Description: These Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a delightful combination of flaky, buttery crescent dough filled with a creamy, tangy lemon custard cheesecake filling. Drizzled with a bright lemon glaze, these rolls offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Simple to make and bursting with zesty goodness, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crescent Rolls:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
Optional for Garnish:
- Extra lemon zest
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature before you start baking, which is crucial for the crescent rolls to rise and bake evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Parchment paper prevents the rolls from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup much easier. A silicone mat offers similar non-stick properties and is reusable.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese. It’s essential that the cream cheese is properly softened; otherwise, it will be difficult to beat smooth and may leave lumps in your filling. Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is creamy and smooth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure all the cream cheese is incorporated.
Step 3: Add Remaining Filling Ingredients:
To the softened cream cheese, add the granulated sugar, large egg yolk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The sugar adds sweetness, while the egg yolk contributes to the richness and creamy texture of the filling. Lemon zest provides a concentrated lemon flavor, and lemon juice adds a tangy kick. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, giving the filling a subtle, warm undertone.
Step 4: Mix Filling Until Smooth:
Using the electric mixer, beat all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth. This ensures that the sugar is fully dissolved and that all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
Step 5: Prepare the Crescent Rolls:
Open the can of refrigerated crescent roll dough. Follow the package instructions to unroll the dough and separate it into individual triangles. Most brands have perforations that make this process simple. Place the triangles on a clean, flat surface.
Step 6: Assemble the Rolls:
Place a small spoonful (about 1-2 teaspoons) of the lemon custard mixture at the wide end of each crescent dough triangle. Be careful not to overfill the triangles, as the filling may ooze out during baking. Gently roll up each triangle, starting from the wide end and rolling towards the point. This rolling technique ensures a tightly formed crescent roll. Once rolled, pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside. This step is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Arrange the rolled crescent dough on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll. This spacing allows for proper air circulation during baking, which helps the rolls to bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown color.
Step 8: Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as baking times can vary depending on your oven. The rolls are done when they are puffed up, golden brown on top, and slightly browned on the bottom.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. The powdered sugar provides the sweetness, while the lemon juice adds a zesty flavor and helps to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
Step 10: Adjust Glaze Consistency:
If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice (about 1/2 teaspoon at a time) until you reach the desired consistency. If the glaze is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar (about 1 tablespoon at a time). The ideal consistency is smooth, easily pourable, and opaque.
Step 11: Glaze and Garnish:
Once the crescent rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before drizzling the lemon glaze over the top. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the rolls.
Step 12: Optional Garnish:
For added flavor and visual appeal, garnish the glazed rolls with extra lemon zest. The lemon zest adds a pop of color and an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
Step 13: Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls warm or at room temperature. These are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, thanks to the use of pre-made crescent roll dough. This shortcut saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture. The filling is a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and tangy lemon, creating a balanced and refreshing flavor profile. The glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and lemony zest, making each bite a burst of happiness. These rolls are perfect for any occasion, from a casual weekend breakfast to a special brunch gathering. They’re also a great way to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast.
- Arrange on a platter for an elegant brunch presentation.
- Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
- Serve as a sweet treat at afternoon tea.
- Pack them in a picnic basket for a delicious outdoor snack.
Tips:
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
- Don’t overfill the crescent roll triangles to prevent leaks.
- Pinch the edges of the rolls tightly to seal in the filling.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice in the glaze to suit your taste preferences.
- Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For a richer flavor, try using a combination of lemon and orange zest.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans) to the filling for added texture.
- If you don’t have lemon juice, you can substitute it with lime juice for a slightly different flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 12-15 minutes Total Time: 27-30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per Roll, approximate) Calories: 200 Protein: 3g Sodium: 200mg
Conclusion:
These Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the convenience of pre-made dough with a homemade touch. The creamy, tangy filling and bright lemon glaze make these rolls irresistible, and they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these crescent rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make the filling ahead of time? A: Yes, you can definitely make the filling ahead of time! In fact, it’s a great way to save time if you’re preparing for a brunch or gathering. Simply prepare the filling as directed in the recipe, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to assemble the rolls, give the filling a quick stir to ensure it’s smooth and creamy before using. This step-ahead method is perfect for busy schedules.
Q2: Can I use a different type of fruit filling? A: Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on lemon, you can easily adapt it to other fruit flavors. Consider using other citrus fruits like orange or lime. For a berry twist, try a mixture of raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, either fresh or as a preserve. Just ensure the fruit isn’t too watery to avoid a soggy filling. Apple pie filling, peach preserves, or even a simple cherry compote would also work wonderfully. Get creative and experiment with your favorite fruit combinations to find your perfect filling flavor.
Q3: What if I don’t have lemon zest? Can I skip it? A: While the lemon zest adds a significant boost of citrusy flavor, you can still make the recipe without it. If you don’t have fresh lemons or a zester on hand, you could use a few drops of lemon extract as a substitute. Alternatively, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or a dash of almond extract to complement the lemon juice. If you’re using orange or lime, their respective zests would be great alternatives as well. The key is to add a little something to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Q4: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out of the rolls during baking? A: To prevent the filling from leaking, there are a few important steps to follow. First, don’t overfill the crescent dough triangles. A small spoonful of filling is usually sufficient. Second, make sure to roll the dough tightly, starting from the wide end and rolling towards the point. Third, and most importantly, pinch the edges and seams of the rolled dough firmly to seal in the filling. This creates a secure barrier that prevents the filling from escaping during baking.
Q5: Can I freeze these crescent rolls? A: Yes, you can freeze these crescent rolls, although the texture might change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze them before baking. Assemble the rolls as directed, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Be aware that the glaze is best added after baking, so hold off on glazing until you’re ready to serve.
