Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake wrapped in a flaky crescent roll with our Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls recipe. This exquisite dessert combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the rich, smooth texture of cheesecake, all encased in a tender, golden pastry.
Ingredients
1 block package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons grated lemon peel from 1 large lemon
1 can (8 ounce) refrigerated crescent rolls or crescent dough sheets
1 Tablespoon butter, melted
Lemon Glaze Topping:
½ cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Fresh grated lemon peel for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium size bowl, add cream cheese, sugar, and grated lemon peel. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat until smooth and creamy.
Open the crescent rolls package, carefully separate the dough into 8 individual triangles, then place them on a clean flat surface like a cutting board. At the widest end of the triangle, add about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese lemon mixture, dividing the cream cheese mixture evenly among the 8 rolls.
Roll the crescents, starting from the wide end, tucking the pointy end underneath then pinching the seams closed. Place them evenly on the baking sheet.
Brush with melted butter.
Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 11–14 minutes (baking times will vary depending on the oven). Crescents are ready when they turn golden brown.
Remove from oven, allow to cool for a few minutes, then place on a cooling rack.
While cooling, prepare the glaze – in a small bowl, add powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, mixing well until smooth. Drizzle lemon glaze over crescent rolls. Serve warm.
Notes
- Ingredient Quality: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons for the zest and juice. The quality of the cream cheese also significantly affects the filling’s texture and taste, so opt for full-fat, high-quality cream cheese.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to achieve a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding different toppings or fillings. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze can add an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Serving Suggestion: These rolls are best served warm, with the cheesecake filling soft and the pastry flaky. If you have leftovers, gently reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
- Allergy-Friendly Options: For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free crescent roll dough and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives can be used to make this recipe suitable for a wider range of preferences.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American