Quick Cream Cheese Braid
A quick and creamy dessert featuring flaky crescent rolls filled with sweet cream cheese, perfect for easy gatherings or satisfying a sweet tooth in no time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray or Pam.
- Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent rolls in the pan.
- Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and place over the cream cheese layer, sealing the edges if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm braid before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have crescent rolls, puff pastry can be a great substitute, though it may require different baking times. You can also adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar in the cream cheese filling according to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Quick Cream Cheese Braid is perfect for breakfast or brunch and pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a side of yogurt. You can also serve it as a dessert, perhaps alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful twist, consider serving it with a drizzle of raspberry sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, ensuring it stays soft and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Cream Cheese Braid contains roughly 999 calories, with 8g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this braid ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the braid the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the morning for a fresh, warm treat. If you refrigerate it unbaked, allow it to come to room temperature before baking for even results.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, mascarpone cheese or ricotta can be used in place of cream cheese. Both alternatives will provide a creamy texture but will have a different flavor profile. Adjust sugar levels according to your chosen substitute.
Can I freeze the Quick Cream Cheese Braid?
Yes, this braid freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to enjoy it again.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).