Name: Easy Cream Cheese Crescent Pumpkins: Delicious Fall Dessert
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 (8 oz.) can refrigerated crescent rolls; 5 oz. softened cream cheese; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup pumpkin puree; 1 tablespoon corn starch; 2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon allspice; 1 egg yolk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ tablespoons melted butter; 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)

Crescent Pumpkins With Cream Cheese And Pumpkin Pie Filling is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful celebration of autumn’s most beloved flavors, nestled within a convenient, flaky package. As the leaves begin to turn golden and a crisp coolness fills the air, our culinary thoughts often drift to comforting treats that evoke warmth and nostalgia. Pumpkin, of course, stands as the undeniable icon of the fall season, gracing tables from festive Halloween gatherings to cherished Thanksgiving feasts. While classic pumpkin pie holds a sacred spot in our hearts, I’ve always been keen to explore innovative yet accessible ways to enjoy this versatile ingredient.

Why You’ll Adore This Autumnal Delight

This particular recipe takes the familiar, spiced essence of traditional pumpkin pie and elevates it with the luxurious, tangy creaminess of a smooth cream cheese filling. All of this delectable goodness is then enveloped in the golden-brown embrace of a tender, buttery crescent roll. The result is a dessert that beautifully balances a melt-in-your-mouth crust with a rich, spiced interior that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Its incredible convenience, thanks to the clever use of store-bought crescent dough, transforms a seemingly elaborate treat into something surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

The harmonious combination of textures – the flaky pastry, the smooth cream cheese, and the spiced pumpkin filling – creates a truly irresistible experience. Preparing these charming Crescent Pumpkins With Cream Cheese And Pumpkin Pie Filling is a fantastic way to bring smiles to any autumn table, offering a bite-sized piece of seasonal joy that everyone will adore.

Ingredients:

For the Cream Cheese Pumpkin Filling:
- One (8-ounce) package full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature. I always recommend full-fat for that rich, decadent flavor, but a reduced-fat version could work in a pinch if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar. This provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese and the natural earthiness of the pumpkin.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. This blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, bringing all those quintessential fall flavors together. If you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can use 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch each of ginger and cloves.
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. A good quality vanilla extract really brightens all the other flavors.
- Approximately 2/3 of a 15-ounce can of pumpkin pie filling (not pure pumpkin puree). It’s crucial to use pumpkin pie filling as it’s already seasoned and sweetened, saving us a step and ensuring consistent flavor. We’ll reserve the remaining 1/3 of the can for our delightful glaze.
For the Crescent Dough and Egg Wash:
- Two (8-count) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough. Any reputable brand will do. These readily available rolls are the magic shortcut that makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy.
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional but highly recommended). This simple wash gives our finished Crescent Pumpkins a beautiful golden sheen and helps them brown evenly.
For the Pumpkin Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted. Sifting helps prevent lumps, ensuring a super smooth glaze.
- The remaining 1/3 of the 15-ounce can of pumpkin pie filling. This ties the glaze flavor perfectly to our internal filling.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream. Start with two and add more as needed, a teaspoon at a time, to achieve your desired glaze consistency. Heavy cream will yield a richer, thicker glaze, while milk will make it lighter.
Optional Garnishes:
- Pecan halves or a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice.
- Small pretzel sticks for a cute “stem” effect after baking.

Preparation of the Cream Cheese Pumpkin Filling

Let’s get started on the heart of our Crescent Pumpkins With Cream Cheese And Pumpkin Pie Filling – the luscious, spiced filling! This step is incredibly straightforward, but paying attention to a few details will ensure a smooth, velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.

