If you adore the tangy-sweet magic of lemon desserts but crave something ultra-easy and impossibly delicious, these Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are your new go-to treat. Imagine silky, zesty lemon cheesecake filling tucked into a buttery crescent roll, baked to golden perfection for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. These rolls come together in just around twenty minutes and will have your kitchen smelling heavenly. Whether for brunch, dessert, or a midday pick-me-up, you’ll fall in love with every bite of these Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of simple supermarket staples transform into such an irresistible treat. Each ingredient brings its own magic to the mix: tartness, creaminess, golden flakiness, and that signature hint of vanilla. Here’s what you’ll need, and why every component matters:
- Crescent roll dough: The tender, buttery layers are the perfect vehicle for our lemon cheesecake filling, and they bake up golden every time.
- Cream cheese (softened): Softened cream cheese provides a rich, creamy base that melts beautifully into each bite.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right sweetness to balance the tart notes of lemon and enrich the filling.
- Lemon zest: Fresh lemon zest brings intense citrus fragrance and a pop of sunny color.
- Fresh lemon juice: For pure, puckery brightness and unmistakable lemon flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla rounds out the tang with aromatic warmth.
- Melted butter (for brushing): Adds that irresistible golden finish and a hint of richness on top.
- Coarse sugar or sanding sugar (optional, for topping): A sparkling crunch that makes every bite even more special.
How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Heat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), the sweet spot for transforming crescent dough into golden perfection. Don’t forget to line your baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Make the Lemon Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together your softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture turns silky-smooth. The cream cheese base will be extra luscious thanks to the zing of lemon—this is where those Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls get their signature flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Crescents
Gently unroll your crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. On each triangle, spread a generous tablespoon of the lemon cheesecake mixture, making sure to leave a little border around the edge for easy sealing. That way, the creamy filling stays right where you want it as the dough puffs up.
Step 4: Roll and Place on the Baking Sheet
Starting with the wide end, roll each triangle up snugly so the filling is swirled inside, then place the rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Space them comfortably apart to allow for that irresistible bakery-style rise as they bake.
Step 5: Brush and Sprinkle
Brush the tops of each crescent with melted butter, which not only helps them turn golden in the oven but also adds an inviting richness. For that extra wow-factor, sprinkle each with a bit of coarse sugar or sanding sugar—the sparkle and crunch take Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls to a whole new level.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until your crescents are puffed and gorgeously golden brown. The aroma will let you know they’re nearly ready, so hover nearby. Once done, let them cool just slightly before indulging; the filling stays warm and creamy, but not too hot to handle.
How to Serve Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
To make your Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls absolutely pop, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of quick lemon glaze. You can whip up a glaze with just powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice for extra zing. A few curls of fresh lemon zest sprinkled on top turn them into true showstoppers.
Side Dishes
Pair your rolls with a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re serving dessert. For brunch, balance their sweetness with scrambled eggs, a fresh fruit salad, or a cup of tangy Greek yogurt. The bright lemon flavor plays beautifully with so many fresh sides!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a pretty cake stand for a brunch party centerpiece, or nestle them in cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go serving. Set out small dipping bowls of that lemon glaze or berry compote for added flair. These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are as versatile as they are delicious, so have fun with your presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls left, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the fridge for up to 3 days. The filling will stay creamy, though the dough is best enjoyed fresh or just barely warmed.
Freezing
To freeze, let the rolls cool completely first. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their deliciousness for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm before serving to bring back that bakery-fresh taste.
Reheating
For that just-baked magic, pop your Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crescents chewy rather than perfectly flaky and light.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works well for these crescent rolls and will still yield a rich, creamy filling. Full-fat makes the filling a bit silkier, but you won’t lose the lemony punch or deliciousness.
Can I make Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls ahead of time?
You can assemble the rolls the night before and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake them fresh in the morning for the best flavor and texture—everyone will think they’re made from scratch!
Is there a gluten-free option?
If you find gluten-free crescent dough at your grocery store, go for it! The filling is naturally gluten-free, so a simple swap makes these rolls accessible to all your guests.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Be sure to leave a small border when spreading the filling, and roll the crescents tightly from the wide end. Baking with the seam side down also helps seal in all that delicious lemon cheesecake goodness.
What can I do with leftover filling?
If you end up with a little extra lemon cheesecake filling, use it as a dip for fresh berries or graham crackers, or spread it onto toast for a breakfast treat you’ll look forward to!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a bright, creamy treat that comes together in minutes but feels like a special occasion, you simply have to try these Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls. They’re as easy as they are show-stopping, and I can’t wait for you to treat yourself and your loved ones to this sunny, sweet favorite!
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Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these irresistible Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls. A perfect combination of flaky crescent roll dough filled with a tangy lemon cheesecake mixture, creating a delectable dessert or sweet treat.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 1 (8-ounce) can crescent roll dough
Lemon Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar or sanding sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Fill and Roll: Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the lemon cheesecake mixture onto each triangle, leaving a small border. Roll up each crescent, starting from the wide end, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Top and Bake: Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For an extra lemony glaze, drizzle with a mixture of powdered sugar and lemon juice once cooled.
- Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature on the day they’re made.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
