If you’re on the hunt for the kind of dessert that gathers people around the table and earns you instant-repeat-request status, Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars are your perfect match. Imagine layers of buttery crescent dough hugging a dreamy, creamy cheesecake filling, all crowned with a cinnamon-sugar shimmer—this treat manages to be luxurious and easy at the same time. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, potluck, or cozy family night, these bars deliver that irresistible bakery-style mashup of flaky pastry and rich cheesecake in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up these Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars only requires a handful of powerhouse ingredients, each with its own special role to ensure your bars come out with the ideal flavor and texture. Here’s why you won’t want to swap out a thing:
- Crescent roll dough: Gives the bars their signature golden, buttery layers—shortcut magic!
- Cream cheese: Brings the ultimate creamy tang and smoothness that cheesecake lovers crave.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the filling and the cinnamon-sugar topping to perfection.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth, enhancing the cheesecake’s classic flavor.
- Egg: Helps set the filling so it slices beautifully while keeping it custardy.
- Ground cinnamon: Pairs with sugar on top for that bakery-style finish and inviting aroma.
- Butter: Adds a rich, melt-on-your-tongue top layer and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
How to Make Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep the Baking Pan
Start by turning your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat, and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spray your dish lightly with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy serving later on. This ensures your bars lift right out without sticking, making for a pretty presentation and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Lay Down the First Crescent Layer
Unroll one can of crescent dough and gently press it into the bottom of your baking dish, pinching the seams to make one even sheet. Don’t worry if it looks a little rustic—the magic happens in the oven and nobody will know the difference once they’re baked!
Step 3: Beat the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until lush and absolutely smooth. Invest a minute or two here to avoid lumps; the silkier the filling, the more heavenly each bite will be.
Step 4: Layer and Top with the Second Crescent Sheet
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the dough layer, reaching every edge. Then gently place the second crescent dough sheet over the filling, again pinching seams and coaxing it to the pan’s edges, sealing in all that creamy goodness.
Step 5: Add the Magical Topping
Time for the flourish! Melt your butter and brush it all over the top. Mix cinnamon and sugar, and sprinkle this blend generously over the buttered surface. This trio bakes up to a caramelized, crispy-sweet top that’s honestly irresistible.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Slide your pan in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until puffed and deeply golden. The toughest part? Letting them cool completely so the filling sets and the bars slice neatly—try to resist a taste test just yet!
How to Serve Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
Sometimes simple is best, but adding a flourish can make your Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars feel extra special. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drift of shaved chocolate, or a few fresh berries on top for a pop of color and contrast.
Side Dishes
Let these bars play the star and serve them with modest sides: a scoop of vanilla ice cream, some lightly macerated strawberries, or a dollop of fresh whipped cream will turn dessert into a real occasion without overpowering the cheesecake flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Slices look smashing on a rustic wooden board for family-style sharing, but you can also cut your Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars into minis for party platters or stack them in parfait glasses with layers of fruit and whipped cream as a dazzling, no-fuss trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They’re even better a day later as the flavors meld and the filling sets up extra creamy—plus, a chill in the fridge helps those layers hold together when slicing.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these dessert bars! Let them cool completely, slice, and individually wrap each bar in plastic wrap before popping them in a zip-top freezer bag. Pull out as many as you need, whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up, for up to two months.
Reheating
These bars are delightful when served cold, but if you want to mimic that fresh-baked warmth, briefly microwave individual pieces for 10–15 seconds, or place slices in a low oven for a few minutes, just until gently warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the bars may be slightly less rich and creamy—full-fat yields the smoothest, most decadent results, but either works depending on your preferences.
Do Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars need to be refrigerated?
Absolutely—due to the cream cheese filling, these bars must be kept in the refrigerator. This not only prevents spoilage but also helps keep the filling perfectly set for neat slicing and serving.
Can I add fruit or jam to the cheesecake layer?
Go for it! Swirl in a few spoonfuls of your favorite fruit preserves or scatter fresh berries between the filling and top dough layer for personalized flavor twists that pair beautifully with the creamy base.
What’s the best way to cut Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars cleanly?
For perfect, bakery-style slices, chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts—this makes each portion neat and picture-perfect.
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Definitely! For a big crowd, double the recipe and use two pans or a half-sheet tray, baking a few minutes longer. If you want a small batch, halve the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch pan—just keep an eye on baking time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a treat that’s both fuss-free and unforgettable, Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars are destined to become one of your go-tos! Trust me, one batch and you’ll be convinced—so roll up those sleeves, invite some friends over, and share the joy that comes with every sweet, creamy bite.
Print
Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars are a quick and easy dessert that combines the buttery flakiness of crescent rolls with a creamy, sweet cheesecake filling. Perfect for a simple treat or to impress guests at a gathering.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Base:
- 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Topping:
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Base: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth. Spread this mixture over the crescent roll dough.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter over the cheesecake filling, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cheesecake is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the topping with chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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