Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a simple yet decadent treat that combines the best of flaky crescent rolls and creamy cheesecake filling. This casserole is layered with buttery crescent dough, a sweet and tangy cream cheese filling, and topped with a golden, cinnamon-sugar crust that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
The process begins by pressing a layer of crescent roll dough into the baking dish as a sturdy base. The cream cheese filling, made with softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, is spread over this layer, offering a velvety, rich center. The top layer of crescent dough creates a flaky crust, and the butter-cinnamon sugar topping caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving the dish a touch of warmth and spice.
After baking, the casserole cools slightly, making it easy to slice into neat, irresistible squares. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cheesecake casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, flaky, and sweet flavors in each delightful bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole:
Easy and Quick: Using refrigerated crescent roll dough means there’s no need for complicated crusts or lengthy prep times. In just a few steps, you’ll have a creamy, homemade-tasting dessert in under an hour.
Creamy and Dreamy Texture: The cream cheese filling is perfectly sweet and creamy, balanced by the buttery, flaky layers of crescent dough.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a dessert that’s great for gatherings or as an easy family treat. Plus, you can dress it up with your favorite toppings or serve it warm with ice cream for extra indulgence.
Warm Cinnamon Sugar Finish: The melted butter and cinnamon sugar topping give this casserole a satisfying, crunchy finish that pairs beautifully with the creamy center.
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Key Ingredients:
Crescent Roll Dough: These canned rolls create the flaky layers that mimic a pastry crust. Make sure to seal any seams for a cohesive layer. Regular crescent roll dough works best, but you could use crescent roll sheets if available, as they don’t have pre-cut seams.
Cream Cheese: This is the heart of the filling. Softened cream cheese will blend easily, ensuring a smooth and lump-free texture. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best, creamiest texture, but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if desired.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and adds crunch on top when combined with cinnamon. If you prefer a less-sweet filling, reduce the sugar in the cream cheese mixture slightly.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm, fragrant note to the cream cheese filling, making it taste like a classic cheesecake. You can use vanilla bean paste for an extra-rich flavor if you’d like.
Butter: Melted butter poured over the top layer helps achieve a golden, crisp finish. If you want a slight caramelized flavor, you could use salted butter, which contrasts nicely with the sweet topping.
Cinnamon Sugar: A mix of sugar and cinnamon sprinkled over the top adds warmth and a bakery-like touch. Adjust the cinnamon to your taste; a bit more or less won’t hurt!
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease the Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Form the Base
Layer the Crescent Roll Dough: Open one can of crescent roll dough and unroll it into the baking dish. Press it into an even layer, ensuring any seams are sealed. This layer will form a delightful crust for your casserole.
3. Create the Filling
Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand or stand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
Spread the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer in the dish, smoothing it out for uniform coverage.
4. Add the Top Layer
Top with Crescent Roll Dough: Open the second can of crescent roll dough, unroll it, and place it carefully over the cream cheese layer. Press the edges gently to seal with the bottom dough layer, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Top it Off
Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top dough layer to encourage golden browning.
Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered top layer, adding sweetness and spice.
6. Bake
Bake the Casserole: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. The edges should be crisp, and the center should remain creamy. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
7. Serve and Savor
Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting, which makes slicing easier and enhances flavor melding.
Serving Suggestions:
This cheesecake crescent rolls casserole is incredibly versatile and can be served in several delicious ways:
Warm with Ice Cream: Pair a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
Drizzle of Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top for a richer flavor.
Fresh Berries: Top with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a pop of color and a touch of tartness that balances the sweetness.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream makes it feel like a special treat, and the lightness of whipped cream pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
It’s perfect for a dessert table, a holiday brunch, or simply as a sweet ending to a weeknight dinner.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
If you happen to have leftovers (or you’re planning ahead), this cheesecake casserole stores well and is easy to reheat.
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld, making it delicious even a few days later.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if you want to make it in advance. Once completely cooled, cut it into squares, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slightly if you prefer it warm.
Reheating
To enjoy warm, pop an individual piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil.
Recipe Variations to Try:
This cheesecake crescent rolls casserole is delicious as is, but here are some fun variations to experiment with:
1. Fruit-Filled Cheesecake Crescent Casserole
Add a layer of fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry) on top of the cream cheese filling before adding the top dough layer. This brings a fruity twist to the creamy filling.
2. Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese filling for a chocolatey touch. They’ll melt slightly, creating delicious pockets of chocolate in each bite.
3. Nutty Cheesecake Crescent Casserole
Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cinnamon sugar for a nutty crunch and extra flavor.
4. Lemon Cheesecake Crescent Casserole
Swap vanilla extract with lemon extract and add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a fresh, citrusy version. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
5. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
For a fall-inspired treat, add 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree and a dash of pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese filling. It’s a cozy, seasonal twist on this classic dessert.
Conclusion:
This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is the best of both worlds—a little bit cheesecake, a little bit pastry, and a whole lot of delicious. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoying it chilled as a mid-afternoon treat, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite. Simple to make and loaded with flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations.
Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough 8 oz each
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar for filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted, for topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for cinnamon sugar topping
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Open one can of crescent roll dough and unroll it into the baking dish. Press it into an even layer, sealing any seams.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer in the baking dish.
- Open the second can of crescent roll dough and place it carefully over the cream cheese layer. Press gently to seal with the bottom layer.
- Pour the melted butter over the top dough layer. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and sprinkle over the buttered layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.