Imagine indulging in a warm, gooey dessert that combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and buttery dough, all made effortlessly in your trusty crock pot! This Crock Pot Cream Cheese Danish is not just a treat; it's a game-changer for your dessert repertoire. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, this delightful recipe promises to impress your family and friends without the fuss of traditional baking. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll be on your way to creating a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to dive into this easy and delicious recipe that will make your taste buds sing!
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar, and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and confectioners' sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. This will be the filling for your danishes.
- Prepare your crock pot by lining it with parchment paper or using a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Spread half of the dough mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared crock pot. This will form the base of your danishes.
- Next, dollop the cream cheese filling over the dough, spreading it out gently with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining dough mixture over the cream cheese filling, trying to cover it as evenly as possible. It’s okay if some of the filling peeks through.
- Finally, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the danish mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Once cooked, turn off the crock pot and allow the danish to cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut.
- Cut into squares or wedges and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious crock pot cream cheese danish!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the dough and cream cheese filling the night before. Store them in the fridge and assemble in the crock pot in the morning for a fresh-baked treat.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the light, fluffy danish you want.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your crock pot with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes it easier to lift the danish out once it’s cooled.
- Check for Doneness: Since crock pots can vary in cooking time, check your danish a little early. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Add Your Twist: Feel free to customize your danish by adding fruit, such as blueberries or cherries, to the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
- Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve your danish warm, perhaps with a dusting of extra confectioners' sugar on top for that perfect finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 401kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 115mg