Soften the Cream Cheese: First things first, make sure your 8-ounce package of cream cheese is truly at room temperature. This is absolutely critical for achieving a lump-free, smooth filling. If your cream cheese is still cold, it won’t blend properly and you’ll end up with little chilly chunks, which we definitely want to avoid. I usually take it out of the fridge at least an hour before I plan to start baking. If you’re in a hurry, you can unwrap it, cut it into smaller cubes, and microwave it on low power (about 50%) for 15-20 second intervals, checking and flipping it until it’s softened but not melted.
Cream the Base Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer) on medium speed, beat these ingredients together until they are completely smooth and light. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated. We’re aiming for a consistency that’s fluffy and airy, which will contribute to a wonderfully light filling inside our crescent rolls.
Incorporate the Pumpkin Pie Filling: Now, carefully measure out about 2/3 of your 15-ounce can of pumpkin pie filling. Remember, this is the pre-seasoned and sweetened pumpkin pie filling, not plain pumpkin puree! Gently fold this portion of the pumpkin pie filling into your cream cheese mixture. I prefer to do this by hand with a spatula rather than the electric mixer to avoid overmixing, which can sometimes make the filling too thin. Mix until just combined and there are no streaks of plain cream cheese visible. The mixture should be a lovely pale orange color, thick, and wonderfully fragrant with those warming fall spices.
Taste and Adjust: This is my favorite part! Take a tiny spoonful and give it a taste. Do you prefer it a little sweeter? Add another teaspoon of granulated sugar. Want a stronger spice kick? Sprinkle in a tiny bit more pumpkin pie spice. This is your chance to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Once you’re happy with the taste, set the filling aside. If your kitchen is particularly warm and the filling seems a bit too soft, you can pop it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up slightly, which will make it easier to handle during assembly.
Prepare for Assembly: While our filling is ready, let’s get our baking environment set up. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step is a lifesaver, preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze. Having everything prepared beforehand makes the assembly process smooth and enjoyable.

Assembling the Crescent Pumpkins

This is where the magic happens, turning simple crescent roll dough into charming little Crescent Pumpkins With Cream Cheese And Pumpkin Pie Filling. The shaping process is quite forgiving, so don’t worry if your first few aren’t perfectly uniform – they’ll still be absolutely delicious!

Unroll the Crescent Dough: Carefully unroll one can of refrigerated crescent roll dough onto your prepared baking sheet or a clean, lightly floured surface. You’ll notice the dough is typically perforated into 8 triangles. Gently separate these triangles along the perforations. Be mindful not to stretch the dough too much as you separate them, as we want to maintain their original shape as much as possible for easier rolling.
Portion the Filling: For each crescent triangle, you’ll want approximately 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the cream cheese pumpkin filling. Don’t be tempted to overfill, as this can lead to the filling oozing out during baking, making a bit of a mess. It’s better to have slightly less filling and a well-sealed “pumpkin” than an overflowing one.
Place the Filling: Take one separated crescent triangle. Place a dollop of the filling onto the wider, unperforated end of the triangle. Spread it gently in a small log shape, leaving a small margin along the edges to ensure you can seal the dough effectively. You don’t want the filling to go all the way to the very edge of the dough.
Roll and Shape: Now for the fun part!
1. Starting from the wider end where the filling is, carefully roll the crescent dough upwards towards the pointed tip. Try to keep the roll relatively snug, tucking in any filling that tries to escape.
2. Once you’ve rolled it into a crescent shape, gently take the two ends of the rolled crescent and bring them towards each other, curving them slightly to form a more enclosed, rounded shape – much like a pumpkin or a small snail shell. Press the ends together lightly to help them adhere.
3. Next, gently flatten the top and bottom of your rounded crescent just a tiny bit with your fingers. This gives it a flatter base and top, enhancing the “pumpkin” illusion.
4. Finally, to create those iconic pumpkin ridges, you can very gently use the side of your finger or a thin, blunt knife to press small indentations around the sides of your shaped crescent. Don’t press too hard, just enough to suggest the segments of a pumpkin. This step really helps sell the “Crescent Pumpkins” name!
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each shaped “pumpkin” onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave about 1 to 2 inches of space between each one. This allows them room to puff up and spread slightly without merging into one giant pumpkin blob during baking. Repeat this process with the remaining crescent dough triangles and filling from the first can.
Egg Wash Application (Optional, but Recommended): In a small bowl, lightly beat your large egg. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the top and sides of each assembled crescent pumpkin with the beaten egg. This egg wash isn’t just for looks; it helps create that beautiful, glossy golden-brown crust and contributes to a slightly crisper exterior, adding another layer of texture to our delicious treat.
Repeat for Second Can: If your baking sheet isn’t large enough for all 16 crescent pumpkins, you may need to use a second baking sheet or bake them in batches. If baking in batches, keep the second can of crescent dough in the refrigerator until you’re ready to unroll it. You want the dough to stay cool and firm for easier handling. Remember to apply the egg wash to the second batch as well.

Baking the Crescent Pumpkins

Now comes the aroma-filling part! Baking our Crescent Pumpkins With Cream Cheese And Pumpkin Pie Filling will fill your kitchen with the most delightful scents of warm pastry and autumn spices. Patience is key here, but the wait is absolutely worth it!

