Name: Crescent Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans of Pillsbury crescent rolls; 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 3-4 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Crescent Cheesecake Bars are everything you want in a dessert: they’re simple to make, delicious, and perfect for serving a crowd. The buttery, flaky crescent rolls form the perfect crust, while the cream cheese filling is rich and smooth. A cinnamon-sugar topping adds a comforting touch of sweetness, making these bars a comforting, indulgent treat. Best of all, you can make them in just 40 minutes, making them a go-to dessert for busy days or last-minute get-togethers.

Ingredients

2 cans of Pillsbury crescent rolls
2 packages of cream cheese (8 ounces each), softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3-4 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Press one can of crescent rolls into the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring to press the seams together firmly.
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll base.
Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and place it gently over the cream cheese layer. Crimp together any seams to seal the filling.
In a separate bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Melt the butter and pour it over the top of the crescent roll layer. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and most of the butter has been absorbed.
Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 24 servings

Variations

Fruit Filling: You can add a layer of fruit preserves, like strawberry or raspberry, between the cream cheese and crescent roll layers for a fruity twist.
Nutty Version: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar topping for added crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Version: Add a layer of chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a delicious chocolatey twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of the spreadable kind?

Yes, regular cream cheese works perfectly fine. Just make sure it’s softened to make mixing easier.

Can I use a different type of dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, you can use puff pastry or refrigerated pie dough as an alternative to crescent rolls, but the texture will be slightly different.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make these bars a day in advance. Just cover them and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Is there a way to make this dessert less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream cheese filling or skip the cinnamon sugar topping for a less sweet version.

Can I use a different type of sugar for the topping?

Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor with a slight molasses taste.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I freeze Crescent Cheesecake Bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.

Can I double this recipe to make more bars?

Yes, you can double the recipe. Simply use a larger baking dish (such as a 12 x 18-inch pan) and adjust the baking time as needed.

Can I make this recipe without the cinnamon-sugar topping?

Yes, the bars are still delicious without the topping, but it adds a nice extra flavor and crunch. Feel free to skip it if you prefer.

What is the best way to cut these bars?

Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. For neat slices, you can run the knife under warm water before cutting.

Conclusion

These Crescent Cheesecake Bars are a delicious and easy dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. With a buttery, flaky crescent roll crust, a smooth and creamy cream cheese filling, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping, they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a simple treat for a weeknight dessert or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!