There’s something magical about the aroma of Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole baking in the oven. This delicious treat combines the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake with the buttery, flaky texture of crescent rolls to create a mouthwatering dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
The first time I tried this recipe was on a rainy weekend when I was craving something sweet and cozy. I wanted cheesecake but didn’t have hours to spare for baking, so I experimented with crescent rolls – and the results were amazing! Now it’s a family favorite that I whip up whenever I need a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s ready in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole
This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is about to become your go-to dessert for several reasons. Let’s dive into why it’s so irresistible!
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this casserole in the oven in no time. Perfect for those moments when you want dessert but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
It’s also a great option for entertaining. The casserole-style serving makes it easy to cut into squares, perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Everyone gets a portion of that creamy cheesecake goodness nestled in layers of flaky pastry.
Another reason to love this recipe? The flavors are unforgettable. The combination of cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar creates a rich, sweet filling that contrasts beautifully with the golden, buttery crescent rolls. A sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar on top gives it that extra touch of warmth and spice.
Best of all, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can add berries, a drizzle of chocolate, or a touch of lemon zest to make it your own. It’s a recipe that welcomes experimentation!
Ingredients Notes
This recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient brings its own element to create the ultimate sweet treat. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.
- Crescent Roll Dough: The flaky, buttery base and top layer come from crescent rolls. You can use store-bought crescent roll dough, making this dessert easy and convenient. Look for the sheets rather than the rolls for easier assembly.
- Cream Cheese: The heart of the filling! Use full-fat cream cheese to get that rich, creamy texture that makes cheesecake so indulgent. Make sure it’s softened, so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to the filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese. You’ll also use a bit for the cinnamon-sugar topping, which caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla gives a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling. Use pure vanilla extract if you can – it makes a big difference in the depth of flavor.
- Butter: Melted butter is brushed over the top, giving the casserole a golden, crispy finish. It also helps the cinnamon-sugar topping stick and adds richness.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkling cinnamon over the top layer adds warmth and a hint of spice, making each bite taste cozy and comforting.
No special equipment is needed – just a baking dish and a mixing bowl, and you’re ready to go!
How To Make This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole
Making this Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole couldn’t be easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting that perfect, golden-brown dessert.
- Prep and Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Lay Down the First Layer: Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the baking dish to form an even layer. Try to pinch together any seams so the filling doesn’t seep through.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the layer of crescent rolls.
- Top with the Second Layer: Open the second can of crescent rolls and carefully place it over the cream cheese layer. Press gently to make it fit, pinching any seams.
- Add Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Brush the melted butter over the top layer of crescent rolls, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon over the buttered top. This will give it a sweet, slightly crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
This dessert is perfect warm out of the oven or even at room temperature. The whole process takes about 40 minutes from start to finish!
Storage Options
If you have any leftovers (though they may disappear quickly!), here’s how to store them for later.
In the Refrigerator: Place any remaining casserole in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but refrigeration will keep it tasty and safe to eat.
Freezing: This casserole also freezes well. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For a warm slice, reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. You can also reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes if you want to restore some of the original crispiness.
Variations and Substitutions
The great thing about this casserole is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun twists to try!
- Berry Cheesecake: Add fresh or frozen berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to the cream cheese layer for a fruity variation. It adds a pop of color and a hint of tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Lemon Zest: Mix a little lemon zest into the cream cheese filling for a bright, citrusy flavor. It’s a great way to add freshness to the dessert.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate syrup over the top for a touch of decadence. It pairs beautifully with the creamy filling and flaky pastry.
- Nutty Topping: For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, over the cinnamon-sugar topping before baking.
- Reduced-Sugar Version: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol to make this dessert lower in sugar. You can also use light cream cheese for a lighter version, though the texture will be slightly different.
Experiment with different variations and make this casserole your own – it’s a dessert that invites creativity!
This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is bound to be a hit at your next gathering. With its perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and buttery textures, it’s a dessert that’s hard to resist. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again!
PrintCheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole Recipe
This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert featuring creamy cheesecake layers baked between golden crescent rolls. Perfect for gatherings, this sweet casserole pairs well with coffee and makes a quick, tasty treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll layer in the dish.
- Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and layer over the cream cheese mixture.
- Brush melted butter over the top layer of crescent rolls, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Let the casserole cool to set for easier slicing.
- For extra flavor, add a drizzle of honey or caramel on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 350mg
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