If you love cheesecake but don’t have time to whip up an entire cake, these Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are about to be your new obsession. Buttery, flaky crescent rolls are stuffed with a creamy, tangy lemon cheesecake filling and baked to golden perfection. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s equal parts sweet, citrusy, and irresistibly soft. Whether you need a quick dessert, a brunch showstopper, or just something to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend brunch, a quick snack, or a last-minute dessert, these crescent rolls are a total game-changer. Here’s why you’ll love them:
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—no complicated baking required.
Customizable: Add berries, drizzle with chocolate, or swap the lemon for orange or lime zest.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from kids to adults will love these flaky, creamy, citrus-kissed treats!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
These rolls come together with just a few simple ingredients, but the flavors are out of this world. Let’s break it down:
Crescent Roll Dough: Buttery, flaky, and the perfect shortcut for an easy dessert.
Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling—rich, smooth, and tangy.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Adds that fresh, zippy citrus flavor that makes these rolls shine.
Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling just enough without overpowering the lemon.
Vanilla Extract: A little splash enhances the overall flavor and warmth.
Egg Yolk: Helps the filling set up nicely while baking.
Powdered Sugar: For that final, irresistible dusting on top.
Butter: Brushed on the rolls for a golden, flaky finish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and spreadable.
Roll Out the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles.
Fill the Rolls: Place a spoonful of the cheesecake mixture at the wider end of each triangle. Carefully roll them up, starting from the wide end and tucking in the filling.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the rolls on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
Brush with Butter: Once out of the oven, lightly brush with melted butter for extra flavor.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Let them cool slightly, then sprinkle with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Best enjoyed warm, but still delicious at room temperature!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 rolls
Calories per serving: ~220 kcal
(Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant dessert.
- Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
- Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for extra sweetness.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts for a crunchy contrast.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly and prevents lumps.
- Don’t Overfill: A little filling goes a long way—too much can cause the rolls to leak while baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Try Different Flavors: Swap lemon for orange zest or add a pinch of cinnamon for variety.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry or homemade biscuit dough work great too.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
4. Can I freeze these crescent rolls?
Yes! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
5. What’s the best way to reheat them?
Warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
6. Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries make great additions.
7. What if I don’t have lemon zest?
You can use a little extra lemon juice, but zest gives the best flavor boost.
8. Can I make a glaze instead of powdered sugar?
Of course! Mix powdered sugar with a little lemon juice and drizzle it over the top.
9. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture might be slightly less rich and creamy.
10. Are these rolls best served warm or cold?
They’re best warm, but still delicious at room temperature!
Conclusion
These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are the perfect blend of buttery, flaky, and creamy with just the right amount of citrus zing. Whether you serve them as a breakfast treat, a light dessert, or an afternoon snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them once, and trust me—you’ll be making them on repeat!
Print
Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent rolls (or 16 if using a double roll package)
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls feature a flaky, buttery crescent roll shell filled with a tangy, creamy lemon cheesecake filling and topped with a sweet citrus glaze. Perfect for spring brunch, dessert, or a delightful snack!
Ingredients
• For the Crescent Rolls:
– 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (Pillsbury or equivalent)
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
• For the Glaze:
– 1/3 to 1/2 cup powdered sugar (adjust for desired consistency)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus extra if needed)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Filling:
– In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
– Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
– Spoon about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the lemon cheesecake filling onto the wider end of each triangle.
– Roll each triangle tightly from the wide end toward the tip, ensuring you pinch the seams closed.
4. Bake:
– Place the filled rolls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
– Brush the tops with melted butter.
– Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
5. Glaze and Serve:
– While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
– Allow the rolls to cool slightly on a wire rack, then drizzle the glaze over them.
– Serve warm.
Notes
• For an extra lemony kick, add a little extra lemon zest or a drop of lemon extract.
• If you prefer a thicker filling, chill the cream cheese mixture for 5 minutes before filling the dough.
• Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated briefly in the oven or microwave.
• This recipe is versatile—serve for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1 roll
- Calories: ~130 kcal
- Sugar: ~10 g
- Sodium: ~150 mg
- Fat: ~7 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~3 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~16 g
- Fiber: ~0-1 g
- Protein: ~2 g
- Cholesterol: ~20 mg