Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Unroll half the crescent dough. Press seams together and fit it into the pan as the bottom crust.
Beat cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Mix in lemon zest if using.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom crust.
Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese, spreading gently to cover.
Unroll remaining dough. Pinch seams, then lay over the filling to cover. Tuck edges in lightly.
Brush the top with melted butter. Stir 2 tbsp sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough.
Bake 28–33 minutes, until the top is deep golden and filling is bubbling at the edges.
Cool 15 minutes for cleaner slices. Serve warm or at room temperature.