Get ready for a zesty, creamy, absolutely irresistible treat that has quickly become my go-to for brunches and impromptu dessert needs: Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls. Imagine the creamy tang of cheesecake wrapped in pillowy, golden crescents, kissed with sunshine-bright lemon and a dusting of powdered sugar. These rolls bake up in mere minutes but truly feel like something you’d linger over with a cup of coffee or share at a special gathering. They combine everything we adore about nostalgic lemon bars and classic cheesecake, all bundled up in a buttery, grab-and-go pastry. If you love lemon desserts, these rolls will make you swoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls is how such everyday ingredients create pure magic together. Each component plays a starring role, from the tangy cream cheese to the vibrant citrus notes and the flaky, golden crescent dough that bakes to airy perfection.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz): The secret shortcut to golden, flaky pastry without any fuss.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Brings luscious creaminess and that signature cheesecake flavor.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the filling just enough and balances out the tartness of the lemon.
- Egg yolk (1): Adds richness and helps bind the creamy filling.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of warmth and complexity in every bite.
- Lemon zest (½ teaspoon): Fresh zest brightens the whole roll and delivers intense lemon aroma.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Provides unmistakable citrusy tang and a burst of freshness.
- Lemon curd (¼ cup, optional): Go the extra mile with this for an ultra-decadent, double-lemon filling.
- Powdered sugar (1 tablespoon, for garnish): Just a sprinkle on top transforms these from tasty to bakery-worthy.
How to Make Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by beating the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice together in a medium bowl. You want everything luxuriously smooth, with no streaks of cheese or lumps. The fragrant citrus should really shine through, so take a moment to inhale—it’s like spring in a bowl!
Step 2: Shape the Rolls
Gently unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. At the wide end of each triangle, spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons of your lemon cheesecake filling. If you’re in the mood for extra indulgence, add a small dollop of lemon curd right on top. Don’t overfill, or the luscious goodness might escape as they bake!
Step 3: Roll and Arrange
Working one at a time, carefully roll up each crescent, starting from the wide end and rolling toward the tip, enclosing the filling. Place each roll on your prepared baking sheet, making sure the tips are tucked underneath—this helps them stay cute and contained as they bake.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your tray into a preheated 375°F oven and bake the Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls for 10 to 12 minutes. You want them puffed, golden and just barely toasted at the edges. The kitchen will smell heavenly—a blend of rich pastry and fresh lemon.
Step 5: Dust and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the rolls cool for a moment so the filling can set a bit. Then, finish with a gentle dusting of powdered sugar. This one simple touch makes these beauties look effortlessly elegant and ready for any occasion.
How to Serve Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
Let your Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls shine with a flourish of powdered sugar, a twist of lemon zest, or even a drizzle of extra lemon curd. For special occasions, tuck in fresh berries or a sprig of mint—your platter will look like something straight out of a patisserie window.
Side Dishes
Pair with a bowl of mixed berries, a fresh fruit salad, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for dessert. They’re also wonderful next to brunch classics: think scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a cool citrus salad to match the rolls’ refreshing brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls in a spiral on a cake stand for dramatic flair, or layer them in a rustic basket lined with linen for a cozy, family-style vibe. For parties, split each roll in two and stand them upright—you’ll have instant, hand-held pastries for a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tender and delicious for up to three days, perfect for a quick treat whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be ready to revive for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’re good to go.
Reheating
To recapture that perfect warmth and texture, reheat the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. A quick zap in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) also does the trick, though the pastry may be slightly softer.
FAQs
Can I make Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and store them, unbaked, in the fridge for a few hours. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed. Freshly baked is always best, but the make-ahead option is a game changer for busy mornings.
What if I don’t have lemon curd—can I skip it?
Yes, the rolls will still be wonderfully lemony thanks to the zest and juice in the filling. The lemon curd option is for extra tang and creaminess, so feel free to omit if you prefer a slightly lighter version.
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Reduced-fat cream cheese works well if you want a lighter treat, though the filling may be slightly less rich and creamy. Either way, the result will still be delicious and full of lemony cheesecake flavor.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon for this recipe?
A microplane or fine grater gives you the perfect, fragrant zest without any bitter white pith. Zest the lemon directly over the bowl so every drop of aromatic oil lands right in your filling!
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Definitely. Simply use two cans of crescent dough and double all the filling ingredients. Bake in batches or on two trays—the more Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls you make, the merrier your guests will be.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, there’s just something special about pulling a tray of these warm Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls from the oven, watching the powdered sugar melt over golden pastry, and catching that irresistible scent of lemon and vanilla. Treat yourself, share with your favorite people, and don’t be surprised if they’re gone in a flash!
Print
Lemon Custard Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy lemon custard cheesecake wrapped in flaky crescent rolls. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a sweet breakfast or a light dessert.
Ingredients
Crescent Rolls:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Optional:
- 1/4 cup lemon curd (for extra filling)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Assemble rolls: Unroll crescent dough, spoon filling onto each triangle, add lemon curd if desired, roll up, and place on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase lemon zest or use all lemon curd for the filling.
- Best served warm but can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
