Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins: Easy Dessert Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a delightful treat that’s sure to impress without the stress? Look no further than these delectable Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins! Picture this: flaky crescent dough hugging a sweet cream cheese filling, studded with juicy cherries from a pie filling. These little pockets of heaven are not only easy to make but will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen perfecting them.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a morning madness, and it has since become my go-to for last-minute gatherings or when I need a quick, yet impressive, treat. The magic of these Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins lies in their simplicity, as they can be whipped up in just about 30 minutes from start to finish. The secret? A perfect blend of buttery dough, creamy cheesecake, and bursts of cherry goodness that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether it’s for a school party, a book club meeting, or a cozy family breakfast, these muffins are guaranteed to steal the show.

Join the ranks of baking superheroes with a recipe that even the self-proclaimed non-bakers can master. From my neighbor Sue to friends and family, these Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins have garnered rave reviews and requests for seconds. So, preheat your oven, soften that cream cheese just right, and get ready to create a treat that looks and tastes like a labor of love but comes together effortlessly. Trust me, these muffins will soon become your not-so-secret weapon for any occasion!

Quick Benefits

• Impressively quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute gatherings or treats
• Delightful combination of flaky crescent dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherries
• Versatile for various occasions like breakfast gatherings, bake sales, or holiday brunches
• Minimal effort for maximum flavor and visual appeal

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins: Easy Dessert Recipe Recipe

• Effortless Yet Impressive: Perfect for when you want something that looks and tastes fancy but can be made in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or surprise requests.
• Beginner Baker Friendly: Even those who claim to have no baking skills, like Sue, have successfully made these muffins and received rave reviews from their families and friends.
• Secret Shortcut: The use of refrigerated crescent dough and cherry pie filling streamlines the process without compromising on flavor, ensuring a quick and easy baking experience.
• Crowd Pleaser: These muffins are a hit at breakfast gatherings, book club meetings, bake sales, and holiday brunches, loved by all ages and palates for their delightful combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherries.
• Make-ahead Tips: Tips like softening cream cheese for smooth filling and brushing dough balls with butter for better sugar adhesion ensure foolproof results every time, making the baking process a breeze.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for special occasions or as a treat for random weekday mornings, these muffins offer a delicious homemade option that rivals bakery pastries without the time commitment.

Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins: Easy Dessert Recipe

• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• ¾ cup cherries from cherry pie filling
• 8 oz refrigerated crescent dough
• 2 to 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins: Easy Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and prep

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a standard muffin pan with baking spray. Recipe yields 8 muffins.

Step 2: Make cream cheese filling

Combine softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and vanilla in a bowl, and mix until smooth.

Step 3: Prep the dough

Unroll the crescent dough and divide it into 4 rectangles. Press the seams to seal, then cut each rectangle in half to create 8 squares.

Step 4: Fill and shape

Stretch a dough square in your hand. Add cream cheese filling and cherries in the center. Seal corners together and roll into a ball.

Step 5: Prepare for baking

Brush each ball with melted butter, place seam-side down in the muffin pan, and sprinkle with brown sugar.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 16 to 20 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or cool completely and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked the cherry cheesecake crescent muffins, it is important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. To store the finished muffins, allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the muffins to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering and drying out the muffins. Stored this way, the muffins can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.

If you need to store the muffins for a longer period, it is best to refrigerate them. Place the cooled muffins in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. Properly stored in the refrigerator, the cherry cheesecake crescent muffins will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Before serving refrigerated muffins, you can choose to warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to restore some of their original warmth and texture. Enjoy these delightful treats as a quick breakfast, a sweet snack, or a delightful dessert throughout the week!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make ingredient substitutions for the cherry cheesecake crescent muffins, there are a few options you can consider. For the cherries from cherry pie filling, you can use fresh pitted cherries or other types of berries such as raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile. You can adjust the sweetness of the filling by adding a bit more granulated sugar if using tart fruits like raspberries.

In place of refrigerated crescent dough, you can use puff pastry or pre-made pie crust dough for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just be mindful of adjusting the baking time and temperature based on the dough you choose to use. If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute with mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangier twist to the cheesecake filling. Remember to adjust the sweetness levels accordingly when using these substitutions.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist, try serving these cherry cheesecake crescent muffins with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce on top. The addition of these extra elements will elevate the flavors and make them even more decadent, perfect for a special dessert or indulgent brunch treat. Another creative idea is to sprinkle some crushed graham crackers over the muffins just before serving. This will add a crunchy texture reminiscent of a classic cheesecake crust and enhance the overall experience of enjoying these delicious handheld treats.

FAQs for Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins: Easy Dessert Recipe

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade cherry pie filling or have some on hand, feel free to use it in this recipe. Just make sure the cherries are pitted and sweetened to your liking before incorporating them into the muffins.

Can I prepare the muffins ahead of time and bake them later?

Yes, you can assemble the muffins ahead of time by filling the crescent dough with the cream cheese mixture and cherries, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar right before baking for the best results.

Can I freeze these muffins for later consumption?

These cherry cheesecake crescent muffins freeze well. Once baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven before serving.

Can I substitute the cherries with a different fruit?

Yes, you can customize these muffins by using your favorite fruit instead of cherries. Blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches can all be delicious alternatives to create different flavor variations of these crescent muffins.

Conclusion

As you venture into making these delightful Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins, remember that the joy of baking lies not just in the final product but in the process itself. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these muffins are bound to bring smiles and satisfaction. The simplicity of this recipe, combined with the heavenly flavors they pack, will make you want to whip up a batch whenever the occasion calls for a sweet treat.

So next time you find yourself in need of a quick and impressive dessert, look no further than these Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins. Let the aroma of buttery crescent dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and juicy cherries fill your kitchen, and revel in the delight of sharing these little pockets of heaven with your loved ones. Embrace the ease of this recipe and the magic it brings to your baking adventures. Here’s to many more batches of Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins in your future, spreading joy and sweetness wherever they go!

Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins: Easy Dessert Recipe

Indulge in flaky crescent dough embracing sweet cream cheese and juicy cherries in these easy, irresistible Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (8 muffins)

Ingredients

• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• ¾ cup cherries from cherry pie filling
• 8 oz refrigerated crescent dough
• 2 to 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a standard muffin pan with baking spray. Recipe yields 8 muffins.
2. Make cream cheese filling: Combine softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and vanilla in a bowl, and mix until smooth.
3. Prep the dough: Unroll the crescent dough and divide it into 4 rectangles. Press the seams to seal, then cut each rectangle in half to create 8 squares.
4. Fill and shape: Stretch a dough square in your hand. Add cream cheese filling and cherries in the center. Seal corners together and roll into a ball.
5. Prepare for baking: Brush each ball with melted butter, place seam-side down in the muffin pan, and sprinkle with brown sugar.
6. Bake: Bake for 16 to 20 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
7. Serve: Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or cool completely and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.