Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a simple yet decadent treat that combines the best of flaky crescent rolls and creamy cheesecake filling. This casserole is layered with buttery crescent dough, a sweet and tangy cream cheese filling, and topped with a golden, cinnamon-sugar crust that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
The process begins by pressing a layer of crescent roll dough into the baking dish as a sturdy base. The cream cheese filling, made with softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, is spread over this layer, offering a velvety, rich center. The top layer of crescent dough creates a flaky crust, and the butter-cinnamon sugar topping caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving the dish a touch of warmth and spice.
After baking, the casserole cools slightly, making it easy to slice into neat, irresistible squares. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cheesecake casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, flaky, and sweet flavors in each delightful bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole:
Easy and Quick: Using refrigerated crescent roll dough means there’s no need for complicated crusts or lengthy prep times. In just a few steps, you’ll have a creamy, homemade-tasting dessert in under an hour.
Creamy and Dreamy Texture: The cream cheese filling is perfectly sweet and creamy, balanced by the buttery, flaky layers of crescent dough.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a dessert that’s great for gatherings or as an easy family treat. Plus, you can dress it up with your favorite toppings or serve it warm with ice cream for extra indulgence.
Warm Cinnamon Sugar Finish: The melted butter and cinnamon sugar topping give this casserole a satisfying, crunchy finish that pairs beautifully with the creamy center.
Key Ingredients:
Crescent Roll Dough: These canned rolls create the flaky layers that mimic a pastry crust. Make sure to seal any seams for a cohesive layer. Regular crescent roll dough works best, but you could use crescent roll sheets if available, as they don’t have pre-cut seams.
Cream Cheese: This is the heart of the filling. Softened cream cheese will blend easily, ensuring a smooth and lump-free texture. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best, creamiest texture, but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if desired.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and adds crunch on top when combined with cinnamon. If you prefer a less-sweet filling, reduce the sugar in the cream cheese mixture slightly.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm, fragrant note to the cream cheese filling, making it taste like a classic cheesecake. You can use vanilla bean paste for an extra-rich flavor if you’d like.
Butter: Melted butter poured over the top layer helps achieve a golden, crisp finish. If you want a slight caramelized flavor, you could use salted butter, which contrasts nicely with the sweet topping.
Cinnamon Sugar: A mix of sugar and cinnamon sprinkled over the top adds warmth and a bakery-like touch. Adjust the cinnamon to your taste; a bit more or less won’t hurt!
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease the Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Form the Base
Layer the Crescent Roll Dough: Open one can of crescent roll dough and unroll it into the baking dish. Press it into an even layer, ensuring any seams are sealed. This layer will form a delightful crust for your casserole.
3. Create the Filling
Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand or stand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
Spread the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer in the dish, smoothing it out for uniform coverage.
4. Add the Top Layer
Top with Crescent Roll Dough: Open the second can of crescent roll dough, unroll it, and place it carefully over the cream cheese layer. Press the edges gently to seal with the bottom dough layer, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Top it Off
Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top dough layer to encourage golden browning.
Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered top layer, adding sweetness and spice.
6. Bake
Bake the Casserole: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. The edges should be crisp, and the center should remain creamy. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
7. Serve and Savor
Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting, which makes slicing easier and enhances flavor melding.
