If you find yourself with some leftover cranberry sauce after the holidays or a cozy dinner, I have the perfect way to transform it into a delightful pastry treat. This Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce, all tucked inside flaky puff pastry. It’s one of those magical recipes that turns something simple into a show-stopping dessert or breakfast that everyone will rave about. The blend of bright cranberry and smooth cheese with a citrus glaze makes each bite utterly irresistible and a brilliant use of ingredients you might already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet essential in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your danishes. Each component plays a special role, from the buttery puff pastry to the vibrant cranberry topping, ensuring a deliciously harmonious treat.
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough: Provides that irresistibly flaky and golden crust that’s essential for any danish.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a creamy, smooth filling that complements the tartness of cranberry sauce perfectly.
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just enough to balance the tangy flavors.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Infuses warmth and depth into the cream cheese layer.
- 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce: Brings that iconic holiday flavor and bright color to each danish.
- 1 egg: Used in the egg wash to give the pastry a gorgeous golden shine.
- 1 tbsp water: Mixed with egg for a smooth wash that helps the crust brown evenly.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Base for the sweet, citrusy glaze drizzled on top.
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze with a subtle aromatic note.
- 1/2 tbsp orange juice: Adds a fresh zing and helps bring the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- 1/2 tsp orange zest (optional): For an extra burst of citrus flavor if you want a bolder glaze.
How to Make Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to a hot 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this little step means no sticking and an easy cleanup, so always worth it.
Step 2: Cut and Score Puff Pastry
Take your frozen puff pastry and slice it into 8 equal rectangles. Then, use a sharp knife to score a border about a quarter of an inch from the edges of each rectangle. This scoring helps create that classic raised edge. Don’t forget to poke the center with a fork a few times to stop the middle from puffing too much. Keep them chilled as you work — this will keep the dough flaky and easy to handle.
Step 3: Make Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix your softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is silky smooth. This sweetened cream cheese is going to be the luscious base for your cranberry topping, so don’t rush this step.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Spoon about 1 to 2 heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each pastry square and spread gently without going to the edges. Next, dollop 1 to 2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce right on top of the cream cheese, spreading it gently to keep tidy edges.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk your egg with water and brush this mixture onto the exposed pastry edges. This egg wash is what will give your danishes that irresistible golden-brown crust once baked. Place them in your preheated oven and bake for about 16 minutes, or until puffed and beautifully golden.
Step 6: Prepare Orange Vanilla Glaze
While your danishes are busy baking, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and optional orange zest in a bowl. Add the juice slowly if you need to thin the glaze — you want it just drizzly enough to cascade over your pastries without pooling.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Once your danishes have cooled just a bit, drizzle them with the glaze. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a burst of sweet and tangy goodness with every bite. Trust me, this Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe will disappear fast!
How to Serve Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few fresh orange zest shavings, or even a sprig of fresh mint can elevate your danishes. These accents add bursts of freshness and an eye-pleasing finish that makes your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
Pair these danishes with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a lovely breakfast or brunch. They also make an excellent sweet side alongside savory dishes like scrambled eggs or a fresh green salad for a lunch with a gourmet touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not arrange your danishes on a festive platter with cranberries and orange slices for a seasonal theme? You could also serve mini versions as bite-sized appetizers at a party, offering a delightful combo of creamy cheese and fruity topping in every mouthful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They taste great chilled or at room temperature, just keep the glaze drizzle in mind—it might soften the pastry edges after a bit.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cranberry cheese danishes before glazing. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and add the glaze fresh for best results.
Reheating
Reheat danishes gently in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back their flakiness and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp pastry texture, but if short on time, a quick zap will do in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce is perfect for this recipe and will add a fresh, vibrant flavor. Just be sure it’s not too runny so it doesn’t make the pastry soggy.
What if I don’t have puff pastry on hand?
Puff pastry really gives this dish its characteristic flakiness, but you could try phyllo dough if you’re adventurous. Keep in mind the texture will differ, and assembly might take a bit more care.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the danishes up to assembling and baking. Refrigerate them before baking and then bake fresh right before serving. The glaze should be added last minute for the best presentation.
Is it possible to make these vegan?
Definitely! Use a vegan puff pastry, vegan cream cheese, and substitute the egg wash with a plant-based milk or aquafaba. The glaze can be made with powdered sugar, a little lemon or orange juice, and vanilla.
How can I make the glaze thinner or thicker?
To thin the glaze, add a few drops of orange juice or water gradually until you reach desired consistency. For a thicker glaze, add a bit more powdered sugar. It’s all about getting the drizzle just right.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe enough when you want a quick inspiring way to use up holiday leftovers or simply treat yourself. It’s flaky, creamy, tangy, and sweet all at once—truly a crowd-pleasing delight. Go ahead and make a batch; you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds and sharing this newfound favorite with everyone you know!
Print
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish recipe transforms simple ingredients like puff pastry, cream cheese, and leftover cranberry sauce into an elegant, flaky pastry perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a festive snack. The danish features a creamy filling, a tart cranberry topping, and a luscious orange-vanilla glaze, baked to golden perfection for a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough
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
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
Orange Vanilla 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
- 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 make cleanup easy. Set aside.
- 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 defined borders. Poke the center of each square with a fork to prevent puffing in the middle while baking. Keep the pastries chilled until ready to fill.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Scoop 1 to 2 heaping tablespoons onto the center of each puff pastry square and spread gently, avoiding the edges.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer on each pastry. Spread carefully to avoid touching the pastry edges.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Beat the egg with the water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry square to enhance browning and give a glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Prepare Orange Vanilla Glaze: While the danishes bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest in a medium bowl. Adjust orange juice gradually to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: After baking, allow the danishes to cool slightly. Drizzle the orange vanilla glaze over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can substitute leftover cranberry sauce with any berry jam or preserve for a different flavor twist.
- Make sure puff pastry remains cold before baking to achieve maximum puffiness and flakiness.
- The optional orange zest in the glaze adds a bright citrus note but can be omitted if preferred.
- If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, pure vanilla extract works equally well.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.
