Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe

Introduction

This Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish is a delightful way to transform leftovers into a flaky, creamy treat. With a crisp puff pastry base, smooth cream cheese, and tangy cranberry topping, it’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Slice the puff pastry sheet into 8 equal rectangles. Score each rectangle with a sharp knife, leaving about a 1/4-inch border. Poke the center of each square with a fork to prevent it from puffing up. Set aside in a cool place.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Scoop 1–2 heaping tablespoons of this mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square, spreading gently but avoiding the edges.
4. Step 4: Top each cream cheese filling with 1–2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce, spreading lightly without touching the pastry edges.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry square with the egg wash to help them brown during baking. Bake for 16 minutes or until golden and puffed.
6. Step 6: While baking, prepare the orange glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest (if using), and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add more orange juice as needed to reach desired consistency.
7. Step 7: Once the pastries have cooled slightly, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh or canned cranberry sauce based on availability; homemade cranberry sauce adds extra freshness.
• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar in the cream cheese mixture.
• If you prefer a dairy-free option, try a plant-based cream cheese and puff pastry.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture.

Storage

Store leftover cheese danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness before serving. The glaze may soften but will still add flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of leftover cranberry sauce?

Fresh cranberries work if cooked down into a sauce first. Combine them with sugar and a bit of water, simmer until thickened, then cool before using.

Can I prepare these danishes in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the danishes and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them well to prevent drying out.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 110 reviews

A delightful and easy-to-make pastry combining flaky puff pastry, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and tangy leftover cranberry sauce, topped with a fresh orange vanilla glaze. Perfect for using up holiday leftovers and enjoying a sweet breakfast or dessert.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 8 danishes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp water

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)

Topping

• 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce

Orange Glaze

• 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. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Slice the frozen puff pastry sheet into 8 equal rectangles. Score each rectangle about 1/4 inch from the edges with a sharp knife to create a border. Then poke the centers of the puff pastry squares with a fork to prevent the center from puffing up during baking. Set aside in a cool place.
3. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Spoon 1-2 heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square, spreading gently and avoiding the scored edges.
4. Add Cranberry Sauce: Top the cream cheese layer on each pastry with 1-2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce, gently spreading it while avoiding the edges of the puff pastry.
5. Apply Egg Wash and Bake: In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush the edges of each puff pastry square with the egg wash to help them brown beautifully. Bake the danishes on the prepared baking sheet for approximately 16 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
6. Make Orange Glaze: While the pastries bake, whisk together powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, orange juice (adding gradually if needed), and orange zest if using, in a medium bowl until smooth and pourable.
7. Glaze and Serve: Once the danishes have cooled slightly, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat.

Notes

• You can use either vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste to add flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
• If your glaze is too thick, add orange juice a little at a time until you reach desired consistency.
• To prevent puff pastry from shrinking or becoming overly puffy in the center, scoring and poking holes helps maintain shape.
• These danishes are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a suitable vegan cream cheese alternative.

Keywords: cranberry sauce, cheese danish, puff pastry, cream cheese, leftover cranberry, orange glaze, holiday dessert, easy pastry