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If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet surprisingly easy dessert that will wow your family and guests, the Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of flaky buttery crescent rolls wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling and a sweet, vibrant cherry pie topping. This ring-shaped treat not only looks beautiful on any dessert table but also bursts with flavors that are both comforting and festive. The balance of creamy, tangy, and fruity notes makes it a perfect centerpiece for breakfasts, brunches, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe relies on simple ingredients that come together to create an irresistible taste and inviting texture. Each one plays an essential role, whether providing richness, sweetness, or that signature flaky crust.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Offers a smooth, tangy base that adds creamy richness to the filling.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup plus 1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling and makes a delicate glaze to finish the ring.
- Egg (1): Adds structure and helps bind the cream cheese filling together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and adds warm, aromatic notes.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (16 ounces, two 8-oz packages): The buttery, flaky dough that forms the beautiful ring shape.
- Cherry pie filling (21 ounces): The star ingredient providing vibrant color and a burst of fruity sweetness.
- Milk (2-3 teaspoons): Used to create a smooth glaze to drizzle over the warm ring after baking.
How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your oven reaches the perfect temperature so the crescent ring can bake evenly, with a golden, flaky crust while the filling heats just right.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step creates the luscious base that contrasts wonderfully with the flaky dough and sweet cherry topping.
Step 3: Shape the Crescent Dough Ring
Unroll your crescent dough and separate the triangles. Set aside four triangles for later use. With the remaining triangles, arrange them on a large pizza pan in a circle about 14 inches wide. Place them with the points facing inward and wide edges outward, pressing the seams gently to seal and creating a 2 to 3-inch hole in the center for that signature ring shape.
Step 4: Assemble the Filling and Cherry Topping
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough ring, taking care to stay clear of the center hole. Next, spoon the cherry pie filling atop the cream cheese layer, distributing it evenly to get that perfect balance of every bite.
Step 5: Add the Decorative Dough “Spokes”
Take the reserved four crescent triangles and cut each into three long strips, totaling twelve strips. Lay these strips over the cherry filling evenly like spokes radiating from the center hole to the outer edge of the ring. Pinch the ends of the strips to the dough beneath to seal everything tightly together, creating both a beautiful pattern and a well-structured ring.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the dough is a gorgeous golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of warm pastry and cherries will fill your kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait another moment to dig in!
Step 7: Drizzle the Sweet Glaze
While the ring bakes, whisk together the remaining powdered sugar and milk to create a simple glaze. Once the ring cools slightly, drizzle this sweet glaze over the top to add a lovely shine and a hint of extra sweetness, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Serve Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries on top can add an extra pop of color and sweetness. You might also sprinkle some finely chopped toasted almonds or a few fresh mint leaves to brighten the presentation and bring delightful texture contrasts.
Side Dishes
This Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this ring warm or at room temperature on a vibrant, colorful platter to showcase its golden crust and jewel-red cherry topping. If you want to get even more festive, slice it into portions and place each piece on a dessert plate with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days and keeps the cream cheese filling safe and creamy.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead of time, you can prepare the ring completely, then wrap it well and freeze it before baking. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This is a fantastic way to have a special dessert ready for unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, pop individual slices into a toaster oven or regular oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This will help restore that crispy outer crust while warming the filling without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use other pie fillings instead of cherry?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is classic, you can experiment with blueberry, apple, or even peach pie fillings to create different flavors that suit your taste or the season.
Do I have to use refrigerated crescent rolls?
Refrigerated crescent rolls are recommended because their buttery layers are perfect for creating the ring’s flaky texture. However, homemade crescent dough or puff pastry can be a great substitute if you prefer making dough from scratch.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast?
Definitely! The Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe makes a sweet and satisfying brunch item that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a versatile choice beyond dessert.
How do I prevent the dough strips from burning?
If your dough strips start browning too quickly, you can lightly tent the ring with foil halfway through baking. This keeps it from over-browning while the rest cooks through evenly.
Can I prepare this recipe without an egg?
The egg helps bind the cream cheese filling but if you need an egg-free version, you could try substituting with a quarter cup of plain yogurt or a tablespoon of cornstarch to maintain the texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe is truly one of those magical dishes that brings people together with its inviting aroma and irresistible flavor. It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy day but special enough to impress at any gathering. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert or breakfast treat that everyone will be asking for again and again.
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Print
Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring that combines flaky, buttery crescent roll dough with a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer and luscious cherry pie filling. Perfect as a festive dessert or a special breakfast treat, this recipe features a beautifully braided design made with strips of crescent dough, baked to golden perfection and finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 21 ounce can cherry pie filling
Dough
- 16 ounces refrigerated crescent rolls (2 – 8 oz packages)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crescent ring.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set this mixture aside.
- Arrange Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent rolls and separate each triangle. Set aside 4 of these triangles for later. Place the remaining triangles on a large circular pizza pan, at least 14 inches in diameter. Form the triangles into a circle with the pointed ends facing the center and the wide bases toward the edge. Press the edges together to seal, forming a ring with a 2 to 3-inch hole in the center.
- Add Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the formed crescent roll circle, then top the cream cheese layer with the cherry pie filling evenly distributed.
- Create Dough Strips & Cover Filling: Take the 4 reserved crescent triangles, and cut each into 3 long strips, making a total of 12 strips. Arrange these strips over the cherry filling radially from the outer edge to the inner hole, resembling spokes on a wheel. Press the ends to seal the strips onto the ring.
- Bake: Bake the crescent ring in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare Glaze and Drizzle: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2 to 3 teaspoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled crescent ring for added sweetness and a glossy finish.
Notes
- Use a large enough pan (at least 14 inches) to comfortably fit the crescent ring and allow room for the dough to expand.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy blending and smooth filling.
- If you prefer a different fruit flavor, you can substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry, apple, or your favorite fruit filling.
- The glaze is optional but adds a nice finishing touch; adjust milk quantity for desired consistency.
- Allow the ring to cool slightly before serving to prevent the filling from spilling out.
