Raspberry Cream Cheese Crescent Danishes

These Raspberry Cream Cheese Crescent Danishes have soft, golden crescent pastry shaped into little rounds and filled with sweet cream cheese and raspberry preserves. Sliced almonds add a delicate crunch, and a simple powdered sugar glaze gives them a bakery-style finish. They’re lovely for breakfast, brunch, or an easy dessert.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Servings: 8 danishes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with convenient refrigerated crescent dough
Creamy filling with bright raspberry flavor
Sliced almonds add a crisp, nutty finish
A simple glaze makes them look extra special
Easy to serve for breakfast or brunch
Uses a handful of familiar ingredients

Ingredients

Danishes

1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 ounces)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup raspberry preserves
¼ cup sliced almonds

Vanilla Glaze

½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Raspberry Cream Cheese Crescent Danishes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 3: Shape the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into eight triangles. Roll each triangle into a thin rope, then coil the rope into a round. Place the rounds on the baking sheet and gently press down the center of each one to make a small well.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Spoon about one tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each Danish. Add a small spoonful of raspberry preserves on top.

Step 5: Add the Almonds

Sprinkle sliced almonds over the raspberry filling and pastry edges.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crescent pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let the Danishes cool on the pan for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

Whisk the powdered sugar, vanilla, and one tablespoon of milk until smooth. Add a little more milk if needed to make a thin drizzle.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Danishes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

Let the cream cheese soften so the filling mixes smoothly.
Keep the dough cool while shaping; it is easier to handle when chilled.
Press a clear well into each coil so the filling stays in the center.
Use a small amount of preserves to help prevent the filling from spilling over.
Let the Danishes cool before glazing so the glaze stays visible.
If the pastry edges brown too quickly, check them a minute or two early.

Easy Variations

Blueberry Cream Cheese Danishes

Replace the raspberry preserves with blueberry jam or preserves.

Strawberry Almond Danishes

Use strawberry preserves and keep the sliced almond topping.

Lemon Raspberry Danishes

Add ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a brighter flavor.

Extra-Almond Glaze

Replace the vanilla in the glaze with a small drop of almond extract.

Can I Make Them Ahead?

You can prepare the cream cheese filling and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to one day. Shape and fill the Danishes shortly before baking for the freshest pastry.

Storage

Store leftover Danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a low oven if you prefer them warm. The almonds are crispest on the day they’re baked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crescent dough sheets?

Yes. Cut the sheet into eight strips, roll each into a rope, and shape them into coils.

Can I use raspberry pie filling?

You can, but use only a small spoonful per Danish because pie filling is usually looser than preserves.

Why did the filling spread while baking?

The well may have been too shallow, or the Danishes may have been overfilled. Press a deeper center into each coil and use about one tablespoon of cream cheese filling.

Can I skip the almonds?

Yes. The Danishes will still be delicious without them, or you can replace them with another sliced nut.

Should I serve them warm or chilled?

They’re especially good slightly warm or at room temperature. If refrigerated, let them sit out briefly before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Raspberry Cream Cheese Crescent Danishes combine tender pastry, smooth cream cheese, sweet raspberry preserves, and sliced almonds in an easy homemade treat. Finish them with a light vanilla glaze and serve them at brunch, with coffee, or as a simple dessert.