking through the braided golden crust is sure to impress your family and guests. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate, guaranteeing gasps of delight when you bring it to the table.

The Allure of Red Velvet

Red velvet isn’t just a flavor; it’s an experience, a cultural phenomenon in the world of desserts. Originating as a luxurious cake, its distinct taste comes from a combination of cocoa powder, a hint of vanilla, and often buttermilk, which historically reacted with the cocoa to create a subtle reddish hue and a unique tang. Today, the vibrant red color is typically enhanced with food coloring, making it visually spectacular and instantly recognizable. This danish captures that same magical essence, transforming it into a delightful, hand-held pastry form.

The cream cheese is arguably the most crucial component in any red velvet creation. Its rich, tangy, and slightly savory profile provides the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the red velvet, creating a balanced and utterly addictive flavor profile. In this danish, the cream cheese is blended directly into the red velvet filling, resulting in a smooth, decadent center that holds its shape beautifully while baking. This ensures every bite delivers that quintessential red velvet experience.

Danish Delight: A Brief History

While often enjoyed as a breakfast pastry in many parts of the world, the danish (known as “wienerbrød” in Denmark, meaning “Viennese bread”) actually has a fascinating history rooted in Austria. Its origins trace back to Vienna, where a layered, yeasted pastry dough was perfected. It gained widespread popularity in Denmark during a bakers’ strike in the mid-19th century when Austrian bakers were brought in as replacements. These Austrian bakers introduced their traditional pastries, which quickly captivated the Danish palate. Over time, the Danes adapted these pastries, developing their own unique fillings and shapes, evolving into the diverse range of flaky, sweet treats we enjoy today. Our recipe embraces the spirit of this beloved pastry, offering a quick and modern take on a timeless classic that brings joy to any table.

Mastering Your Red Velvet Cream Cheese Danish

Making this Red Velvet Cream Cheese Danish is a straightforward and rewarding process. The entire assembly can take as little as 10-15 minutes, making it incredibly appealing for those who want a special treat without a lengthy commitment. Let’s walk through the key steps and some helpful tips to ensure your success, from mixing the filling to the final elegant drizzle.

1. Crafting the Creamy Red Velvet Filling

The heart of this danish is its luscious red velvet cream cheese filling. To begin, ensure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature; this is crucial for a smooth, lump-free filling. Combine the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar in a mixing bowl and beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth. Next, incorporate the flour, which acts as a stabilizer, helping the filling to set beautifully during baking. Then, add the vibrant red food coloring, a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder for that signature subtle chocolate note, and a splash of vanilla extract for warmth and depth of flavor. Beat until all ingredients are well combined and the color is uniform throughout the mixture. Don’t be shy with the food coloring; you want that rich, deep red that makes red velvet so appealing!

2. Preparing the Crescent Dough: The Easy Shortcut

This recipe brilliantly uses a tube of refrigerated crescent dough, saving you immense time and effort typically associated with pastry making. When you unroll the dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, aim to keep it in one large rectangular sheet. If you can find the “seamless” or “recipe creations” style of crescent dough, it will make this step even easier as it comes without pre-cut perforations. Otherwise, gently but firmly pinch the pre-cut seams together with your fingers to form a solid, continuous base. Carefully stretch the dough slightly to achieve a 13×9-inch rectangle on your parchment-lined baking sheet. This ensures a generous surface area for the filling and subsequent braiding. Once your dough rectangle is ready, spread the prepared red velvet cream cheese mixture evenly down the center third of the dough. It might seem like a generous amount of filling, but trust the process! A well-filled danish is much more satisfying than one with a sparse center. Make sure to leave about an inch or two of dough exposed on either side of the filling for braiding.

3. The Simple Braiding Technique

This is where the danish gets its impressive, bakery-quality look, and it’s actually much simpler than it appears. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, make diagonal slits down both long sides of the dough, cutting from the outer edge of the dough towards the filling, but not into it. Each strip should be approximately 3.5 inches long and about 1 inch wide, and it’s important to have an equal number of strips on each side for a balanced braid.

