If you love all things pumpkin and enjoy simple yet show-stopping treats, then you are going to adore this Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling Recipe. Imagine soft, flaky crescent rolls filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese and spiced pumpkin pie filling, baked to golden perfection, and shaped like adorable little pumpkins. It’s a dessert that feels festive, comforting, and downright irresistible all at once. Whether for a seasonal party or a cozy family dessert, these crescent pumpkins are sure to become an instant favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to balance sweet, creamy, and spicy notes, while the crescent dough acts as the perfect vehicle for these flavors, bringing flaky texture and golden color to the final treat.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Provides a buttery, flaky base that bakes up golden brown and soft.
- Cream cheese (8 oz), softened: Adds creamy richness and a tangy contrast to the sweet pumpkin filling.
- Pumpkin pie filling (1 cup): Supplies the classic smooth pumpkin flavor with warming spices.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling just right, enhancing all the autumn spices.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, fragrant depth that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon): A cozy mix that boosts the signature autumn flavor.
- Egg yolk (for egg wash): Ensures a stunningly golden, glossy finish on these pumpkin treats.
- Optional green candy melts or icing: Perfect for crafting adorable pumpkin stems that turn these into not only tasty but festive delights.
- Optional powdered sugar: Adds a light dusting of sweetness and a pretty, frosted touch to the finished pumpkins.
How to Make Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is key to ensuring your pumpkins bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Pumpkin Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the pumpkin pie filling, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. This lovely filling is the heart of your crescent pumpkins and brings all the luscious fall flavors to life.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll your refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Each triangle will cradle the delicious filling and eventually transform into its very own pumpkin-shaped delight.
Step 4: Fill and Roll into Pumpkins
Place a generous spoonful of the pumpkin and cream cheese mixture in the center of each triangle. Starting at the wide end, gently roll the dough towards the point, enclosing the filling completely. Make sure to pinch the sides to seal the filling inside so none of that creamy goodness escapes while baking.
Step 5: Shape the Pumpkins
After rolling, softly press the sides of each crescent roll to create a plump, rounded pumpkin shape. This simple shaping trick makes all the difference in giving your treats that irresistible pumpkin look.
Step 6: Apply Egg Wash for a Golden Glow
Whisk an egg yolk in a small bowl and brush it carefully over the tops of each crescent pumpkin. This step is crucial for achieving a gorgeous golden-brown finish that will make your pumpkins look just as delightful as they taste.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the shaped pumpkins on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. They’re ready when they’ve puffed up beautifully and turned a deep golden brown, filling your kitchen with that cozy pumpkin scent.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, allow your crescent pumpkins to cool for about 5 minutes. For an extra festive touch, melt some green candy melts and drizzle or pipe them on top to create stem-like accents. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a whimsical, frosted finish if you like a little extra sweetness.
How to Serve Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a delicate drizzle of melted green candy melts or icing transforms your crescent pumpkins into charming little pumpkin patches. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a beautiful, light snowfall effect that enhances both appearance and sweetness. These garnishes make the difference between a tasty treat and a show-stopping centerpiece.
Side Dishes
These crescent pumpkins are perfectly paired with a cup of spiced apple cider or a warm mug of coffee with cinnamon. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the spicy pumpkin flavors with creamy coolness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these pumpkin-shaped delights on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by autumn leaves and miniature gourds for an eye-catching seasonal display. You can also serve them warm in individual napkins for casual get-togethers or place them on a dessert buffet where their cute shape will invite curiosity and compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. For slightly longer storage, refrigeration is fine but may reduce some of the crescent dough’s flakiness.
Freezing
These pumpkins freeze beautifully before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat your crescent pumpkins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and flaky texture. Avoid microwaving to keep the dough from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin pie filling will add a wonderful personal touch and allow you to control the sweetness and spice levels exactly to your preference. Just be sure it is thick enough to hold inside the dough without leaking out.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you need to swap out cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta cheese can work as creamy alternatives, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different. These will still make delicious and rich pumpkin crescents.
Is it possible to make these vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan crescent roll dough or puff pastry, a plant-based cream cheese, and substitute the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and a bit of maple syrup to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
How long can Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling Recipe be stored?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these tasty pumpkins can last up to two days at room temperature and about a week in the fridge. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be refreshed by reheating.
Can I prepare these without shaping them into pumpkins?
Yes, you can simply roll the crescents with filling and bake them as turnovers or roll-ups. Shaping adds the cute pumpkin visual, but the flavors will be just as delicious without it.
Final Thoughts
There is something so delightful about sharing Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling Recipe with friends and family. They bring all the cozy autumnal flavors into a treat that’s both fun to make and absolutely scrumptious to eat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, these pumpkins are guaranteed to make your season a little sweeter and a lot more memorable. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch your loved ones light up when they taste these little bites of fall joy.
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Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent pumpkin pastries
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling are a delightful and festive treat perfect for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations. They combine creamy pumpkin pie-flavored filling with buttery crescent roll dough, shaped into adorable pumpkin forms and baked to golden perfection. Garnished with optional green candy melts or icing stems and a dusting of powdered sugar, these sweet pastries capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin pie filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
Optional Decoration
- Green candy melts or icing for stems
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, pumpkin pie filling, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix thoroughly until you obtain a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Roll Out Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles, which will serve as the base for each pumpkin.
- Fill the Dough: Place a generous spoonful of the pumpkin-cream cheese filling in the center of each crescent triangle, ensuring enough filling without overstuffing to prevent leakage.
- Form the Pumpkins: Starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough towards the pointed end to enclose the filling completely. Pinch the sides securely to seal the edges and encase the filling.
- Shape the Pumpkins: Gently press the sides of each rolled crescent to create a rounded pumpkin shape, giving them a plump and festive appearance.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg yolk in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the shaped crescents to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish during baking.
- Bake: Arrange the crescent pumpkins on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the baked pastries from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, so they firm up slightly for easier handling.
- Decorate: If desired, melt green candy melts or prepare green icing and pipe or drizzle it onto the crescent pumpkins to create stem effects. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother filling texture.
- Do not overfill the crescent dough triangles to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Let the crescent pumpkins cool slightly before decorating to avoid melting the candy melts or icing.
- These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
