Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling Recipe

If you are looking for a truly charming and delicious fall treat, these Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling are exactly what you need. They capture all the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent dough, with a luscious swirl of sweet cream cheese and spiced pumpkin filling inside. These bite-sized pumpkin-shaped delights are as delightful to look at as they are to savor, making them perfect for seasonal gatherings, brunches, or just a special autumn snack. Trust me, once you try making Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling, they’ll become a fall favorite you’ll want to enjoy all season long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to bake these Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling means gathering a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and warmly spiced flavors, while giving the dish a wonderful texture and golden color.

• 8 oz. refrigerated crescent rolls: The buttery, flaky dough forms the delightful pumpkin “shell.”
• 5 oz. softened cream cheese: Blended into a smooth filling for rich creaminess and tang.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling to perfection.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the sweet cheese filling.
• ¾ cup pumpkin puree: The heart of the pumpkin filling, full of autumn flavor.
• 1 tablespoon corn starch: Helps thicken the pumpkin filling for the ideal texture.
• 2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar: Brings a caramel-like sweetness to the pumpkin mixture.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances and enhances all the pumpkin spices.
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Essential spice that embodies fall in every bite.
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle kick to the warm spice blend.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Lends a cozy and nutty aroma to the filling.
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice: Completes the pumpkin pie spice bouquet perfectly.
• 1 egg yolk: Richens and binds the pumpkin filling.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the pumpkin flavor.
• 2 ½ tablespoons melted butter: Brushed on the dough for a golden, luscious crust.
• Kitchen twine and pretzel sticks: For shaping the pumpkins and adding stems that complete the adorable look.

How to Make Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling

Step 1: Drain the Pumpkin Puree

Start by laying a few layers of paper towels down and placing your pumpkin puree on top. Gently press more towels over the puree to soak up any excess moisture. This little trick ensures your filling won’t be too wet, helping your pumpkins hold their perfect shape and texture during baking.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and ready for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your crescent pumpkins from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Mix the Pumpkin Pie Filling

In a bowl, combine the nicely drained pumpkin puree with the egg yolk, both sugars, corn starch, and all your warming spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir everything until it’s beautifully smooth and well integrated, creating a spiced pumpkin filling that is rich and flavorful.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, whip together the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until you have a velvety smooth cream cheese mixture. This sweet filling will wonderfully contrast the spiced pumpkin, giving each bite a delightful creaminess.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough

Unroll your crescent roll dough and separate it into four rectangles. Be sure to pinch together any perforations so the filling won’t leak. Then, cut each rectangle in half to create 8 equal squares, the perfect size for your pumpkin treats.

Step 6: Assemble the Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling

Gently stretch one dough square and spoon one heaping tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center, followed by an equal portion of pumpkin pie filling. Gather the dough corners up around the filling and pinch them tightly to seal everything inside. This is the magical moment your pumpkins take shape.

Step 7: Shape and Secure the Pumpkins

Take a long piece of kitchen twine and wrap it snugly around each filled dough ball, looping multiple times to create eight sections—this divides your dough into pumpkin-like slices. Place them seam-side down on your baking sheet, ready for their transformation.

Step 8: Brush, Bake, and Cool

Brush each pumpkin generously with melted butter for a golden, shiny crust. Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, until glorious golden brown. Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before carefully removing the twine.

Step 9: Final Touches

For the finishing touch, insert a pretzel stick into the top of each crescent pumpkin to serve as a cute little stem. Your creations are now ready to impress and delight with every bite.

How to Serve Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling

Garnishes

Adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of caramel sauce can take these pumpkin treats to the next level. A sprinkle of crushed pecans or a little dollop of whipped cream complements the cream cheese and pumpkin filling beautifully, enhancing both texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

These crescent pumpkins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced latte—perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon breaks. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or savory scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your crescent pumpkins on a rustic wooden platter with colorful autumn leaves, small gourds, or cinnamon sticks for a festive display. You can also serve them in individual mini pumpkin-shaped dishes or nestle them in a basket lined with a warm, orange cloth for a charming touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (though be warned, that might be tricky), store the Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the dough from drying out and preserves the fresh flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze these pumpkin treats before baking by assembling them and placing them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you have seasonal sweetness ready any time.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the delightful flaky texture perfectly intact.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy filling.

What can I substitute for kitchen twine?

If kitchen twine isn’t available, you can carefully shape the dough balls by pinching more tightly or use thin strips of dough as an alternative to create the pumpkin segments.

Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?

While traditional cream cheese and butter are key here, you can substitute with vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter alternatives. The crescent dough would need to be checked or made vegan as well.

How long do the Crescent Pumpkins stay fresh?

They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but stay nicely fresh for 2 to 3 days when refrigerated, especially if kept in an airtight container.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe scales well, just make sure you have enough baking sheets or bake in batches so the pumpkins have plenty of room to bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

Making Crescent Pumpkins with Cream Cheese and Pumpkin Pie Filling is a wonderfully fun way to celebrate the flavors of fall with a unique, festive presentation. From the flaky golden dough to the creamy and spiced filling, this recipe brings comfort and joy in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends, family, or just treating yourself, these pumpkins are sure to brighten any autumn day. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!

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