Name: Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tbsp orange juice (add more 1/4 tsp at a time if needed to thin out); 1/2 tsp orange zest (optional for stronger orange flavor)

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Introduction

This Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish is a delightful way to transform your holiday leftovers into a fresh, flaky treat. With creamy sweetened cream cheese and the tart brightness of cranberry sauce, wrapped in buttery puff pastry, it’s perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.

A rectangular puff pastry tart with a golden-brown, flaky crust forms the base layer. Inside the crust is a smooth, creamy white layer that looks like soft cheese or custard, topped with a thick, deep red berry compote that is spread in the center. White icing is drizzled in thin lines across the top of the tart. The tart sits on brown parchment paper, accompanied by a slice of bright orange and two small red cranberries. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 more 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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: Slice the puff pastry sheet into 8 equal rectangles. Use a sharp knife to score each rectangle, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges. Poke the center of each square gently with a fork to prevent the centers from puffing up. Place the prepared pastry squares somewhere cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Scoop 1 to 2 heaping tablespoons of this mixture into the center of each puff pastry square, spreading gently while staying clear of the edges.
Step 4: Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer, spreading carefully to avoid the pastry edges.
Step 5: 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 during baking. Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 16 minutes or until golden and puffed.
Step 6: While the danishes bake, prepare the orange glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest (if using), and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add extra orange juice a little at a time if you want a thinner glaze.
Step 7: Once the danishes are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious cranberry sauce cheese danishes!

Tips & Variations

For extra flakiness, keep the puff pastry cold until just before baking.
Use fresh or store-bought cranberry sauce as preferred; whole berry sauce adds nice texture.
Try adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top for added crunch.
For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative.
If you don’t have orange juice, lemon juice can be a bright substitute in the glaze.

Storage

Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh the pastry’s crispness. The glaze may soften with refrigeration, so consider adding a fresh drizzle before serving.

How to Serve

A rectangular puff pastry tart with three layers: the bottom layer is golden and flaky, the middle layer is creamy white custard, and the top layer is a thick, rich dark red berry filling spread unevenly in the center. Thin white icing stripes are drizzled across the tart and spill onto the white marbled surface beneath. In the background, there is a slice of bright orange and a small red berry visible. The tart rests on crinkled brown paper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

You can assemble them ahead and keep them refrigerated before baking to save time. Just let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking for best puff.

What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?

Puff pastry is key for the flaky texture, but you can use store-bought croissant dough or phyllo dough for a different, tasty variation.