Vegan Cream Cheese Danish

This easy vegan Danish fills your kitchen with the sweetest smell and comes together so quickly you will want to serve it for weekend brunch or impress guests with homemade pastry any time. With a rich vegan cream cheese center and a sweet cherry topping, every bite feels bakery-worthy while being kind to your kitchen and schedule.

My friends always ask for the recipe after trying these at my house for holiday mornings and family gatherings They taste nostalgic like classic Danish pastries without any fuss

Ingredients

• Crescent roll tubes: find fresh ones in the refrigerated section for fluffiest results avoid any that feel hard or have a broken seal
• Vegan cream cheese: creates that tangy rich center try to select a brand with minimal additives for best texture
• Sugar or xylitol: sweetens the filling and you can choose unrefined sugar if you prefer less processed sweetness
• Lemon juice: gives brightness and balances the creamy filling use freshly squeezed for best flavor
• Pure vanilla extract: optional but adds cozy undertones look for real extract rather than imitation
• Cherry pie filling: brings a bright pop of flavor use homemade when possible for fresher taste or choose a high fruit store brand
• Pure maple syrup or agave: adds shine and gentle sweetness on the pastry surface choose a dark robust maple for more flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Creamy Filling:

Blend vegan cream cheese with sugar lemon juice and vanilla until completely smooth and creamy This step is key for creating that classic Danish center Cheese lumps sneak in if you rush so give it a good whirl in your food processor or with hand beaters

Get the Dough Ready:

Open your crescent roll tubes and slice the dough widthwise into twelve even sections Press a deep well into the center of each section Use your knuckle or the back of a small spoon and make the well generous since more filling means more flavor

Fill and Top:

Brush each piece of dough with a little maple syrup or agave to give a glossy golden finish Scoop about one tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into each well then add a few teaspoons of cherry pie filling right on top For beautiful color and vibrant taste make the fruit layer visible

Bake:

Arrange the filled dough pieces on a lined or well greased baking sheet Pop into a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for eighteen minutes or until puffed and lightly golden Let them cool so the filling sets before serving

Finish with Icing:

If you like a finishing touch drizzle extra cream cheese icing over the cooled pastries for a true bakery finish Serve for breakfast or dessert and enjoy

Pin it

What I love most is the creamy vegan filling The first time I made it my niece could not believe it was dairy free It has become a staple for family brunches and always reminds me of Swedish bakery treats I had as a kid

Storage Tips

Store cooled Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days If you want to refresh them simply pop into a toaster oven for a few minutes to bring back the flakiness If freezing wrap each Danish tightly in plastic or foil and freeze up to one month

Ingredient Substitutions

Any dairy free cream cheese works and you can try softened silken tofu blended very smooth with a touch of lemon for a lighter option For the fruit pie filling blueberries or apples work just as well You can use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for the filling if you prefer

Serving Suggestions

These vegan Danish taste wonderful alongside coffee or a glass of oat milk For a bigger brunch use as a centerpiece with fresh fruit salad and granola Or pack them up for a sweet picnic treat

Pin it

Cultural Context

Danish pastries originated in Denmark as a rich laminated treat This vegan version pays homage to the tradition but uses simple store bought dough and plant based swaps so everyone can enjoy the classic pastry flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of vegan cream cheese works best?

A thick, spreadable store-bought vegan cream cheese or homemade cashew-based alternative will provide the smoothest texture for the filling.

→ Can I use a different fruit filling?

Yes, blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling can easily be substituted for the cherry to suit your taste preferences.

→ How do I store leftover Danish?

Store any remaining pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat briefly before serving for best texture.

→ Can these be made gluten-free?

Simply use a certified gluten-free crescent roll dough along with your favorite gluten-free flour alternatives for the filling if needed.

→ Is there a substitute for maple syrup or agave?

For a different sweetener, try coconut nectar or leave out the glaze entirely for a less sweet finish.

→ Do I need special equipment for blending?

A food processor or electric hand beaters create a very smooth filling, but vigorous whisking by hand also works in a pinch.