Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins

Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins are soft, flaky, and filled with luscious cream cheese and sweet cherry pie filling. These versatile muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, a snack, or even a quick dessert. Using refrigerated crescent dough makes them quick to prepare, while the creamy filling and juicy cherries add a homemade indulgence that everyone will love.

Introduction

Breakfast or dessert doesn’t get much easier than these Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins. They combine the flaky texture of crescent dough with the creamy tang of cheesecake filling and the fruity sweetness of cherry pie filling. In under 30 minutes, you can create bakery-quality muffins that are perfect for morning treats, brunch gatherings, or a simple after-dinner dessert.

These muffins are especially great for:

• Quick weekend breakfasts
• Dessert for family gatherings
• Brunch parties
• On-the-go snacks
• Holiday treats

The combination of cream cheese and cherries makes these muffins rich and flavorful, while the crescent dough ensures a light, tender bite. Brush them with butter and sprinkle brown sugar on top for a golden, slightly caramelized finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: ready in just 30 minutes
• Flaky, golden crescent dough with creamy cheesecake filling
• Juicy cherry filling adds natural sweetness
• Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack
• Can be served warm with ice cream or at room temperature
• Vegetarian-friendly and approachable for home cooks

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield: 8 muffins

For the Dough & Muffins

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

Optional Garnish

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Standard 12-cup muffin pan
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Measuring cups and spoons

Proper tools ensure easy handling of crescent dough and neat muffins.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

• Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan with baking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • 5 oz softened cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mix until smooth and creamy. Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough

• Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 4 rectangles.
• Press perforations between triangles to seal them.
• Cut each rectangle in half to make 8 squares.

Step 4: Assemble the Muffins

1. Place a dough square in your palm and gently stretch it.
2. Add a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center.
3. Top with 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling.
4. Pull the corners up and pinch them together, sealing all sides.
5. Roll gently between your palms to form a smooth ball.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

• Brush each ball with melted butter.
• Place seam-side down in the muffin pan.
• Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar evenly over the tops.

Step 6: Bake

• Bake for 16–20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
• Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.

Step 7: Optional Serving

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Let cool completely and dust with powdered sugar for a breakfast or snack presentation.

Tips & Variations

• Prevent Leaks: Seal the dough well to avoid filling spilling during baking.
• Flavor Twist: Swap cherries for blueberry or raspberry pie filling.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Mix cinnamon with the brown sugar topping for extra flavor.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for 30 minutes before baking if needed.

Flavor Profile

• Flaky, golden crescent dough
• Creamy, slightly tangy cheesecake filling
• Sweet, juicy cherry center
• Lightly caramelized top from butter and brown sugar

These muffins offer a perfect balance of textures: soft, flaky exterior with creamy and fruity interior.

Nutritional Overview (Per Muffin – Approximate)

• Calories: ~250
• Fat: Moderate (from cream cheese and butter)
• Carbohydrates: Moderate (from dough, sugar, and cherries)
• Protein: Low-moderate
• Sugar: Moderate

Dietary Notes:

• Vegetarian-friendly
• Contains dairy and wheat
• Can adapt using gluten-free crescent dough

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Cool completely before storing.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes for a warm, fresh-baked experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade crescent dough?
Yes, homemade crescent dough works perfectly.

2. Can I freeze these muffins?
Freeze unbaked for later or freeze fully baked muffins. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

3. Can I substitute other fruits for cherries?
Yes, blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples work well.

4. Do I need to brush butter on top?
Brushing butter gives a golden sheen and helps brown sugar caramelize.

5. Can I serve these cold?
Absolutely, they are delicious at room temperature or chilled.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep	10 minutes
Bake	16–20 minutes
Cooling	5 minutes
Total	30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Dust with powdered sugar for a breakfast table.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for dessert.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Arrange on a platter for brunch or party presentation.

Ingredient Spotlight

Crescent Dough

• Provides flaky, tender structure for easy assembly.
• Pre-made dough saves time and guarantees consistent results.

Cream Cheese

• Adds richness and a slightly tangy flavor that balances the sweet cherries.
• Ensure softened for smooth, lump-free filling.

Cherries

• Sweet and slightly tart, giving bright flavor to the muffin.
• Pie filling provides texture and juiciness without extra prep.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Press perforations carefully to prevent splitting.
• Use a heaping tablespoon of filling to avoid dry muffins.
• Seal the dough edges firmly to contain filling.
• Adjust baking time based on your oven; golden brown tops indicate doneness.
• Serve warm for maximum flavor and soft texture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator:

• Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

• Freeze unbaked or baked muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm briefly in the oven.

Expanded Conclusion

Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins are a simple, versatile, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacks. Their flaky crescent dough exterior encases a creamy cheesecake filling and juicy cherries, delivering a bakery-quality experience in just 30 minutes.

Quick to assemble, easy to bake, and even easier to enjoy, these muffins are perfect for weekday mornings, weekend brunches, or festive gatherings. Serve them warm with ice cream, dusted with powdered sugar, or simply enjoy them as-is — they’re sure to delight everyone at the table.

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