Flaky, buttery croissants filled with a luscious strawberry lemon cheesecake filling this is the kind of treat that makes any day feel special. Imagine biting into a crisp, golden croissant, only to discover a creamy, tangy, and sweet surprise inside. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll be hooked!
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these croissants bring together the best flavors—bright lemon, juicy strawberries, and rich cheesecake—all wrapped up in one irresistible pastry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bakery-Style Goodness: They taste like they came straight from a French pâtisserie, but you made them at home!
Easy to Make: Thanks to store-bought croissants, these come together quickly with minimal effort.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The tangy lemon and fresh strawberries cut through the rich cheesecake filling, making every bite dreamy.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting brunch, need a fancy dessert, or just want to treat yourself, these croissants fit the bill.
Ingredients in Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Croissants
Croissants: Buttery, flaky, and the perfect vessel for our creamy filling.
Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling, giving it that rich, velvety texture.
Strawberries: Fresh and juicy, adding natural sweetness and a pop of color.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Brings brightness and a tangy twist to the filling.
Sugar: Just enough to sweeten without overpowering the fresh flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth.
Powdered Sugar (for dusting): A light sprinkle on top makes them look extra fancy!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prep the croissants.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Prepare the Croissants: Slice each croissant in half, leaving one side attached like a pocket.
Fill the Croissants: Spread or pipe the cheesecake mixture inside each croissant, then add sliced strawberries on top.
Bake: Place the filled croissants on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5–7 minutes, just until slightly crisp and golden.
Dust & Serve: Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Croissants
- With Coffee or Tea: These pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
- With Extra Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries for an extra fruity touch.
- Drizzled with Honey: A light drizzle of honey enhances the sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
- As a Dessert: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent after-dinner treat.
- Chilled: These taste amazing chilled too—perfect for warm days!
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Croissants: Day-old croissants work best since they hold their shape better when filled.
- Chill the Filling: For an extra creamy texture, chill the cheesecake filling before using.
- Experiment with Flavors: Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries, or add a touch of cinnamon to the filling for a twist.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause the croissants to fall apart, so use just enough for balance.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble these ahead of time and warm them just before serving.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A1: Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Q2: Do these need to be refrigerated?
A2: If not serving immediately, store them in the fridge and warm slightly before eating.
Q3: Can I make these with puff pastry instead of croissants?
A3: Absolutely! Bake the puff pastry first, then fill them once cooled.
Q4: How long do they stay fresh?
A4: Best enjoyed the same day, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Q5: Can I make them dairy-free?
A5: Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based butter substitute.
Q6: Can I add a glaze on top?
A6: Definitely! A simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) would be delicious.
Q7: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A7: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to keep them crisp. Avoid microwaving, as they may become soggy.
Q8: Can I make them ahead for brunch?
A8: Yes! Assemble them the night before and warm them before serving.
Q9: Can I add nuts for crunch?
A9: Chopped almonds or pecans would add a great texture contrast!
Q10: Can I use mini croissants instead?
A10: Yes! Mini versions make perfect bite-sized treats for parties or brunch spreads.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Croissants are the perfect combination of flaky, creamy, sweet, and tangy. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or chilled, they’re guaranteed to impress. So go ahead treat yourself to this bakery-style delight right at home!
Print
Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Croissants
- Prep Time: 20 minutes17
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 croissants 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Croissants are a quick and delicious dessert or breakfast treat! Flaky crescent roll dough is stuffed with a no-bake strawberry lemon cheesecake filling and baked until golden brown. Finished with a zesty homemade lemon glaze, these croissants are bursting with fresh, fruity flavor. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or an easy sweet snack!
Ingredients
Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Croissants:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup diced strawberries
Lemon Glaze:
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add sugar and mix until combined, then fold in diced strawberries.
- Roll out crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.
- Spoon 1-2 Tbsp of filling onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up each croissant, starting from the wide end and sealing the edges to keep the filling inside.
- Place croissants on the baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool for at least 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the croissants and enjoy!
Notes
- These croissants taste great warm, cold, or at room temperature.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle powdered sugar or extra lemon zest on top.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg