
Sweet blueberry cheesecake rolls are my answer to weekend breakfast cravings and family brunches. Drawn together with pillowy crescent dough and a tangy cream cheese swirl, these rolls are as effortless as they are decadent. Bursting with juicy blueberries and finished with a touch of lemon zest, they bring a bakery-style treat right into your own kitchen with minimal fuss.
I stumbled on this recipe the first spring we picked fresh berries and now it pops up any time I want to celebrate a special morning. Nothing beats the look on my family’s faces when the kitchen fills with the warm scent of baking blueberries.
Ingredients
- Crescent roll dough: makes prep quick and gives that signature flaky texture opt for a brand with layers for best results
- Cream cheese: softened so it mixes smoothly and gives the rolls their creamy filling choose a full-fat block for stability
- Granulated sugar: adds sweetness and helps the filling set aim for fine white sugar so it dissolves easily
- Vanilla extract: rounds out the filling and gives warmth pick pure vanilla for the most natural flavor
- Blueberries: you can use fresh for bursts of juice or frozen when out of season always check for firm plump berries
- Lemon zest: brightens the rolls with a pop of citrus aroma zest only the yellow skin and avoid the bitter white part
- Powdered sugar: gives that finishing touch of sweetness dust on just before serving for the prettiest look
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375 Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a sturdy baking sheet so the rolls do not stick and bake evenly all the way around.
- Create the Dough Base:
- Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface then gently press the seams together with your fingers making one big rectangle. This keeps the filling from leaking during rolling.
- Mix the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a medium bowl beat the cream cheese sugar and vanilla until you have a completely smooth creamy mixture. Take a moment to scrape down the bowl so there are no lumps.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the entire surface of your dough rectangle leaving just a bit of space at the edges so it does not ooze out when rolling.
- Add Blueberries and Lemon Zest:
- Sprinkle the blueberries evenly across the cream cheese layer then shower on lemon zest pressing lightly so it sticks without breaking the dough.
- Roll and Slice:
- Starting from one long edge gently roll the dough up into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut into individual rounds each about one inch thick. Give a gentle twist as you go to hold everything together.
- Arrange and Bake:
- Place the rolls cut side up onto your greased baking sheet making sure they have a little space to expand. Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes or until deep golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
- Cool and Finish:
- Let the rolls cool on the pan for a few minutes so the filling sets. Dust generously with powdered sugar just before serving for a classic finish.

My kids now insist on adding extra lemon after the time I let them help zest and sprinkle right before rolling up the dough.
Storage tips
Let leftover rolls cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge where they stay soft and moist for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy again just give them a quick warm up in the microwave for that just baked softness.
Ingredient substitutions
Swap strawberries raspberries or blackberries if you are out of blueberries. For a lighter version use low fat cream cheese though the texture will be slightly softer. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon with the sugar for a spiced twist.
Serving suggestions
Serve these as an indulgent breakfast treat with a hot mug of coffee or make them a standout sweet ending at brunch gatherings. Try piling on extra fresh berries or a dollop of lemon whipped cream for a beautiful plate.
Cultural and historical context
Sweet rolls have a deep history in European and American baking often tied to celebrations and holidays. This version draws inspiration from classic cheesecake desserts and the beloved American summer tradition of blueberry picking.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use local blueberries when they appear at farmers markets in late spring and summer. Switch in apples and cinnamon for a cozy fall twist. Add extra lemon zest in winter for refreshing brightness.
Success Stories
I brought a tray of these to our neighborhood potluck and they vanished before anything else on the table. One friend even asked for the recipe on the spot so she could surprise her own family with bakery style rolls the next weekend.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Form the rolls and freeze them unbaked on a tray. Once firm transfer to a freezer bag and keep up to two months. When ready just bake straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Making these blueberry cheesecake rolls always brightens up my kitchen whatever the weather. Sharing them brings smiles every time and I hope your home is filled with that same joy with each batch.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well. For best results, do not thaw before adding to the dough.
- → How do I keep the cream cheese filling smooth?
Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. Blend thoroughly with sugar and vanilla for a creamy texture.
- → Can these rolls be made ahead?
Yes, assemble and chill overnight before baking, or store baked rolls in an airtight container for 2 days.
- → What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry or homemade biscuit dough are good alternatives for a different texture.
- → How should the rolls be baked for the best results?
Bake at 375°F until golden and set. Let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.