If you’re searching for a sweet treat that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, buttery, and just a hint of cinnamon crunch, Cream Cheese Squares will truly delight you! This cozy dessert comes together with simple ingredients but offers flavor and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re bringing these to a potluck or just whipping up a special treat for family, you’ll love how these squares channel all the luscious richness of cheesecake, wrapped in a golden, flaky crescent roll crust. Cream Cheese Squares are proof that an easy recipe can become an instant family favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cream Cheese Squares is in their simplicity! Each ingredient brings its own important touch—whether it’s creaminess, a flaky texture, indulgent sweetness, or that eye-catching cinnamon-sugar finish. Here’s how everything comes together:
- Cream Cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, softened): The heart of this recipe, giving the squares their signature creamy, tangy filling. Make sure it’s fully softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup + 1/4 cup): Adds the perfect sweetness to both the filling and the crunchy cinnamon topping.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cream cheese mixture with classic, aromatic flavor.
- Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): The ultimate shortcut—these form both the crisp base and the golden top layer, providing flakiness and structure.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Poured over the top layer so it bakes up rich and golden every time.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Melded with sugar to sprinkle on top, giving each bite extra warmth and a dessert-shop aroma.
How to Make Cream Cheese Squares
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. This step is essential to ensure that your Cream Cheese Squares release easily and get that beautiful, golden base.
Step 2: Create the Bottom Crust
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and lay it in the bottom of the prepared pan. Press the seams together with your fingers until it forms a uniform crust. The dough should cover the entire base, creating a perfect foundation for the creamy filling.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and all the sugar is dissolved. This step creates the luxurious, cheesecake-like center of your Cream Cheese Squares.
Step 4: Layer the Filling
Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent dough in the pan. Use a spatula to ensure the layer is smooth all the way to the edges, so every bite gets a bit of this decadent filling.
Step 5: Top with Crescent Dough
Open the second can of crescent roll dough. Carefully unroll and lay this sheet over the cream cheese layer, gently pinching the seams again to create a smooth top. Don’t worry if a few gaps remain—the butter and sugar topping will help everything blend together beautifully.
Step 6: Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top layer of dough. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top, creating that signature sweet-spiced crust Cream Cheese Squares are known for.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should turn beautifully golden and firm to the touch. Once done, let the bars cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour—this step helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slicing.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Squares
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, you can dust your Cream Cheese Squares with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. If you’re in the mood to get creative, a few fresh berries or a drizzle of honey can elevate the dessert to a dinner party centerpiece. The warm cinnamon color looks especially nice with just a light dusting of sugar on top!
Side Dishes
While these bars are rich and satisfying on their own, they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit on the side. For brunch gatherings, serve Cream Cheese Squares with coffee or tea—their creamy sweetness is the perfect match for a strong brew.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the squares small for dainty dessert bites at a potluck, or cut them into larger rectangles and serve on a platter with fun toothpicks for easy sharing. For a playful twist, layer slices with whipped cream or fruit preserves in small glass cups for individual “cream cheese trifle” parfaits. The possibilities for making Cream Cheese Squares your own are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cream Cheese Squares keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Place any leftover bars in an airtight container, layering with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for busy weeks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch in advance, Cream Cheese Squares can be frozen with great results! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last about 2 months in the freezer—simply thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
While Cream Cheese Squares are often enjoyed chilled, you can gently warm them if you’d like. Set a square on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10–15 seconds, just until the edges are softer and fragrant. Be careful not to overheat, as the filling can become runny.
FAQs
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Absolutely! Swirl in a few tablespoons of your favorite fruit preserves (like raspberry or strawberry) or try adding some lemon zest for a bright, tangy twist. Both options create a flavor profile that beautifully complements the creamy filling of the Cream Cheese Squares.
Do I need to chill the bars before slicing?
Yes, chilling makes a world of difference! Cooling helps the cream cheese layer set up for nice, clean slices. Plan on at least an hour in the fridge, or let them sit overnight for even easier cutting and intensified flavor.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can substitute low-fat cream cheese if you want a lighter version. Just be prepared for a slightly softer texture, but the bars will still taste delicious and keep their classic Cream Cheese Squares flavor.
How do I prevent the crescent dough from sticking to my fingers?
Lightly flour your hands or coat them with a little nonstick spray before pressing the dough into the pan. This simple trick saves time and keeps the dough manageable as you work.
Can Cream Cheese Squares be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the regular crescent dough for your favorite gluten-free crescent or pie dough. As always, check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free too, and follow the same instructions for a tasty treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something simply irresistible about a pan of Cream Cheese Squares—the way the cinnamon-sugar topping caramelizes over the creamy middle and golden crust is pure dessert bliss. Whether you’re sharing these at the next family gathering or sneaking a square as a midnight treat, you’ll love how easy and satisfying they are to bake and enjoy. Give them a try, and get ready for rave reviews!
Print
Cream Cheese Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Cream Cheese Squares made with layers of creamy cheese filling and flaky crescent roll dough. A simple yet irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crescent Roll Layers:
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the base: Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Make the cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the dough.
- Add the top layer: Unroll the second can of crescent dough on top of the cream cheese.
- Drizzle with butter: Pour melted butter over the top layer.
- Add cinnamon sugar: Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the butter.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and refrigerate: Cool, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Enhance with fruit preserves or lemon zest for added flavor.
- Tastes best when chilled overnight.
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