If you have a soft spot for buttery, flaky pastries paired with a bright, creamy lemon filling, then you are going to absolutely adore this Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe. This delightful treat combines the rich tang of cream cheese custard with the sunny sweetness of lemon curd, all wrapped in pillowy crescent roll dough. It’s the perfect dessert or breakfast pastry to impress friends or simply indulge yourself on a cozy morning. Simple to make and irresistibly delicious, these rolls will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays a starring role to create layers of flavor and texture. From the tangy cream cheese to the buttery crescent dough, every component is essential to achieving that perfect balance of sweet and zesty.
- Crescent roll dough (1 package, 8 oz): Provides a flaky, golden base that’s light and airy once baked.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a rich, creamy texture and tanginess to the custard filling.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just right without overpowering the lemon.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the custard’s flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Lemon curd (1/4 cup): Brings a burst of bright, citrusy sweetness in every bite.
- Egg yolk (1): Helps create a silky custard and contributes to a beautiful golden color.
- Lemon zest (1 tsp, optional): Adds an extra zing of fresh lemon aroma that really wakes up the flavor.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): Finishes the rolls with a delicate, sweet touch and a pretty presentation.
How to Make Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to the perfect baking temperature of 375°F (190°C). While it warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This simple prep helps achieve those golden, flaky layers we’re aiming for.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Custard
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture forms the base of your lemon custard filling, combining tangy creaminess with sweet and citrus notes for a truly irresistible bite.
Step 3: Unroll and Separate the Crescent Dough
Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. These will house your creamy filling, so ensure each triangle is intact and ready for stuffing. Using pre-made dough saves you a ton of time without sacrificing any deliciousness.
Step 4: Add the Custard and Lemon Curd
Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese custard mixture onto the wide end of each dough triangle, leaving a small edge without filling around the sides to help with rolling. Then, add a small dollop (about 1/2 teaspoon) of bright lemon curd on top of the custard layer. This little burst of tartness balances the richness perfectly.
Step 5: Roll and Arrange for Baking
Roll up each triangle starting from the wide end towards the tip, gently tucking in the filling as you go. Place each roll on your lined baking sheet, spaced evenly to allow for puffing during baking. These little bundles are about to transform into golden, flaky pockets of dreaminess.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for a beautiful golden brown color and a lovely puff, signaling that these rolls are perfectly baked. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will surely make it hard to wait!
Step 7: Cool and Optional Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, allow the rolls to cool slightly on the baking sheet to set the filling. If you want to add a touch of elegance, dust them with powdered sugar just before serving for a sweet, pretty finish that makes these rolls even more irresistible.
How to Serve Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is a classic finishing touch that adds a delicate sweetness and a lovely visual appeal. For extra flair, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of extra lemon zest on top, or even a few fresh berries to echo the fruity notes inside.
Side Dishes
These lemon custard cheesecake crescent rolls make a fantastic centerpiece for a brunch spread. Pair them with a fresh fruit salad, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a simple cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Their bright citrus flavor and creamy texture complement fresh, light sides especially well.
Creative Ways to Present
Play with presentation by arranging the rolls in a circular pattern on a pretty platter, making a wreath of lemony goodness. You could also serve them in mini paper baking cups for a cute, portable snack or drizzle a thin glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar over the top for extra sweetness and shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and prevents the custard from drying out, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls after baking once they have completely cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to one month. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To warm up refrigerated or thawed rolls, pop them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy. Reheating this way brings back the flaky texture and creamy filling that makes this Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent roll dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will add a personal touch and you can control the ingredients, but using pre-made crescent roll dough is a real time saver and works perfectly well for this recipe.
Can I substitute lemon curd with another fruit spread?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Raspberry or apricot preserves work well and add their own unique flavor, though lemon curd really highlights the custard’s bright, tangy quality best.
Is it okay to omit the lemon zest?
While the zest adds an extra punch of lemony freshness, the recipe will still be delicious without it. The lemon curd provides plenty of citrus flavor on its own.
How long will these crescent rolls stay fresh?
They’re best eaten within two days if stored at room temperature, but they keep well in the fridge for about 3 days. Just reheat gently to enjoy them like fresh.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely! The ingredient amounts can be easily doubled or even tripled, just make sure to give the rolls enough space on your baking sheets or bake in batches.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe has become a treasured favorite for good reason – it’s simple to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for any occasion where you want a sweet bite of sunshine. I encourage you to give it a try; once these rolls come out of your oven golden and packed with luscious lemon custard, you’ll understand why they quickly win hearts. Happy baking!
Print
Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a delightful fusion of flaky crescent dough filled with a creamy lemon custard cheesecake mixture, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a light dessert or a sweet breakfast treat, they combine tangy lemon curd and rich cream cheese with a hint of vanilla and lemon zest to brighten every bite.
Ingredients
Crescent Dough
- 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
Additional Filling
- 1/4 cup lemon curd
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Unroll Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough package and separate it into individual triangles as indicated on the dough.
- Fill the Dough: Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each crescent triangle, leaving a small border around the edges to allow for sealing during rolling.
- Add Lemon Curd: Place a small dollop (approximately 1/2 teaspoon) of lemon curd on top of the cream cheese layer for each triangle, adding that zesty lemon flavor.
- Roll Up Crescents: Carefully roll up each triangle starting from the wide end toward the tip, then place each rolled crescent on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown, puffed, and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth filling.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest to 2 teaspoons.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Powdered sugar is optional but adds a sweet, decorative finish.
- To make lemon curd at home, use fresh lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter for the freshest taste.
