If you’re looking for a dessert that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, then look no further! This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole has been a staple in my family for generations. It’s a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake filling wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent rolls.
Every time I make it, there are rave reviews, and it’s the first dish to disappear at any gathering. The sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy filling pairs perfectly with the golden, crispy pastry crust. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved.
Why You’ll Love It
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients on hand, making it a quick and easy recipe to whip up.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With just a few steps and less than 10 ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From family dinners to potlucks, this dish is versatile and always a hit.
Kid-Friendly: The mild sweetness and creamy texture make it a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredient Tips
To ensure your Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth, creamy filling without any lumps. You can speed up the softening process by microwaving the cream cheese for about 15 seconds.
Crescent Roll Dough: Use refrigerated crescent roll dough for ease. Pillsbury is a popular brand, but any brand will do. Ensure you press the seams of the dough together to create a solid base and top layer.
Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Imitation vanilla may save a little money, but the depth of flavor isn’t quite the same.
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Don’t skip the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top—it adds a beautiful crunch and a hint of spice that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
Instructions Outline
Step-by-Step Guide
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents the crescent rolls from sticking to the pan.
Prepare the Crescent Roll Base: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Make sure to press the seams together to form a single, solid layer.
Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, without any lumps.
Layer the Filling: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the dish, ensuring it’s spread to the edges for even coverage.
Top with Second Layer of Crescent Rolls: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cream cheese mixture. Gently press the edges to seal, forming a complete top layer.
Add the Topping: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top layer of dough. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the butter-covered dough.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set. The top should be crispy and slightly caramelized.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This gives the filling a chance to set fully, making it easier to cut into neat squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:
With Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to add a burst of freshness.
A Drizzle of Sauce: Top with a drizzle of chocolate, caramel, or fruit sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds a rich, creamy contrast to the flaky, buttery pastry.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: This dessert pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for brunch or an afternoon treat.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer the pieces to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: To enjoy the casserole warm, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Variations
Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on this Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole. Here are a few variations to consider:
Fruit-Filled Cheesecake: Add a layer of fruit preserves, like raspberry or strawberry, between the cream cheese filling and the top crescent roll layer for a fruity twist.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips with the cream cheese filling for a chocolatey surprise.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds over the cinnamon-sugar topping for added texture and flavor.
Lemon Cheesecake: Add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice and zest to the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing, tangy variation.
Pumpkin Spice: Mix in 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin and 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice with the cream cheese for a fall-inspired treat.
Final Note
This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that will quickly become a family favorite. Its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors wrapped in a golden, buttery crust makes it irresistible. Feel free to try out different variations to keep things exciting, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite!
Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cans 8 oz each refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 packages 8 oz each cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared dish, sealing any seams.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread evenly over the crescent dough in the dish.
- Unroll the second can of dough and lay it on top of the cream cheese layer, pressing the edges to seal.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the top. Mix 1/4 cup of sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over the butter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!