Introduction to Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins
As a busy mom, I totally understand the challenge of finding time for delicious desserts. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins with you! These delightful muffins combine the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the sweet burst of cherries, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, they come together quickly and easily. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds, and you’ll relish how simple they are to whip up. Let’s dive into this scrumptious adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins
These Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins are a dream come true for busy moms like us! They’re super easy to make, taking just minutes from start to finish. The flavor? It’s like biting into a slice of cherry cheesecake, but in muffin form! Plus, they’re versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a quick breakfast, a lovely brunch, or a sweet snack after dinner. You’ll have a delightful treat ready in no time!
Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins
Creating these Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins is a breeze with just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Refrigerated crescent dough: This flaky dough is the star, providing layers of buttery goodness for your muffins.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese gives that classic cheesecake flavor, making these muffins ultra-creamy and decadent.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness, balancing the tang of cream cheese while enhancing the flavor overall.
- Vanilla extract: This adds a warm, fragrant note to the mix, elevating the overall dessert experience.
- Cherries from cherry pie filling: Sweet and juicy, these cherries bring that burst of fruity flavor we adore in cherry cheesecake.
- Unsalted butter: Brushing the dough balls with melted butter before baking adds richness and browns the muffins beautifully.
- Light brown sugar: A sprinkle on top gives a hint of caramel flavor and a delightful crunch to the muffins.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Dusting with powdered sugar before serving adds a charming presentation touch, perfect for impressing guests.
You can find all the exact measurements at the bottom of this article for handy printing. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients. Substitute with your favorite fruit or try a flavored cream cheese if you’re feeling adventurous!
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures even baking for your Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a standard muffin pan with baking spray, making sure each cup is coated to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Blend these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. This mixture will be the heart of your muffins, giving them that classic cheesecake flavor everyone loves.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Carefully unroll the refrigerated crescent dough and divide it into four rectangles. Pinch the perforations to seal the edges and then cut each rectangle into two squares. This method gives you eight perfect squares to use for your muffins.
Step 4: Assemble the Muffins
Take one square of dough and gently stretch it in your palm. Place a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center, followed by a tablespoon of cherry filling. Bring the corners together, pinch to seal tightly, and shape into a ball. Repeat with the remaining squares.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush each dough ball with melted butter, giving them a beautiful golden finish when baked. Transfer the balls seam side down into the prepared muffin pan. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes until the muffins are golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly!
Step 6: Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This will help them set slightly. Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness and charm. Enjoy as a delightful treat any time of day!
Tips for Success
- Make sure the cream cheese is well-softened for easy blending.
- Be gentle when stretching the dough to avoid tearing.
- Pinching the seams tightly ensures the filling stays inside during baking.
- Watch the muffins closely toward the end of baking for a perfect golden color.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings for a twist!
Equipment Needed
- Muffin pan: A standard muffin pan is ideal, but silicone molds work great too for easy removal.
- Baking spray: Use non-stick cooking spray; in a pinch, you can brush the pan with melted butter.
- Mixing bowl: Any medium bowl will do for blending the cream cheese mixture.
- Spatula: A rubber spatula makes mixing and transferring easy, but a spoon works just as well.
Variations
- Fruit Fillings: Try swapping out the cherry filling for blueberries, raspberries, or even strawberries for a different fruity twist. Each fruit brings its own delicious flavor!
- Cheesecake Swirl: For a richer experience, swirl extra cream cheese mixture into the filling before sealing for a creamier bite.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent dough available at many grocery stores, allowing everyone at the table to enjoy these muffins.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the cherry filling for added texture and a flavorful surprise.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the muffins after they cool for an indulgent finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Coffee: Enjoy these muffins with a warm cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a perfect morning treat.
- Ice Cream Affection: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert.
- Brunch Delight: Add fresh fruit and yogurt as a refreshing side at your next brunch gathering.
- Presentation Touch: Arrange muffins on a colorful platter and dust with powdered sugar for an eye-catching display.
FAQs about Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins
Can I use different types of fruit filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the cherry filling for other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. Each fruit brings a unique flair to your Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins.
How do I store leftover muffins?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to warm them up slightly before serving!
Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes! These muffins freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container and they’ll last for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them up in the oven for a delightful treat.
Is it possible to make these muffins dairy-free?
Certainly! To make dairy-free Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins, use dairy-free cream cheese and ensure your crescent dough is free from dairy products. It’s a delicious alternative!
What can I serve these muffins with?
These muffins pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a more decadent experience, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Final Thoughts
These Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins are truly a celebration of flavors and convenience in the kitchen. With each fluffy bite, you’ll enjoy the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and juicy cherry goodness, evoking the sweet nostalgia of dessert. As a busy mom, finding joy in simple, quick recipes is a treasure. This recipe not only saves time but also creates wonderful memories around the table with loved ones. So, go ahead and embrace the deliciousness—these muffins are sure to become a beloved staple in your home, bringing smiles with every bite!
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 muffins 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Muffins are a delicious and easy treat, combining the classic flavors of cherry cheesecake in a delightful muffin form.
Ingredients
- 225 grams refrigerated crescent dough
- 140 grams cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 180 grams cherries from cherry pie filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 to 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a standard muffin pan with baking spray and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Unroll the crescent dough and divide into four rectangles by pinching the perforations. Cut each rectangle in half to create eight squares.
- Place a square of dough in your palm and gently stretch the dough. Spoon one heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the centre, then top with one tablespoon of cherry filling. Bring the corners together and pinch to seal, shaping gently into a ball.
- Brush each dough ball with melted butter and transfer, seam side down, to the prepared muffin pan. Repeat for remaining dough and fillings. Sprinkle the tops with light brown sugar.
- Bake for 16 to 20 minutes until the muffins are golden brown on top. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar, or enjoy cooled as desired.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cherries if not using cherry pie filling.
- These muffins can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Powdered sugar is optional for serving and adds a nice touch for presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
