If you’re looking for a delightful way to transform your holiday leftovers, the Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This recipe takes simple ingredients and turns them into flaky, golden pastry parcels bursting with creamy cheese and the vibrant tartness of cranberry sauce. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat or a charming brunch centerpiece, these danishes combine festive flavors with easy-to-make elegance, making your leftover cranberry sauce the star of a delicious new dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients makes this recipe incredibly approachable, while each plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From flaky puff pastry to zesty orange glaze, every component contributes something special.
- Frozen puff pastry dough: The flaky, buttery base that gives the danishes their delicate layers and golden finish.
- Cream cheese (softened): Rich and smooth, it forms the luscious filling that pairs beautifully with tart cranberry sauce.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the cream cheese filling without overwhelming the fruit flavors.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Enhances the cream cheese with a warm, aromatic note for a comforting flavor profile.
- Leftover cranberry sauce: The star ingredient, adding vibrant color and a tangy punch bursting with holiday nostalgia.
- Egg and water (for egg wash): Ensures a glossy, golden crust that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the sweet glaze that finishes the danishes with a delicate shine.
- Orange juice and zest (optional): Adds a bright citrus kick to the glaze, perfectly complementing the cranberry’s tartness.
How to Make Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless. This simple step sets you up for success and ensures your danishes bake evenly.
Step 2: Cut and Score Puff Pastry
Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and slice it into 8 equal rectangles. Using a sharp knife, score each rectangle about a quarter inch from the edges to create a border for the filling. Try poking the center with a fork to keep the middle from puffing too much while baking. Keep the pastries chilled while you prep the fillings so they stay firm and puff perfectly in the oven.
Step 3: Make Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture is the heart of each danish, providing a silky counterpoint to the fruity tartness of the cranberry layer.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Cranberry Layers
Spoon 1 to 2 heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square, gently spreading without reaching the edges. Then, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese. Spread carefully to maintain neat borders and preserve the puff pastry’s rising potential.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk together an egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, coat the edges of each danish to encourage a golden brown and glossy finish. Pop the pastries into the oven and bake for about 16 minutes, or until they’re beautifully puffed and golden.
Step 6: Prepare Orange Vanilla Glaze
While the danishes bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and optional orange zest in a bowl. Adjust the juice little by little to achieve your preferred glaze consistency—thick enough to coat, but still drizzle-able for a shiny finish.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Once the danishes have cooled slightly, drizzle the citrusy vanilla glaze over the top for a sweet, tangy contrast to the vibrant cranberry and creamy cheese filling. These danishes are delicious served warm or at room temperature, perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.
How to Serve Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
Lightly dusting the danishes with powdered sugar or adding a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest can elevate their presentation and flavor. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and an herbal note that balances the sweetness if you want to get creative.
Side Dishes
Pair these danishes with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of bright, sparkling cider for a festive brunch vibe. A side of mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese danishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these danishes on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of additional leftover cranberry sauce and cream cheese spread for guests to customize their bites. You can also reimagine them as mini danishes by cutting the puff pastry into smaller squares, making them perfect finger food for holiday parties or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any danishes leftover, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the glaze separate if possible to prevent it from soaking into the pastry and losing its crispness.
Freezing
These danishes freeze beautifully either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, assemble them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm before transferring to a sealable freezer bag. Baked danishes should be cooled completely and wrapped tightly or stored in airtight containers for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes to restore their flaky texture and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving to keep the puff pastry flaky and delicious rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of leftover cranberry sauce?
While fresh cranberries offer a lovely tartness, they’re far more tart and firm compared to leftover cranberry sauce, which is already sweetened and softened. If you prefer fresh, consider cooking them with sugar first to mimic cranberry sauce consistency for the best baking results.
What kind of cream cheese works best?
Regular full-fat cream cheese softens to the perfect texture and flavor for this recipe. Avoid low-fat or whipped varieties, as they may affect the creaminess and baking behavior of the filling.
Is puff pastry dough gluten-free?
Most store-bought puff pastry contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. For a gluten-free version, look for specialty gluten-free puff pastry brands or try making your own gluten-free dough, keeping in mind the texture will differ.
Can I prepare these danishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the danishes and keep them chilled until ready to bake, or freeze the unbaked pastries to bake fresh when you need them. This makes for an easy, impressive treat ready to pop in the oven any time.
What if I don’t have orange juice or zest for the glaze?
No worries! The glaze still tastes wonderful with just powdered sugar and vanilla. For a twist, try substituting lemon juice or a splash of maple syrup to complement the cranberry flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you want a simple, scrumptious way to breathe new life into your holiday leftovers, the Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe is just what your kitchen needs. It’s comforting, festive, and surprisingly easy—plus, it makes your leftover cranberry sauce irresistible. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorite ways to celebrate the flavors of the season all year long. Give it a go and enjoy every flaky, creamy, fruity bite!
Print
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant and delicious pastry treat. Made with flaky puff pastry, a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, and vibrant leftover cranberry sauce, these danishes are baked to golden perfection and topped with a zesty orange vanilla glaze for extra flavor. Perfect for holiday brunches or anytime you want a delightful dessert using cranberry sauce leftovers.
Ingredients
Puff 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
Fruit 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 needed to thin)
- 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 easier.
- Cut and Score Puff Pastry: Slice the frozen puff pastry sheet into 8 equal rectangles. Score about 1/4 inch from the edges on each rectangle to create borders, then poke the center with a fork to avoid excessive puffing. Keep the dough chilled until ready to fill.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spoon 1-2 heaping tablespoons onto the center of each pastry square, spreading carefully without touching the edges.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer on each pastry, gently spreading it without disturbing the pastry edges.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Beat the egg with water to make an egg wash, then brush the edges of each pastry square to ensure a golden brown crust. Bake for 16 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
- Prepare Orange Vanilla Glaze: While baking, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and optional orange zest together. Add orange juice gradually if a thinner glaze is desired.
- Glaze and Serve: Once slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the danishes. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry stays cold before baking to maximize flakiness and rise.
- You can substitute the leftover cranberry sauce with any other fruit preserves or compote.
- The orange zest in the glaze is optional but adds a bright citrus note that complements the cranberry.
- Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently for best texture.
- If you don’t have leftover cranberry sauce, canned or homemade sauce works well too.
