Introduction

This Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish is a delightful way to transform holiday remnants into a flaky, creamy treat. Combining tangy cranberry sauce with smooth cream cheese wrapped in puff pastry, it’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack any time of year.

A golden-brown square puff pastry base with slightly raised edges holds a thick white creamy layer, topped by a glossy dark red berry filling spread unevenly in the center. Thin white icing lines are drizzled across the top, with extra drips scattered around the pastry on the brown paper. A bright yellow-orange citrus wedge rests in the background on a white marbled surface. 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 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 the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: Slice the puff pastry sheet into 8 equal rectangles. Using a sharp knife, score each rectangle leaving about a 1/4 inch border. Poke the center of each pastry with a fork to prevent it from puffing up. Set aside in a cool place.
Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Scoop 1-2 heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square and gently spread, avoiding the edges.
Step 4: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese layer, spreading gently while keeping clear of the pastry edges.
Step 5: In a small bowl, beat the egg with water. Brush the edges of each Danish with this egg wash. Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 16 minutes, until golden and puffed.
Step 6: While the danishes bake, prepare the orange glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 1/2 tablespoon orange juice, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and orange zest if using. Add more orange juice by 1/4 teaspoon increments if the glaze is too thick.
Step 7: Once danishes are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For extra flakiness, keep the puff pastry and cranberry sauce cold until assembling.
Use a piping bag to neatly apply the cream cheese and cranberry layers for a tidier look.
Swap cranberry sauce for other fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot for different flavor combinations.
Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.

Storage

Store leftover 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 refresh the flakiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy. The glaze is best applied just before serving to keep it fresh.

How to Serve

A rectangular pastry with three visible layers: the base is a golden-brown flaky crust with slightly raised edges, the middle is a creamy white layer with a smooth texture, and the top is a thick, chunky dark red berry filling spread mostly in the center, drizzled with white icing lines horizontally across the tart and some icing droplets around it. The pastry sits on brown parchment paper with a slice of bright orange fruit and a small red berry near the top right corner, all resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of leftover cranberry sauce?

While fresh cranberries can be used, they should be cooked down with sugar first to create a sauce-like consistency. Leftover cranberry sauce works best for ease and flavor balance.

Is it possible to freeze these danishes?

Yes, you can freeze assembled danishes before baking. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 400°F adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.