Easy Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe: A Zesty Morning Treat

Sweet aromas of buttery crescent rolls infused with zesty lemon cheesecake will dance through your kitchen.

Creamy, tangy fillings nestled inside golden pastry create an irresistible treat.

Delicate layers promise a delightful experience for anyone seeking a quick dessert.

Pastry enthusiasts appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Soft, flaky crescents embrace rich cream cheese and bright citrus notes.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this delectable recipe.

You’ll fall in love with every decadent, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Why Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Are Worth Making

• Capture Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Indulge in a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and buttery crescent rolls that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe demands simple techniques and basic ingredients anyone can master.
• Quick Dessert Solution: Prepare these tantalizing treats in under half an hour, making them ideal for spontaneous gatherings or unexpected sweet cravings.
• Versatile Entertaining Option: Suitable for brunch, potlucks, or casual dessert nights, these lemon cheesecake crescents adapt to any social setting with ease.

What You Need For Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

• Crescent Roll Dough: A pre-made pastry that provides a soft and flaky foundation for the cheesecake filling.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, glossy exterior for the pastries.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy base with a rich, tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and balances the tanginess.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling and provides structure to the cheesecake mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy aroma and subtle zesty flavor to the filling.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and creates a smooth, glossy texture for the glaze.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tartness and helps thin the glaze to a drizzling consistency.
• Lemon Zest: Reinforces the citrus flavor and adds visual appeal to the glaze.

Steps To Make Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for baking.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until super smooth. Add sugar and mix until the texture becomes silky and light.

Step 3: Create Delightful Filling

• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest

Stir until the filling looks uniform and fluffy.

Step 4: Prepare Dough Triangles

Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into individual triangles. Spread them out on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Add Golden Touch

Brush each triangle with melted butter to give a beautiful golden shine and extra flavor.

Step 6: Fill The Crescents

Spoon cheesecake mixture onto the wider end of each triangle. Make sure to spread evenly to prevent messy overflow.

Step 7: Roll Into Delicate Pastries

Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end to the pointed tip, completely wrapping the filling inside.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and ensure the filling is set but not overcooked.

Step 9: Whip Up Zesty Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Step 10: Drizzle With Deliciousness

Once the crescent rolls have cooled slightly, generously drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, letting it flow down the sides.

Step 11: Serve And Enjoy

Serve these delectable treats warm or at room temperature, savoring the perfect blend of creamy filling and zesty glaze.

Tips For Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Success

• Chill the Cream Cheese: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to achieve a smoother, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
• Prevent Dough Sticking: Lightly dust your work surface with flour to stop crescent roll dough from clinging and tearing during preparation.
• Control Filling Distribution: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to evenly portion the cheesecake mixture, ensuring consistent rolls with perfect filling-to-pastry ratio.
• Seal the Edges: Pinch the edges of each crescent roll gently to prevent filling from leaking during baking, creating neat and tidy pastries.

Fun Twists On Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for a celiac-friendly option.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and use reduced-fat cream cheese to create a lighter, diabetic-friendly version.
• Fruit-Infused Remix: Swap lemon zest with orange or raspberry extracts, adding fresh berries inside the filling for a fruity flavor profile.
• Savory Cheese Transformation: Remove sugar and vanilla, incorporate herbs like chives or thyme, and use sharp cheddar instead of cream cheese for a sophisticated appetizer-style pastry.

Perfect Matches For Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

• Pair with Chilled Prosecco: Bubbling Italian sparkling wine cuts through the rich, creamy cheesecake filling, offering a crisp and refreshing counterpoint to the sweet pastry.
• Complement with Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries add a bright, natural sweetness that enhances the lemon zest and balances the dessert's creamy texture.
• Match with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The fragrant, floral tea notes beautifully highlight the delicate lemon undertones and provide a sophisticated, elegant drinking experience.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast and adds a luxurious creamy layer to the warm, flaky crescent rolls.

Best Way To Store Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them cool and fresh in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual crescent rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, preserving them for up to 2 months.
• Warm individual pastries on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds, ensuring they're heated through without becoming soggy.
• Preheat oven to 325°F, place pastries on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture and revive the flavors.

Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls FAQs Answered

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and richness might be slightly different from the original recipe.

• Is it possible to make these crescent rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and assemble the rolls in advance, then refrigerate them and bake just before serving for the freshest taste.

• How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?

Seal the edges of the crescent roll carefully and avoid overfilling to minimize the chance of leakage during baking.

• Can I freeze these lemon cheesecake crescent rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature and reheat gently before serving.

Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent lemon cheesecake crescent rolls merge creamy sweetness with buttery pastry, creating a delightful breakfast or dessert. Zesty citrus notes and rich cream cheese filling wrap you in comforting flavors that dance across your palate.

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Ingredients

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Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

Crescent Roll Base:

• 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Lemon Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth, non-stick surface for your delicate pastries.
2. In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then gradually incorporate sugar, creating a silky cheesecake base.
3. Gently fold in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, stirring until the filling achieves a uniform, light consistency.
4. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into individual triangles, laying them flat on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush each triangle with melted butter, providing a golden sheen and enhancing the pastry’s richness.
6. Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture onto the wider end of each crescent triangle, distributing evenly to prevent overflow.
7. Carefully roll the dough from the wide end to the point, encasing the filling and creating elegant, compact rolls.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and ensuring the filling is set but not overcooked.
9. While cooling, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest to create a vibrant, tangy glaze.
10. Once the crescent rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying the perfect balance of creamy filling and zesty glaze.

Notes

• Adjust cream cheese temperature by letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, ensuring smoother mixing and preventing lumps.
• Consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version without compromising taste.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by patting crescent dough triangles dry with paper towels before adding filling, reducing excess moisture.
• Customize flavor variations by swapping lemon zest with orange or adding a pinch of cinnamon to the cheesecake mixture for unique taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg