Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe

Zingy Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Soft, flaky crescent rolls infused with zesty lemon cheesecake filling will make your taste buds dance with delight.

Sweet meets tangy in this irresistible pastry treat.

Creamy cheese and bright citrus notes blend perfectly inside golden-brown dough.

Mornings feel magical when these delectable rolls emerge from your oven.

Simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary.

Warm, fragrant rolls promise pure comfort with every delicious bite.

Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls That Wow Every Time

  • Burst with Zesty Flavor: Lemon cheesecake filling provides a tangy, bright punch that transforms ordinary crescent rolls into a gourmet treat.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: These rolls come together super fast with minimal ingredients, perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: No advanced baking skills needed – anyone can create these delightful pastries that look and taste like they're from a professional bakery.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: Great for breakfast, brunch, potlucks, or as a sweet afternoon snack that will impress family and friends with minimal effort.

Ingredients to Make Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

For the Base:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: A versatile pastry that provides a light and flaky foundation for the filling.
  • Egg: Helps create a golden, shiny exterior when brushed on the pastry.
For the Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers a rich, creamy texture to the cheesecake mixture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, spreadable filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to complement the lemon.
  • Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes and intense lemon flavor to the filling.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds tangy freshness and helps balance the sweetness of the filling.
For the Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Combine to create a bright, sweet-tart topping that enhances the overall flavor of the crescent rolls.

How to Bake Perfect Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Create Creamy Filling

Grab a medium bowl and beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Toss in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Whirl everything together until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, velvety cream that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Prepare Delightful Dough

Fire up the oven to 350F (175C).

Lay down parchment paper on a baking sheet or give it a quick spray of cooking oil. Unfurl the crescent roll dough and gently separate each triangle.

Dollop a generous spoonful of the lemon cheesecake filling right at the wide end of each triangle. Roll the dough with love, starting from the wide side and tucking it towards the pointy tip.

Shape each roll into a classic crescent curve and nestle them on the baking sheet.

Step 3: Golden Transformation

Lovingly brush the tops of each roll with beaten egg, creating a stunning golden sheen.

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crescents puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 4: Craft Tangy Lemon Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Bright lemon zest

Blend until the glaze becomes silky and smooth.

Step 5: Drizzle and Devour

Pull the crescent rolls from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Generously drizzle the zesty lemon glaze over the warm rolls, watching it seep into every delicious crevice.

Serve immediately and prepare for a flavor explosion!

Tips to Get That Cheesecake Flavor Just Right

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
  • Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure precisely, preventing overfilling that could cause leaking during baking.
  • Pinch the edges of each crescent roll tightly to keep the delicious lemon cheesecake filling from oozing out while baking.
  • Modify the lemon zest and juice quantities to match your taste preference, creating a more subtle or bold citrus flavor profile.

Variations to Customize Your Rolls

  • Blueberry Burst: Replace lemon zest and juice with fresh blueberry puree, adding a vibrant berry flavor to the creamy cheesecake filling.
  • Chocolate Chip Dream: Mix mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture, creating a decadent dessert-like crescent roll experience.
  • Raspberry Swirl: Incorporate raspberry jam into the cream cheese filling, offering a tart and sweet combination that complements the creamy texture.
  • Almond Crunch: Sprinkle crushed almonds on top of the glaze and mix sliced almonds into the filling for added texture and nutty flavor.

Pairings to Enjoy With Crescent Rolls

  • Pair with Refreshing Beverages: Serve these lemon cheesecake crescent rolls alongside chilled citrus iced tea or a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy lemon flavor and creamy texture.
  • Create a Breakfast Combo: Match these rolls with a bright, zesty fruit salad featuring fresh berries and mint to enhance the citrus notes and provide a balanced, refreshing morning meal.
  • Elevate the Dessert Experience: Garnish with a small scoop of lemon sorbet or vanilla bean ice cream to amplify the lemony sweetness and add a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, flaky crescent rolls.
  • Add Textural Contrast: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or candied lemon peel on top of the rolls to introduce a delightful crunch and intensify the citrus profile.

Storing Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

  • Store leftover lemon cheesecake crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Carefully place cooled crescent rolls in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm rolls in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Microwave for 15-20 seconds if you prefer a quicker method, but the pastry might lose some crispness.

FAQs

  • Can I use pre-made cheesecake filling instead of making my own?

No, homemade filling ensures the best flavor and texture. Pre-made fillings might be too runny or lack the fresh lemon taste.

  • How can I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

Make sure not to overfill the crescent triangles and seal the edges tightly when rolling. Pinch the seams closed to keep the filling inside.

  • Is it possible to make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and roll the crescents in advance, then refrigerate them. Bake just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and fresh taste.

  • What if I don't have fresh lemons for zest?

You can use bottled lemon juice and dried lemon zest, but fresh ingredients will provide a more vibrant and authentic lemon flavor.

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Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe

Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls blend sweet and tangy flavors in a quick, irresistible pastry. Flaky crescents filled with creamy lemon cheesecake promise a delectable treat you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients (Dough and Filling):

  • 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Topping Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Optional Garnish:

  • Additional lemon zest for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Craft a luxurious lemon cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese until velvety smooth, then incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture becomes silky and consistent.
  2. Warm the oven to 350F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease.
  3. Gently unfurl the crescent roll dough, separating each triangle with precision on a clean surface.
  4. Deposit a delicate dollop of lemon cheesecake mixture at the broader end of each triangle, ensuring careful portion control.
  5. Elegantly roll the dough from the wide base toward the pointed tip, creating a tight cylindrical shape and curving into classic crescent form.
  6. Arrange the filled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining uniform spacing.
  7. Delicately brush each roll with beaten egg to achieve a lustrous, golden exterior.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the pastries transform into puffy, golden-brown delicacies.
  9. Simultaneously craft a zesty glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice and fragrant zest until perfectly smooth.
  10. Allow the baked crescents a brief 5-minute cooling period, then generously drizzle with the tangy lemon glaze.
  11. Serve warm, inviting guests to savor the harmonious blend of creamy filling and bright citrus notes.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for a brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Avoid overfilling crescent rolls to prevent leaking and ensure even baking.
  • For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese and use a sugar substitute in the filling and glaze.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 330 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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