Crescent rolls are a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious desserts. Whether you are looking for a quick treat for a family gathering or a simple way to satisfy your sweet tooth, crescent rolls are a great base for many desserts. This article will explore different dessert ideas you can make with crescent rolls, from classic favorites to unique creations.
Why Use Crescent Rolls in Desserts?
Crescent rolls are incredibly easy to use, and their soft, buttery texture makes them perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. When used in desserts, crescent rolls add a flaky, light layer that complements many fillings and toppings. Additionally, crescent rolls save time as they come pre-made and only need to be baked, making them ideal for quick and easy desserts.
Classic Cinnamon Roll Crescent Bites
One of the most popular desserts made with crescent rolls is cinnamon rolls. However, instead of rolling up traditional dough, you can easily make a simpler version using crescent rolls. These cinnamon roll crescent bites are perfect for a quick dessert or breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of crescent rolls
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Cream cheese icing (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the crescent roll can.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and separate the dough into triangles.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Brush each crescent roll with melted butter, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll up the crescent rolls, starting from the wide end.
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for the recommended time on the crescent roll package, usually about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Optional: drizzle with cream cheese icing for added sweetness.
Why It Works:
The cinnamon-sugar mixture creates a sweet and spicy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the buttery crescent roll dough. These bites are bite-sized and perfect for sharing!
Apple Crescent Roll Dumplings
Apple dumplings are another classic dessert, and crescent rolls make an easy shortcut to prepare them. This simple recipe creates a warm, gooey apple-filled pastry that is perfect for fall or any time you want a comforting dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 can of crescent rolls
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup Mountain Dew (or lemon-lime soda)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven according to the crescent roll package instructions.
- Peel and slice the apples into small pieces.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a bowl, then sprinkle it over the apple slices.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and place a few pieces of apple in the center of each triangle.
- Roll the dough around the apples to form a dumpling.
- Place the dumplings in a baking dish.
- Cube the butter and place it on top of the dumplings.
- Pour the Mountain Dew (or soda) around the dumplings in the dish.
- Optional: sprinkle with brown sugar for extra sweetness.
- Bake according to the crescent roll package instructions, usually 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Why It Works:
The combination of cinnamon apples and the sweet, buttery sauce created by the soda and butter makes these dumplings rich and satisfying. The crescent rolls hold the filling in place, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Chocolate Crescent Roll Cups
For chocolate lovers, this dessert is a perfect choice. Crescent rolls create a flaky, buttery base for a rich and gooey chocolate center. These cups are fun to make and can be filled with any chocolate treat you like.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of crescent rolls
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven according to the crescent roll package instructions.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and press each triangle into a muffin tin to form cups.
- Place a small handful of chocolate chips into the center of each crescent cup.
- If desired, add a small dollop of peanut butter on top of the chocolate chips.
- Bake according to the package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden and the chocolate has melted.
- Optional: dust with powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.
Why It Works:
The combination of the crispy, buttery crescent dough and the melted chocolate creates a decadent dessert. The peanut butter adds an extra layer of richness and flavor, making it a perfect treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
Crescent Roll Strawberry Shortcakes
Strawberry shortcake is a beloved dessert, and using crescent rolls to make the base is a fun twist on the classic. The warm, flaky rolls pair wonderfully with sweet strawberries and whipped cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of crescent rolls
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven according to the crescent roll package instructions.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and cut them into squares.
- Place the squares on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, slice the strawberries and mix them with sugar. Let them sit to release their juices.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once the crescent rolls are done, split them in half.
- Top the bottom half of the rolls with sweetened strawberries and whipped cream.
- Place the top half of the rolls on the strawberries and top with more whipped cream and strawberries.
Why It Works:
The buttery, flaky crescent rolls serve as a perfect alternative to traditional sponge cake, making this dessert both delicious and easy to prepare. The combination of strawberries and whipped cream makes for a refreshing and light treat.
Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Bars
For those who love tangy lemon desserts, these lemon cream cheese bars made with crescent rolls are a must-try. The tangy lemon filling complements the soft crescent dough, creating a deliciously creamy dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of crescent rolls
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven according to the crescent roll package instructions.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and line the bottom of a baking dish with the dough.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.
- Unroll the remaining crescent rolls and place them on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Bake according to the crescent roll package instructions, usually 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Once baked, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Why It Works:
The cream cheese filling is rich and tangy, and it pairs beautifully with the light, buttery crescent rolls. The powdered sugar on top adds a sweet finish to this refreshing dessert.
Crescent Roll Nutella Pastries
Nutella is a favorite spread for many, and using it to create a simple yet indulgent dessert with crescent rolls is a great idea. These Nutella pastries are easy to make and sure to be a hit with chocolate and hazelnut lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of crescent rolls
- 1/4 cup Nutella (or hazelnut spread)
- 1 tablespoon chopped hazelnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven according to the crescent roll package instructions.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and spread a thin layer of Nutella on each triangle.
- Roll up the dough as instructed on the package.
- Optional: sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts before rolling for extra crunch.
- Bake according to the package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Optional: dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Why It Works:
The creamy, chocolaty Nutella filling is perfectly complemented by the buttery, flaky crescent dough. The addition of hazelnuts adds a crunchy texture and enhances the flavor.
Conclusion
Crescent rolls are a great ingredient to have on hand when you want to whip up a quick and delicious dessert. From classic cinnamon rolls and apple dumplings to chocolate-filled cups and tangy lemon bars, the possibilities are endless. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a variety of sweet treats that are sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special occasion, or just for yourself, crescent rolls make it easy to create delightful desserts in no time.
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