There's nothing quite like the smell of Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole baking in the oven, filling the kitchen with the comforting aroma of sweet cinnamon and warm pastry. This easy dessert combines creamy cheesecake filling with buttery crescent rolls for a treat that's as decadent as it is simple to make.
The first time I whipped up this dish, I was looking for a quick dessert that felt like a classic cheesecake but without the fuss of a traditional recipe. What emerged was this delightful casserole that’s become a family favorite – perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday spreads, or just a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole
If you’re craving a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious, look no further. This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole has everything you could want in a dessert: sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of spice.
First, this recipe is incredibly quick to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have this casserole in the oven and baking to golden perfection.
Not only is it fast, but it's also budget-friendly. Using crescent roll dough means you get flaky, buttery layers without the hassle of making pastry from scratch – ideal for busy nights or last-minute desserts.
Plus, the versatility is unbeatable. You can customize this recipe with your favorite flavors, from adding fresh berries to drizzling caramel over the top. Whether you're serving a crowd or saving some for later, this dessert keeps well and tastes amazing at any temperature.
Finally, it’s a guaranteed hit with everyone! The combination of cheesecake and buttery pastry makes it a comforting, nostalgic treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients Notes
The simplicity of the ingredients in this Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is what makes it so special. You’ll only need a handful of items to pull this dish together, each adding to the indulgent flavors and textures.
- Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base of your casserole. Look for pre-made crescent roll dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. The buttery, flaky dough is perfect for creating layers around the cheesecake filling.
- Cream Cheese: The heart of the cheesecake filling. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth, creamy texture. This will help avoid any lumps in the filling.
- Granulated Sugar: The sugar adds sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese. You can adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet filling.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds warmth and a touch of richness to the cheesecake filling. Pure vanilla extract will give the best flavor, but vanilla essence will also work if that's what you have on hand.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkling a layer of cinnamon sugar on top of the casserole brings out a warm, spiced flavor that complements the creamy filling and buttery crescent rolls beautifully. If you like a little extra spice, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the mix.
- Butter: Melted butter brushed over the top of the crescent rolls helps them bake to a golden-brown perfection, adding a luscious richness to the casserole.
For this recipe, you won’t need any special equipment, just a baking dish and a mixing bowl!
How To Make This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole
Making this Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is as simple as layering, mixing, and baking. Here’s how to create this mouthwatering dessert step-by-step:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the casserole once it’s baked.
- Layer the Bottom Crust: Roll out one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure to press any seams together so that it forms a solid base for the cheesecake layer.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread the filling evenly over the crescent roll layer in the baking dish.
- Top with Another Layer of Dough: Roll out the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully lay it over the cheesecake layer. Try to cover as much of the filling as possible, pinching any seams together.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar and Butter: Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar over the top crust. Then, drizzle melted butter evenly over the cinnamon sugar. This step adds a sweet and spiced crunch to the casserole once it’s baked.
- Bake: Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is fully baked. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen is filled with the scent of cinnamon and cheesecake.
Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. The filling will be set but still warm and gooey – perfect for serving right away.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), this Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole stores wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy it the next day or save it for later.
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole will firm up a bit as it cools, making it easy to cut into squares for serving.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them.
To reheat, you can warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or pop them in the oven at 325°F for a few minutes to restore the crispy top layer.
Variations and Substitutions
This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is perfect for customizing to your taste. Here are a few delicious ways to mix things up:
- Add Fruit: Layer fresh or frozen berries, thinly sliced apples, or chopped peaches over the cream cheese filling before adding the top layer of crescent rolls. The fruit will soften and release its juices, adding a wonderful burst of flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer for a chocolatey twist. You can even drizzle melted chocolate over the baked casserole for an extra indulgent treat.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the cinnamon sugar topping. The nuts will toast as the casserole bakes, giving you a delightful crunchy topping.
- Caramel Drizzle: Once the casserole is out of the oven, drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a rich, buttery finish. This works especially well if you’ve added apples or pecans to the filling.
- Swap the Crescent Dough: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough for an extra flaky, pastry-like texture.
The options are endless with this versatile recipe. Feel free to get creative and try out different flavor combinations to find your favorite twist on this classic cheesecake dessert.
PrintCheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole Recipe
Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a quick and delicious dessert featuring buttery crescent rolls filled with a smooth, tangy cheesecake mixture. This casserole bakes to golden perfection, creating a delightful blend of flaky and creamy textures. Perfect for any occasion, this simple recipe is sure to satisfy cheesecake lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cans crescent rolls
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup cinnamon sugar mixture (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Unroll one can of crescent rolls and lay flat in the bottom of the dish, pressing seams together.
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer in the dish.
- Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and layer it over the cream cheese mixture, pressing seams together again.
- Brush melted butter over the top layer of crescent rolls.
- Optionally, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- This dessert can be served with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
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