Preheat and Bake: Your oven should already be preheated to 375°F (190°C) from our earlier preparation steps. Carefully transfer your baking sheet(s) with the assembled crescent pumpkins into the preheated oven. Place them on the middle rack for optimal, even heat distribution.
Bake Until Golden: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The exact baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. You’re looking for the crescent pumpkins to become beautifully puffed up and achieve a rich, golden-brown color on their tops and bottoms. The egg wash will contribute significantly to this lovely hue.
Rotate for Evenness (Optional but Recommended): Around the halfway mark (after about 6-7 minutes), if you notice that one side of your baking sheet is browning faster than the other, you can carefully rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees. This helps ensure that all your Crescent Pumpkins bake evenly and achieve that consistent golden perfection across the entire batch.
Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure, you can gently lift one with a spatula to check the underside – it should also be golden brown. The filling inside will be hot and slightly bubbling, indicating it’s thoroughly cooked through. The pastry itself should be flaky and light.
Cooling Process: Once your Crescent Pumpkins are perfectly golden and baked to perfection, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This initial cooling period helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to transfer without breaking.
Transfer to Wire Rack: After the initial cooling period on the baking sheet, carefully transfer the warm crescent pumpkins to a wire cooling rack. This is a crucial step! Cooling them on a wire rack allows air to circulate all around them, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy due to trapped steam. Let them cool completely before glazing, or at least until they are just slightly warm to the touch. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes. If you try to glaze them while they’re too hot, the glaze will simply melt and run off, making for a messy rather than perfectly adorned treat.

Making the Pumpkin Glaze and Finishing Touches

The final flourish! This delightful pumpkin glaze not only adds another layer of flavor but also gives our Crescent Pumpkins With Cream Cheese And Pumpkin Pie Filling a beautiful, professional finish. And of course, we’ll talk about those cute garnishes!

Prepare the Glaze Base: In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar with the remaining 1/3 of the 15-ounce can of pumpkin pie filling. Sifting the powdered sugar beforehand is a small but mighty step that prevents any annoying lumps in your glaze, ensuring a perfectly smooth and flowing consistency.
Achieve Desired Consistency: Begin by adding 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream to the mixture. Whisk everything together thoroughly with a small whisk or a fork until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. At this point, assess the consistency. We’re aiming for a glaze that is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still thin enough to drizzle beautifully. If it seems too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk or cream, a tiny splash at a time, whisking well after each addition until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Remember, it’s much easier to add more liquid than to thicken it up, so go slowly!
Taste Test the Glaze: Just like with the filling, give your glaze a quick taste. It should be sweet with a distinct pumpkin flavor. If you want a little more spice kick, you could add a tiny pinch of extra pumpkin pie spice to the glaze as well.
Glazing the Crescent Pumpkins: Once your Crescent Pumpkins are cooled (at least to a barely warm temperature), it’s time to glaze them. You have a couple of options here:
1. Drizzling Method: For an elegant look, use a spoon to drizzle the glaze decoratively back and forth over the tops of each pumpkin. The crisscross pattern often looks very appealing.
2. Spreading Method: For a more substantial coating, you can use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread a thin, even layer of glaze over the entire top surface of each crescent pumpkin. This method ensures every bite is infused with that lovely pumpkin glaze.
Let any excess glaze drip off, and allow the glaze to set for about 10-15 minutes before serving or adding garnishes.
Add Optional Garnishes: This is where you can really make your Crescent Pumpkins pop visually!
- Pecan Halves: While the glaze is still slightly wet, gently press a pecan half onto the top of each glazed pumpkin. This adds a lovely nutty crunch and a beautiful aesthetic.
- Pretzel Stems: For an undeniably adorable touch, break small pretzel sticks into 1-inch pieces and gently insert one into the top of each pumpkin, where a stem would naturally be. This adds a playful, rustic charm and a hint of salty contrast.
- Extra Spice: A very light dusting of extra pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon over the glaze can add another layer of visual appeal and aromatic warmth.
Serving Suggestions: Your Crescent Pumpkins With Cream Cheese And Pumpkin Pie Filling are now ready to be enjoyed! They are absolutely fantastic served slightly warm, allowing the filling to be wonderfully soft and comforting. They also hold up beautifully at room temperature, making them perfect for potlucks, brunches, or an autumn-themed dessert spread. I love them with a cup of hot coffee or tea on a crisp morning!
Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or a low oven for a few minutes to bring back some of their initial warmth and tenderness.

