Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins
The sweet scent of freshly baked goods fills the air as my Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins puff up in the oven, their golden tops just peeking through the muffin pan. The flaky crescent dough wraps around the luscious cream cheese filling and vibrant cherry topping, creating a cozy, inviting treat perfect for any time of day. Just like those afternoons spent by the kitchen window, watching the rain dance while enjoying a warm muffin, these delightful pastries bring back cherished memories. Each bite blends nostalgia with comfort, making them an absolute must-try during the cooler months when warm, sweet desserts warm our hearts. So grab your apron and let’s whip up these Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins that promise to bring smiles around your table!
Table of Contents
These treats not only embody the essence of comfort but also offer a fun kitchen activity whether you’re spending time with friends or enjoying a solo baking spree. The joy of making these muffins is matched only by indulging in their deliciousness. Once you take that first cozy bite, you’ll understand why I’m excited for you to make these muffins.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This recipe takes just 20 minutes of prep time, perfect for a last-minute treat.
- Irresistible Flavor: The creamy cheesecake filling combined with sweet cherries makes for a flavor explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Each muffin is visually charming, delightful for any gathering or brunch.
- Flexible Serving: These muffins are great as a snack, breakfast item, or dessert to share.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can adapt this recipe for gluten-free or dairy-free versions if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Refrigerated crescent dough: This convenient dough provides a flaky, buttery base, perfect for wrapping around the filling. If you’re in a pinch, puff pastry works as a great substitute.
- Cream cheese (softened): We use softened cream cheese for a rich, smooth filling that blends beautifully with the sugar and vanilla. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the best texture.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese. For a healthier version, consider coconut sugar.
- Vanilla extract: A splash enhances the overall richness of the filling, making it taste more indulgent. Always opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor.
- Cherries from cherry pie filling: These add juicy sweetness and visual appeal. You can also use fresh or frozen cherries, just make sure to chop them if they’re whole.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brushing the muffins with butter before baking adds a lovely golden color and crispy texture on top.
- Light brown sugar: Sprinkled on top before baking, it adds a delicious caramelized sweetness to the muffins.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Optional for a sweet finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard muffin pan with baking spray or butter to ensure easy release later. This step is crucial for preventing sticky situations, leaving you with perfect muffins every time.
Blend the Filling: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. This creamy goodness will be the heart of your muffins, so take your time to ensure there are no lumps. It should have a rich, glossy texture that will make your mouth water.
Unroll and Cut the Dough: Carefully unroll the refrigerated crescent dough and pinch the perforations to create four rectangles. Cut each rectangle in half to yield eight squares. This method not only gives you ample dough to work with but also sets you up for perfectly sized muffins that will bake evenly.
Shape the Muffins: Take one square of dough in your palm, gently stretching it to form a small cup. Spoon one heaping tablespoon of the luscious cream cheese mixture into the center, followed by a tablespoon of cherry filling. Bring the corners together, pinching to seal and shaping gently into a ball. This step is where the magic begins; you can feel the warm fillings snug inside the dough.
Brush and Bake: Brush each dough ball with melted butter, then place them seam-side down in the prepared muffin pan. This will create a beautiful golden crust on the bottom. Sprinkle the tops with light brown sugar for that extra caramelized finish. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and fragrant, filling your space with an irresistible aroma.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about five minutes. This is the hardest part, but it’s worth the wait! You can serve them warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. They’re delicious fresh out of the oven but can also be enjoyed cooled.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins at room temperature for up to two days, sealed in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. If you want to freeze these delightful treats, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Just a quick warm-up can bring back the fresh-out-of-the-oven texture and flavor!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overworking the dough to keep those flaky layers intact. Just stretch gently.
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened properly for a lump-free filling.
- If using fresh cherries, remove the pits and chop them up for easier filling.
- Keep an eye on the muffins toward the end of baking; they can go from golden to overbaked quickly.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- These muffins can be made ahead of time and frozen, making them perfect for meal prep.
These muffins truly combine the best elements of cherry pie and cheesecake in a single, easy-to-make package. The balance of flaky and creamy layers contrasts beautifully, creating a delightful experience. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. I can’t wait for you to enjoy these treats!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of cherries?
Absolutely! While cherries are a star in these muffins, you can use other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or even raspberries for a delightful twist. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit you choose.
How can I make these muffins gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins, substitute the crescent dough with gluten-free puff pastry or gluten-free crescent roll dough, which is available at many grocery stores. Ensure the cream cheese and cherry filling ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
Can I make these muffins in advance?
Yes! These treats can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble them and place them in the muffin pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Just bake them in the morning for a delicious, fresh breakfast!
Can I add other flavors to the cream cheese filling?
Certainly! You can mix in a little lemon zest or chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the flavor should complement the cherries to enhance overall taste.
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Mint Oreo Chocolate Bark
- Blueberry and Muesli Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Valentine Candy Apples Made into Cute Heart Shapes
- Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies
- 4-Ingredient Brownies
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-20 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 muffins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins combine a flaky crescent base with rich cream cheese filling and juicy cherries for a delightful, easy-to-make treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent dough
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cherries from cherry pie filling
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Light brown sugar
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease muffin pan.
- Blend softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Unroll crescent dough, cut into rectangles, and then into squares.
- Form small cups with dough squares, fill with cream cheese mixture and cherry filling, then seal.
- Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with brown sugar, and bake for 16-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling.
Substitute puff pastry for crescent dough if needed.
These muffins can be frozen for later enjoyment.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
