If you’re looking for a festive holiday treat that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make, this Easy Cherry Danish Christmas Tree is it. Made with refrigerated crescent rolls, a simple cream cheese filling, and sweet cherry pie filling, it comes together quickly and always gets oohs and aahs.
Whether you serve it for Christmas morning, a holiday brunch, or dessert, this pull-apart danish is warm, flaky, and absolutely irresistible. Bonus: it’s simple enough for busy holiday schedules but special enough for celebrating.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Danish Christmas Tree
• Quick and easy to make with refrigerated crescent dough.
• Festive Christmas tree shape perfect for the holidays.
• Soft cream cheese filling paired with sweet cherry pie filling.
• Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Feeds a crowd, serves up to 16.
• Looks bakery-worthy with very little effort.
What you need
Ingredient Notes
• Refrigerated crescent rolls: Keep the rolls intact when slicing so you get even rounds.
• Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the creamiest filling. Let it soften slightly for easy mixing.
• Cherry pie filling: I used Lucky Leaf Cherry Fruit Filling for its thick texture and classic cherry flavor. You won’t need the entire can.
• Powdered sugar & milk: Just enough to create a simple drizzle that finishes the Danish beautifully.
How to Make an Easy Cherry Danish Christmas Tree
• Mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
• Slice each roll of crescent dough into 8 rounds.
• Arrange the dough rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
• Press a small well into each piece, then fill with cream cheese and cherry pie filling.
• Bake until golden and puffed.
• Drizzle with glaze and serve warm.
(Full instructions and measurements are in the recipe card below.)
Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the cream cheese filling the night before and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake just before serving for best results.
• Can I use a different pie filling? Yes! Blueberry, apple, or strawberry pie filling all work well.
• Do I have to shape it like a Christmas tree? Not at all. You can arrange the dough rounds in a circle or free-form pattern for other holidays or occasions.
• Can this be reheated? Yes. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Quick Tips for Success
• Press a deep enough well into each dough round to keep the filling from spilling.
• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy transfer and cleanup.
• Serve extra cherry pie filling on the side and it’s delicious spooned over pancakes or waffles.
• This danish is best served warm, right after glazing.
Related Recipes
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Cherry Danish Christmas Tree
Ingredients
For the danish
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling I used Lucky Leaf
For the glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside. Remove the rolls of crescent dough (do not unroll). Using a serrated knife, cut each log into 8 evenly sized rounds, for a total of 16 pieces.
- Arrange the dough rounds on a parchment-lined 13" × 18" sheet pan in the shape of a Christmas tree, starting with one piece at the top and adding more as you work your way down. Reserve one round for the tree trunk at the bottom. Using your thumb, a tart tamper, or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each round to create a well for the filling.
- Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into each indentation. Top each round with about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- To finish, transfer the danish to a serving platter or board. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm danish, dust with additional powdered sugar if desired, and serve right away.
Notes
Nutrition
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