Conclusion:

As we wrap up our culinary journey with this delightful recipe, I truly hope you’re feeling as inspired and eager to get baking as I am! This isn’t just another seasonal treat; it’s a meticulously crafted symphony of flavors and textures designed to bring comfort and joy to your table. From the very first flaky bite, you’ll understand why I can’t stop raving about it. The golden-brown exterior of the crescent roll, baked to airy perfection, provides the ideal contrast to the rich, creamy, and wonderfully spiced interior. It’s that exquisite blend of a tender, buttery crust with a lusciously smooth filling that elevates this dessert from simple to absolutely unforgettable. Trust me when I say, the ease of preparation belies the sophisticated taste it delivers, making it an absolute triumph for both novice bakers and seasoned kitchen enthusiasts alike. It’s a recipe that promises to deliver a smile with every single serving, a true testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony.

What makes this particular recipe an undeniable must-try, you ask? Well, it’s the ingenious combination that truly sets it apart. We’re not just making pumpkin pastries; we’re crafting a dessert that marries the convenience and delightful texture of store-bought crescent rolls with a homemade, heartwarming filling that’s bursting with the quintessential flavors of autumn. The creamy tang of the cream cheese filling provides a brilliant counterpoint to the sweet, spiced warmth of the pumpkin pie filling. It’s a balance that prevents any single flavor from overwhelming the palate, ensuring each bite is perfectly harmonious. This is the kind of treat that effortlessly transforms a regular afternoon coffee into a special occasion, or a simple family dinner into a celebratory feast. It’s festive enough for holiday gatherings but simple enough for a cozy weekend indulgence. It’s also incredibly versatile, appealing to a wide range of tastes, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Elevate Your Experience: Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

While these delicious pastries are absolutely fantastic straight out of the oven, warm and fragrant, there are so many ways to customize and enhance your experience. For a truly decadent treat, I highly recommend serving them with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps infused with a hint of vanilla or maple syrup. Alternatively, a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream melting slightly over the warm pastry creates an incredible hot-and-cold sensation that is simply divine. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar just before serving adds a beautiful aesthetic touch and an extra layer of sweetness. For those with a sweet tooth, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or cream cheese provides an extra dimension of richness that is utterly irresistible.

But don’t stop there! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily put your own unique spin on it. Consider stirring in a handful of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the pumpkin pie filling for an added textural crunch and nutty flavor. A little extra spice, like a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or even a touch of cardamom, can deepen the autumnal essence. For a chocolate lover’s twist, try folding in some mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese layer before spreading it – the combination of pumpkin, cream cheese, and chocolate is surprisingly delightful! If you’re feeling adventurous, a simple cream cheese glaze (powdered sugar, a touch of softened cream cheese, and a bit of milk) drizzled over the baked pastries once cooled can add another layer of creamy sweetness. And remember, you can always adjust the level of sweetness in the pumpkin pie filling to suit your preference, adding a touch more brown sugar or maple syrup if you desire a sweeter outcome. The possibilities for creative expression are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this recipe perfectly to your taste.

Your Turn: Try the Crescent Pumpkins With Cream Cheese And Pumpkin Pie Filling!

Now, it’s your turn to experience the magic! I truly hope I’ve convinced you to give this incredible recipe a try. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as these golden beauties bake, the anticipation building with every passing minute. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something so delicious with your own hands, especially when the results are as spectacular as these. So, gather your ingredients, set aside a little time, and embark on this delicious baking adventure. I promise you, you won’t regret it. The flaky, buttery crust combined with the luscious, spiced filling makes the Crescent Pumpkins With Cream Cheese And Pumpkin Pie Filling an absolute triumph that you’ll want to make again and again.

I am genuinely excited for you to discover the joy of making and tasting these delightful treats. And once you do, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you venture into some of the suggested variations? What did your family and friends think? Did you serve them with whipped cream or ice cream? Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, your successes, and even your creative modifications in the comments section below. Tag me in your photos on social media – I adore seeing your culinary creations come to life! Your feedback and shared experiences inspire me and our entire community. So go ahead, preheat that oven, embrace the wonderful flavors of the season, and let’s make some unforgettable memories in the kitchen together. Happy baking!