To begin braiding, start at the top. Take the first strip from one side and fold it diagonally over the filling towards the opposite side. Then, take the first strip from the opposite side and fold it over, overlapping the previous strip slightly in the center. Continue this alternating pattern, working your way down the entire length of the danish, ensuring the strips meet and slightly overlap in the center to create a woven, braided effect that securely encases the filling. When you reach the bottom and have just two strips left on each side, fold the very bottom strips inward over the filling to seal the end. Then, cross the second to last strips over the top of those folded ends and tuck them neatly underneath the braid for a clean, finished appearance. This method not only looks beautiful but also helps to keep the delicious filling contained during baking.

4. Baking to Golden Perfection

Once braided, your beautifully crafted danish is ready for the oven. Bake it in a preheated oven until the crescent dough is puffed up, golden brown, and the filling appears set and slightly firm. The kitchen will soon fill with an irresistible aroma that signals a delicious treat is on its way! Keep a close eye on your danish during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning, especially around the edges of the pastry. Once baked to perfection, carefully transfer the danish, still on its parchment paper, to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before proceeding with the glaze. Cooling is essential, as glazing a warm danish will cause the glaze to melt and run off, rather than setting into a lovely decorative and flavorful finish.

5. The Finishing Touch: Simple Vanilla Glaze

A simple yet effective powdered sugar glaze is the perfect complement to the rich red velvet flavors. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, a tablespoon or two of heavy cream, and a dash of vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable, and drizzling consistency. If the glaze appears too thick, add a tiny bit more cream, a quarter teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it. Drizzle the glaze generously and artfully over the top of the completely cooled danish, allowing it to cascade down the braided sides. This not only adds a touch of extra sweetness but also provides that professional, bakery-fresh finish that makes this danish truly special.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Danish

Achieving bakery-level perfection with your Red Velvet Cream Cheese Danish is easier than you think with these helpful tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your cream cheese is completely softened before you begin mixing the filling. This is crucial for preventing lumps and achieving a silky-smooth, uniform consistency, which is key to a delightful texture.
• Don’t Overfill: While a generous filling is certainly desirable, avoid piling it too high. An excessively thick layer of filling can make the braiding process difficult and increase the chances of the filling oozing out during baking. Stick to the recommended amount.
• Sharp Knife for Slits: Using a very sharp knife or a pizza cutter will give you clean, precise, and even strips for braiding. This not only makes the process much easier but also results in a much neater and more attractive final product.
• Pinch Seams Well: If you’re using traditional crescent rolls that come with pre-perforated lines, it’s vital to really pinch those seams together firmly. This prevents any gaps in your dough that could lead to filling leakage or an uneven base.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is a non-negotiable step. It ensures easy cleanup and, more importantly, prevents the delicate danish from sticking to the pan, allowing for seamless transfer after baking.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to glazing. Glazing a warm danish will cause the glaze to melt, run off, and disappear into the pastry. Allow it to cool thoroughly on a wire rack for the glaze to set beautifully and evenly, creating that lovely, opaque finish.

Delicious Variations & Customizations

While the Red Velvet Cream Cheese Danish is undeniably perfect as is, this versatile recipe can easily be adapted to suit your personal taste or to experiment with new flavor combinations:

• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: For an extra layer of decadence, gently fold in about a quarter cup of mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate into the red velvet cream cheese filling before spreading it onto the dough.
• Berry Bliss: Introduce a fruity twist by swirling a few tablespoons of your favorite berry jam (raspberry, cherry, or strawberry work wonderfully) into the cream cheese filling before spreading. The tartness of the berries will complement the red velvet beautifully.
• Nutty Crunch: Add some delightful texture and a nutty flavor by sprinkling a quarter cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling just before you begin the braiding process.
• Lemon Zest Brightness: For a subtle citrusy lift that brightens the rich red velvet, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese filling. This provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Elevate the topping by making a slightly thicker cream cheese frosting instead of a simple vanilla glaze. Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract for an even richer, more substantial finish.

