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This raspberry cream cheese crescent ring transforms store-bought crescent rolls into a showstopping breakfast pastry that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet raspberry filling, and flaky crescent dough creates a beautiful ring that's perfect for special morning gatherings or weekend treats.
I first made this recipe when hosting a last-minute baby shower brunch, and it became an instant hit. The women couldn't believe I hadn't spent all morning preparing it, and now I make it whenever we have overnight guests.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: provides the flaky, buttery base without any fuss
- Cream cheese: creates the rich, tangy filling that balances the sweetness
- Granulated sugar: sweetens the cream cheese to the perfect level
- Almond extract: adds subtle complexity that pairs beautifully with raspberries
- Raspberry pie filling: offers convenience while providing vibrant color and flavor
- Powdered sugar: forms the base of the simple glaze
- Milk or heavy cream: thins the glaze to drizzling consistency
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the baking surface:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
- Create the crescent ring:
- Arrange the triangles in a sunburst pattern with wide ends overlapping to form a 4-inch empty circle in the middle. Press the overlapping edges together gently to create a solid base that won't leak filling during baking.
- Mix the cream cheese filling:
- Beat the cream cheese until completely smooth before adding sugar, which prevents lumps. The almond extract elevates the flavor profile, but start with just a little as it can be potent.
- Assemble the ring:
- When adding the fillings, keep them toward the wide end of the triangles, leaving about half an inch border around the inner circle. This prevents overflow during baking and makes folding easier.
- Fold and seal:
- Pull each triangle point over the filling and tuck underneath the inner circle. Press gently to seal but don't stretch the dough too thin or it might tear during baking.
- Bake to perfection:
- Watch carefully during the final minutes of baking as crescent dough can quickly go from golden to overdone. The center should be set but still have some give when gently pressed.
- Add the finishing touch:
- Allow the ring to cool completely before drizzling with glaze. For the prettiest presentation, put the glaze in a small zip-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe thin lines across the ring.
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The almond extract is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I ran out of vanilla, and now I wouldn't make it any other way. My grandmother always said almond brings out the natural sweetness in berries, and she was absolutely right.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this crescent ring lies in its versatility. While raspberry creates a stunning red contrast against the golden pastry, any pie filling works beautifully. Blueberry offers a more subtle flavor perfect for summer brunches, while apple cinnamon brings warming comfort during fall months. For chocolate lovers, try chocolate hazelnut spread in place of pie filling, or go tropical with a pineapple filling and coconut in the glaze.
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Storage Solutions
This crescent ring stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, though the texture is best within the first 48 hours. To reheat, warm individual slices in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds. The ring can also be frozen before adding the glaze. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, freeze for up to 1 month, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and glazing.
Perfect Pairings
This sweet pastry ring pairs wonderfully with a variety of breakfast and brunch items. Serve alongside a savory egg casserole or frittata for a balanced meal. Fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cream cheese filling. For beverages, coffee with cream complements the sweetness perfectly, while mimosas or a sparkling rosé elevate the ring to celebration status if serving for a special occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh raspberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can substitute fresh raspberries, but you may need to sweeten and soften them first by cooking them with a bit of sugar.
- → Can I prepare this crescent ring ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it when you're ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
- → What other fillings can I use?
Try substitutions like cherry pie filling, peach preserves, or a mix of berries for variety.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- → Can I use homemade crescent dough?
Absolutely! Homemade crescent dough will work well, though the baking time may vary slightly based on the thickness and texture.