Desserts

Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins

These Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins are quick, tender, and sweet. Golden crescent dough wraps a smooth cream cheese filling and a burst of cherry. They smell buttery and inviting while baking. The inside is creamy and slightly tangy. The cherry gives a bright, jammy pop. They make a warm snack, a simple dessert, or a pretty addition to brunch.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 8 muffins
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving (1 muffin)

Calories per serving: 245 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 11 g
Sodium: 260 mg

Why Make This Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins

These muffins come together fast. You use store-bought crescent dough and a simple cream cheese filling. The contrast of flaky dough and creamy center is delightful. They taste like a mini cheesecake with a cherry surprise. They bake to a golden brown and smell rich and buttery. They work for busy mornings, potlucks, or a last-minute dessert. If you like fruit and cream cheese treats, these are a must-try. For a different fruit twist see blueberry cheesecake crescent rolls for inspiration.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins

This recipe is simple. You mix a smooth cream cheese filling. Then add a spoon of cherry pie filling. Roll in crescent triangles and bake. The steps below keep the process neat and fast.

Ingredients:

1 can crescent roll dough
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup cherry pie filling
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg (for egg wash)
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Make sure the cream cheese is soft so it blends smoothly.

Step 2: Mixing

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Use a spoon or hand mixer to remove lumps. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

Step 3: Assembly and Baking

Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture at the wider end of each crescent triangle. Add a dollop of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese. Roll up each triangle from the wide end to enclose the filling. Place the rolled muffins on the prepared baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush it over the tops to get a shiny, golden finish. Bake for about 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 4: Finishing

Allow the muffins to cool slightly on a rack for 5–10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm so the filling is soft and inviting.

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins

Serve them warm with coffee or tea. They pair nicely with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For brunch, arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit. The cherry adds color and a tart contrast to the sweet cream cheese.

How to Store Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. They taste best warm or slightly warm.
In the refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat for 10–15 seconds in the microwave or 5–7 minutes in a 325°F oven to revive flakiness.
To freeze: Place cooled muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins

Soften the cream cheese to room temperature. It mixes smoother and avoids lumps.
Don’t overfill. Use a spoonful of filling to prevent leaks.
Seal edges well when rolling to keep the filling inside.
Brush with egg wash for a glossy, golden top.
Bake until lightly golden. Overbaking dries the cream center.
If your crescent dough is very thin, place triangles slightly overlapping to add structure.
For a tangier filling, use light sour cream or Greek yogurt (1–2 tablespoons) mixed into the cream cheese.
Use a piping bag for neater filling placement.

Delicious Variations

Blueberry: Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry pie filling and add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans on top before baking.
Raspberry-Lemon: Use raspberry jam and add 1/2 tsp lemon zest to the cream cheese.
Mini Cheesecake Cups: Use a muffin tin and press crescent pieces into each cup for a deeper filling pocket.
Chocolate Cherry: Add mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture for a black-forest feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many muffins does this recipe make?

This makes about 8 muffins if you use a standard can of crescent roll dough with 8 triangles. If your dough has more pieces, count and adjust filling accordingly.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble and store them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Or bake, cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes. Low-fat or Neufchâtel works. The texture will be slightly less rich but still tasty.

My filling leaked while baking. How do I prevent that?

Don’t overfill the triangles and press seams tightly when rolling. Chill assembled rolls for 10 minutes before baking to firm up the filling.

Can I use homemade pie filling?

Absolutely. Homemade cherry filling works great. Make sure it’s thick and not too runny. A thicker filling reduces leakage.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar?

You can use granulated sugar but blend it well so it dissolves. Powdered sugar gives a smoother cream cheese texture.

Can I make mini or larger versions?

Yes. For mini versions, cut triangles smaller or use a mini muffin tin and adjust baking time (8–12 minutes). For larger ones, bake a bit longer until golden.

Conclusion

These Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins are a quick, satisfying treat that feels special with very little work. They bake up golden and smell amazing. Try them for brunch, a casual dessert, or a sweet snack. For more inspiration and a similar recipe, check out Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins – OMG Chocolate Desserts. Enjoy baking and share them warm with friends.