Print

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 103 reviews

This Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish recipe transforms simple ingredients like puff pastry, cream cheese, and leftover cranberry sauce into an elegant and delicious breakfast or dessert treat. With a flaky, buttery crust and a sweet-tart cranberry and cream cheese filling, finished off with a smooth orange-vanilla glaze, these danishes are quick to prepare and perfect for using up holiday leftovers in a delightful way.

Ingredients

Scale

Danish Ingredients

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp water

Vanilla Orange Icing

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tbsp orange juice (add 1/4 tsp at a time if you need to thin out the glaze)
  • 1/2 tsp orange zest (optional for stronger orange flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. Set aside.
  2. Cut and Score Puff Pastry: Slice the frozen puff pastry sheet into 8 equal rectangles. Using a sharp knife, score each rectangle about 1/4 inch from the edges to create borders. Then, poke the center of each pastry square with a fork to prevent the center from puffing up during baking. Place the pastries somewhere cool to keep the dough chilled.
  3. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Using a spoon, scoop 1-2 heaping tablespoons of this mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square and gently spread it, avoiding the edges.
  4. Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer on each pastry. Spread gently, being careful not to touch the pastry edges.
  5. Apply Egg Wash and Bake: In a small bowl, beat the egg with the water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry square with the egg wash to help them brown beautifully in the oven. Bake the danishes in the preheated oven for 16 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
  6. Prepare Orange Vanilla Glaze: While the danishes bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest in a medium bowl. Adjust the orange juice quantity a little at a time if you want to thin out the glaze.
  7. Glaze and Serve: Once the danishes are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the orange vanilla glaze over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Keep puff pastry chilled until ready to use for best puff and texture.
  • Poking the center with a fork prevents the middle from puffing up and helps hold the filling in place.
  • The orange zest in the glaze is optional but adds a lovely citrus kick.
  • If you do not have leftover cranberry sauce, cranberry jam or preserves can be an effective substitute.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated gently in an oven.

Keywords: cheese danish, cranberry sauce recipe, puff pastry dessert, leftover cranberry recipe, cream cheese danish, holiday leftovers dessert, easy baked danish

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/leftover-cranberry-sauce-cheese-danish-recipe/