Serving Suggestions

This Red Velvet Cream Cheese Danish is a star on its own, but here are some ideas to make it part of a delightful meal or a memorable gathering:

• Brunch Centerpiece: Make it the star of your weekend brunch spread. Serve alongside fresh seasonal fruit, fluffy scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon for a well-rounded and indulgent meal that caters to all tastes.
• Coffee Companion: It’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy with your morning or afternoon ritual. Pair it with a steaming hot cup of coffee, a comforting tea, or a creamy latte for a moment of pure bliss.
• Dessert Delight: Don’t limit this danish to just breakfast! Present it as a light and elegant dessert after dinner. A small slice goes wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
• Gourmet Breakfast: For a truly special start to your day, pair a generous slice with a tall glass of fresh orange juice, a vibrant fruit smoothie, or a sparkling mimosa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this Red Velvet Danish ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! This danish is excellent for make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the filling and assemble the entire danish (up to the point of baking) the night before. Once assembled, cover it loosely but securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. You can also bake it completely, allow it to cool, and then glaze it just before serving for the freshest taste.

How should I store leftover danish?

Due to the cream cheese filling, any leftover Red Velvet Cream Cheese Danish should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For optimal enjoyment, you can gently warm individual slices in a toaster oven or a microwave for a few seconds to refresh the pastry and soften the filling.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

You certainly can, and puff pastry works wonderfully for danishes! Using puff pastry will give you an even flakier, more delicate result. If using frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it completely according to package directions before unfolding. Then, proceed with the recipe as directed, spreading the filling and braiding. Keep in mind that baking times might vary slightly with puff pastry, so watch closely for golden brown perfection and a puffed pastry.

Is the red food coloring essential for this recipe?

While the vibrant red color is a signature characteristic of red velvet, especially visually, it’s not strictly essential for the flavor. If you prefer to avoid food coloring for dietary reasons or personal preference, you can absolutely omit it. The danish will still taste delicious, with a subtle reddish-brown hue from the cocoa powder, but it won’t have the classic vivid red velvet visual appeal. The flavor will remain largely the same.

Why is my danish filling oozing out during baking?

If your danish filling is oozing out, it usually points to a couple of common issues. First, ensure that if you’re using traditional crescent rolls with perforations, the dough seams are fully pinched together and sealed before adding the filling. Second, it could be that the braiding wasn’t tight enough, or the strips weren’t overlapped sufficiently to fully encase and secure the filling. Lastly, make sure you’re not overfilling the center, leaving enough dough on the sides to create a secure braid.

More Red Velvet Breakfast Ideas

If you’re as smitten with the delightful flavors of red velvet as we are, explore these other fantastic breakfast recipes that bring that signature taste to your morning:

• Red Velvet Crepes
• Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing
• Red Velvet Quick Bread with Cream Cheese Filling

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Red Velvet Cream Cheese Danish

This easy cream cheese danish goes red velvet! A creamy red velvet center is surrounded by crescent dough and baked to perfection. An easy glaze finishes off this danish that is perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

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Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tube crescent rolls
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
• dash of vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine the cream cheese and sugar in a bowl and beat until smooth. Beat in the flour, red food coloring, cocoa powder and vanilla.
3. Open the crescent rolls and lay the dough out on the baking sheet, keeping the dough in one big rectangle. Press out to a 13×9-inch rectangle. Pinch the seams together lightly. Spread the filling down the center of the dough. With a sharp knife, make slits diagonally down one side, about 3 1/2 inches long and 1 inch apart. Repeat on the other side.
4. Starting at the top, pull one strip over the filling, then a strip from the opposite side. Continue to alternate strips, forming a braid across the top of the filling. Once there are only 2 strips left on each side, fold the bottom strips in, then cross the second to last strips and tuck under the braid.
5. Bake the danish for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of the cream and vanilla. Add more cream, if desired, to make it a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the top of the cooled danish.

Keywords: red velvet, red velvet breakfast, red velvet danish, cream cheese danish, easy danish, quick breakfast