Lemon Cream Rolls

Lemon Cream Rolls are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the tangy flavor of lemon with the creamy richness of cheesecake. This recipe combines the soft, fluffy texture of Hawaiian rolls with a luscious lemon filling and a smooth cream cheese frosting, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a sweet ending to your meal, these rolls are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Rolls:

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 (24 oz) package Hawaiian rolls
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons, divided
• 3 cups milk
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant lemon pudding mix
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant cheesecake pudding

For the Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

Preparing the Rolls:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Brush a large baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

Assembling the Rolls:

3. Prepare Hawaiian Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact.
4. Butter and Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of melted butter, granulated sugar, and the zest of 1 lemon. Brush this mixture over the cut sides of the rolls.
5. Place Rolls in Dish: Place the bottom halves of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.

Making the Lemon Pudding Filling:

6. Heat Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to steam.
7. Add Pudding Mixes: Whisk in the instant lemon pudding mix and instant cheesecake pudding mix. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
8. Cool Slightly: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

Filling the Rolls:

9. Spread Pudding: Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls in the baking dish.
10. Top with Roll Tops: Place the top halves of the rolls on top of the pudding layer.

Baking the Rolls:

11. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
12. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the pudding is bubbling.

Making the Frosting:

13. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the milk and powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
14. Add Lemon Zest: Stir in the zest of the remaining lemon.

Finishing the Rolls:

15. Cool Rolls: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
16. Frost Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
17. Serve and Enjoy: Cut the rolls into individual portions and serve warm.

Tips and Variations:

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolls up to the baking step and refrigerate them overnight. Just pop them in the oven the next day for a fresh, warm treat.
• Lemon Zest: Use fresh lemons for zest to get the best flavor. Avoid the white pith as it can be bitter.
• Consistency of Pudding: Make sure the pudding mixture is thickened before pouring over the rolls to avoid soggy bottoms.

Variations:

• Lime Version: Swap out the lemons for limes for a zesty lime cream roll.
• Berry Addition: Add a layer of fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries) between the pudding and roll tops for an extra burst of flavor.
• Graham Cracker Topping: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the top before baking for a crunchy texture.

FAQs:

Can I use regular rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls? Yes, you can use regular dinner rolls, but Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that complements the lemon and cream flavors.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I freeze these rolls? Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls before frosting them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before frosting and serving.

What can I use instead of instant pudding mix? If you prefer not to use instant pudding mix, you can make your own lemon and cheesecake filling from scratch using cornstarch, sugar, and milk. However, this will take more time and effort.

Conclusion:

Lemon Cream Rolls are an easy-to-make dessert that brings a delightful combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake flavors together. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the fresh, zesty taste of lemon cream rolls.