Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole Recipe

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that combines the buttery flakiness of crescent rolls with a creamy cheesecake filling. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple treat at home.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

• 9×13-inch baking dish – ideal for layering the crescent rolls and cheesecake mixture.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – for creaming together the cheesecake filling.
• Mixing bowls – for preparing the filling and topping separately.
• Silicone spatula – helps scrape bowls clean and spread layers evenly.
• Pastry brush – for brushing melted butter over the top layer.
• Cooling rack – to allow even cooling after baking.
• Sharp knife or bench scraper – for clean slicing after baking.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough
• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Topping

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Garnish

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced strawberries
• Whipped cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Assemble the Base Layer

1. Open one can of crescent roll dough and unroll it. Lay it flat in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing the seams together to form a solid layer.
2. Ensure the dough reaches the edges of the dish for a uniform base.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer in the baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Top Layer

1. Open the second can of crescent roll dough. Unroll it and carefully lay it over the cheesecake layer, pressing seams together as needed.
2. Try to align the edges of the dough with the edges of the dish for a neat finish.

Step 5: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

1. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the top crescent roll layer, spreading it gently with a spoon or pastry brush to ensure complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 15–20 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the top with powdered sugar.
2. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve as is, or garnish with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

Tips and Variations

• Sweet Variations: Add a fruit jam layer, such as raspberry or strawberry, between the cheesecake filling and top crescent roll layer for a fruity twist.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar topping for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before, bake, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings in the microwave before serving.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore the soft and creamy texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips for Success

• Soften cream cheese to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Use parchment paper in your baking dish for easier removal and cleaner edges.
• Chill before slicing if you want firmer, neater squares.
• Brush with cinnamon-sugar butter before baking for a golden, crunchy top.
• Don’t overbake – edges should be golden, but the center should still have a slight jiggle.

Recipe Variations

• Fruit Swirl – Add strawberry jam, lemon curd, or raspberry preserves in between layers.
• Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top layer.
• Chocolate Chip Version – Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake layer.
• Pumpkin Spice – Add pumpkin puree and warm spices for a fall twist.
• Honey Glaze – Drizzle with honey after baking instead of a sugar topping.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade crescent dough?
  Yes, but make sure it’s rolled thin and even for best layering.
• How long does it last?
  Up to 4–5 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
• Can I freeze it?
  Yes, freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic, then foil. Thaw and warm before serving.
• Do I need to pre-bake the bottom layer?
  No, both layers bake evenly during the casserole’s full bake time.

Make It Fit Your Diet

• Lower Sugar – Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia in both filling and topping.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free crescent roll dough if available.
• Dairy-Free – Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.
• High-Protein – Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the filling (may affect texture slightly).

Conclusion

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious. The combination of buttery crescent rolls, rich cheesecake filling, and cinnamon-sugar topping creates a dessert that’s irresistible. Whether served warm or chilled, this casserole will quickly become a favorite!