Cherry Crescent Rolls With Cardamom Almond Cream Cheese Swirl

These Cherry Crescent Rolls with Cardamom Almond Cream Cheese Swirl are a delightful twist on a classic pastry! Imagine flaky, buttery crescent dough enveloping a sweet and tart cherry filling, all swirled with a fragrant cardamom-almond cream cheese mixture. They’re perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or even a sophisticated dessert. The combination of flavors and textures – the soft dough, the juicy cherries, the creamy swirl, and the crunchy almonds – is simply irresistible. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and the results are guaranteed to impress. Get ready to elevate your baking game with these stunning and flavorful rolls!

Ingredients

• Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough (225g / 8oz, 8 sheets): We’re starting with a convenient base – pre-made crescent roll dough. Look for a brand you trust, ensuring it’s fresh and pliable for easy rolling. This provides the signature flaky texture we all love.
• Frozen Sweet Cherries (200g / 7oz): Frozen cherries are perfect for this recipe as they hold their shape well during baking. Sweet cherries, like Bing or Rainier, are ideal, offering a balanced sweetness and slight tartness. Be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent a soggy filling.
• Granulated Sugar (2 tbsp / 30ml, for cherries): This sugar helps to macerate the cherries, drawing out their juices and intensifying their flavor. It also balances the tartness of the cherries, creating a harmonious sweetness.
• Lemon Juice (1 tsp / 5ml): A touch of lemon juice brightens the cherry flavor and adds a subtle tang. It also helps to prevent the cherries from becoming overly sweet.
• Cream Cheese (150g / 5.3oz, softened): Full-fat cream cheese is essential for a rich and creamy swirl. Make sure it’s properly softened to room temperature for smooth and easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar (60g / 2oz): Also known as confectioners’ sugar, powdered sugar adds sweetness and a delicate texture to the cream cheese swirl. It also helps to create a smooth and glossy consistency.
• Ground Cardamom (1 tsp / 5ml): Cardamom is the star spice in this recipe, lending a warm, aromatic, and slightly citrusy flavor. A little goes a long way, so measure carefully.
• Finely Ground Almonds (30g / 1oz): Ground almonds (almond flour) add a subtle nutty flavor and a delicate texture to the cream cheese swirl. They also contribute to the overall richness of the rolls.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp / 5ml, alcohol-free): Vanilla extract enhances the other flavors and adds a touch of warmth. Using alcohol-free vanilla ensures the recipe is suitable for all.
• Large Egg (1, beaten, for egg wash): An egg wash brushed over the rolls before baking creates a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
• Sliced Almonds (30g / 2 tbsp, toasted, for garnish): Toasted sliced almonds add a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the finished rolls. Toasting them brings out their nutty flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting): A generous dusting of powdered sugar adds a final touch of sweetness and a beautiful snowy appearance.

Optional Substitutions

Cherries: If you can’t find frozen sweet cherries, you can use fresh cherries (pitted) or even canned cherry pie filling (drained). However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Cardamom: If you’re not a fan of cardamom, you can substitute it with a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon, though the flavor profile will be different. Almonds: Walnuts or pecans can be used in place of almonds for a different nutty flavor. Crescent Roll Dough: While pre-made dough is convenient, you can make your own puff pastry for a more homemade touch, though it will significantly increase the preparation time.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when the rolls are ready to bake, promoting even cooking and a beautiful golden-brown color. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Macerate the Cherries: In a small bowl, combine the thawed and drained sweet cherries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Gently stir to coat the cherries evenly. The sugar draws out the natural juices from the cherries, creating a luscious sauce, while the lemon juice brightens the flavor and adds a touch of tartness. Allow this mixture to macerate (sit and soften) while you prepare the cream cheese swirl. This step is crucial for plump, flavorful cherries in every bite.
3. Make the Cardamom Almond Cream Cheese Swirl: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 60g (2oz) of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom, 30g (1oz) of finely ground almonds, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining for a perfectly creamy swirl. The cardamom and almond add a warm, nutty, and aromatic dimension to the filling.
4. Assemble the Crescent Rolls: Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into the 8 individual triangles. Place each triangle on a lightly floured surface. Lightly flouring the surface prevents the dough from sticking and makes it easier to work with.
5. Fill and Roll: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the macerated cherry mixture onto the wide end of each crescent dough triangle. Then, pipe a thin line of the cardamom-almond cream cheese swirl directly on top of the cherries. This layering ensures a balanced flavor in every roll. Starting at the wide end, roll the dough tightly towards the tip, creating a crescent shape. Gently pinch the tip underneath the roll to seal it securely. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
6. Arrange and Egg Wash: Arrange the filled and rolled crescents seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for expansion during baking. Brush the tops of each roll generously with the beaten egg. The egg wash provides a beautiful golden-brown color and a slight sheen to the finished rolls.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescents are a deep golden brown and the cream cheese swirl is set and lightly caramelized at the edges. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the rolls cool slightly on the sheet for a few minutes. While still warm, dust the rolls generously with powdered sugar. Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds over the tops for added crunch and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Swirl

Achieving a beautiful swirl is key to both the appearance and flavor distribution of these rolls. Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened – not just room temperature, but genuinely soft to the touch. This will prevent lumps and allow for a smooth, pipeable consistency. When piping the cream cheese swirl, use a steady hand and apply even pressure. Don’t overfill the rolls, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking. A pastry bag fitted with a small round tip works best, but a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off will also do in a pinch.

Cherry Selection and Preparation

While frozen sweet cherries work wonderfully for convenience, fresh cherries can also be used when in season. If using fresh cherries, pit them carefully and use approximately the same amount (200g / 7oz). Regardless of whether you use frozen or fresh cherries, ensure they are well-drained before mixing with the sugar and lemon juice. Excess moisture can make the dough soggy. The maceration process is vital; it softens the cherries and intensifies their flavor, creating a delightful burst of cherry goodness in every bite.

The Magic of Cardamom and Almonds

The combination of cardamom and almonds is a classic pairing, particularly in Scandinavian and Middle Eastern baking. Cardamom offers a warm, fragrant, and slightly citrusy note that complements the sweetness of the cherries and the richness of the cream cheese. Ground almonds add a subtle nutty flavor and a delicate texture to the swirl. These ingredients elevate the rolls beyond a simple cherry pastry, creating a sophisticated and memorable treat. The use of finely ground almonds is important; coarser almond meal can result in a grainy texture.

Why This Recipe Works: The Science of Crescent Rolls

Crescent rolls owe their flaky texture to the layers of dough created during the manufacturing process. When baked, the butter within these layers melts, creating steam that separates the dough into distinct, airy layers. The addition of a flavorful filling like our cherry-cardamom swirl adds moisture and richness, while the egg wash promotes browning and a beautiful golden finish. The slight tang from the lemon juice in the cherry mixture balances the sweetness, preventing the rolls from becoming cloying. The toasted almonds provide a delightful textural contrast and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make these rolls ahead of time? You can assemble the rolls and keep them refrigerated (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Can I use a different type of nut? While almonds are traditional, you could experiment with other nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts.
• What if I don’t have cardamom? If you don’t have cardamom, you can substitute with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice, but the flavor will be slightly different.

These Cherry Crescent Rolls with Cardamom Almond Cream Cheese Swirl are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. The combination of sweet cherries, fragrant cardamom, and crunchy almonds is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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