Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Dessert: Creamy, Zesty, and Easy to Love
When you’re looking for a dessert that’s bright, tangy, creamy, and low-effort, this Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Dessert checks every box. With just a handful of ingredients and no need for fancy tools, you’ll have a beautifully layered dessert that tastes like lemon cheesecake met a bakery danish.
Why I Love This Recipe
It combines everything I love in a spring or summer dessert: creaminess, citrus zing, and buttery golden pastry. The refrigerated crescent dough makes it foolproof, and the lemon-sugar topping creates a lightly caramelized crunch. It’s equally at home at brunch, potlucks, or tucked away for personal treat-yourself moments.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- Two 8 oz packages refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- Two 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 tbsp white sugar
Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is best for that vibrant citrus punch.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat gives the richest texture, but light cream cheese works too.
- Add a Glaze: Want extra flair? Drizzle with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Extra Crunch: Add sliced almonds or crushed graham crackers on top before baking.
Instructions
1. Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray.
2. Bottom Crescent Layer
Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, sealing seams if needed.
3. Make the Filling
Zest 1½ lemons and juice both.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and ½ cup sugar into the lemon juice and zest until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble
Spread the lemon cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom crust.
Unroll the second crescent dough and lay it gently on top, stretching to fit.
5. Add the Topping
Brush melted butter over the top layer of dough.
Mix remaining lemon zest with 3 tbsp sugar and sprinkle evenly over buttered surface.
6. Bake
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Let cool for 20 minutes before removing with foil.
7. Chill and Slice
Slice into squares while warm, then return to dish and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips for Success
- Room Temp Cream Cheese: It mixes easier and gives you a smoother filling.
- Cool Before Cutting: Cutting warm makes for cleaner slices and fewer tears in the dough.
- Foil Trick: Lining with foil helps lift the whole dessert out neatly.
- Chill Time Matters: It sets the layers and enhances flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair this luscious lemon treat with:
- Blueberry Lemonade for an ultra-refreshing citrus duo
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie for a rich contrast
- Pumpkin Delight Dessert if you’re craving creamy comfort year-round
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites as a classic pairing
- Copycat Neiman Marcus Cookies for a next-level dessert spread
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices individually and thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Serve Chilled or Room Temp: Both are equally delicious!
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Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Dessert is the sweet bite of sunshine you didn’t know your recipe box needed. Creamy, tangy, buttery, and impossibly easy to make—it’s bound to become your go-to lemon dessert.
Give it a try and tag @chefmaniac with your lemony creations! Follow for more dessert shortcuts, feel-good bakes, and flavor-packed treats that wow with ease.
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