There's nothing like the comforting aroma of sweet cinnamon and vanilla baking in the oven to make your kitchen feel like home. Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is the ultimate dessert-meets-breakfast hybrid—a rich, creamy cheesecake filling tucked between flaky layers of buttery crescent rolls. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for any occasion.
I discovered this recipe on a whim when I wanted something quick and decadent but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this dish became a favorite at gatherings and cozy Sunday mornings alike. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible!
Why You'll Love This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole
Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection! This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is more than just a treat—it's a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress.
First and foremost, it's incredibly easy to make. With only a few steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners or busy bakers who still want to deliver something impressive.
The creamy cheesecake filling is the star of the show, offering a luscious contrast to the crisp, flaky crescent roll layers. Each bite is a harmony of textures and flavors that feels indulgent yet comforting.
Budget-friendly ingredients like cream cheese, crescent rolls, and pantry staples mean you can whip this up without breaking the bank. It’s a great option for potlucks, brunch, or dessert.
Best of all, this dish is versatile. Serve it warm for a gooey, decadent treat or chilled for a refreshing and firm texture. Either way, it’s always a hit!
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple yet carefully balanced ingredients. Let’s break down each component to ensure your dish turns out perfect.
The crescent rolls act as the base and top layer of this casserole. Their buttery, flaky texture is the perfect vessel for the creamy cheesecake filling. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Cream cheese is the foundation of the cheesecake filling. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth, creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese yields the richest flavor.
To sweeten the filling, you'll use granulated sugar. This helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese, creating a velvety-smooth sweetness.
A touch of vanilla extract enhances the filling’s flavor, giving it a warm, aromatic depth that makes every bite irresistible.
For the topping, a mixture of cinnamon and sugar adds the perfect hint of spice and sweetness. It caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating a lightly crisp, golden crust.
If you have parchment paper and a hand mixer on hand, these tools will make preparation and cleanup even easier.
How To Make This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole
Creating this delicious casserole is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a foolproof treat!
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and doesn’t stick.
Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press the dough into the bottom of the dish, pinching any seams together to create an even layer. This will form the base of your casserole.
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. Spread this luscious mixture over the crescent roll layer in the dish.
Next, unroll the second can of crescent rolls and gently lay it over the cheesecake filling. Pinch the seams together and stretch the dough as needed to cover the filling completely.
In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top layer of crescent rolls. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can dot the top with a few small cubes of butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
This dish can be enjoyed warm for a soft, gooey texture or chilled for a firmer bite. Total prep and bake time is just under an hour, making it perfect for busy days.
Storage Options
This casserole is easy to store and tastes just as delicious the next day!
To refrigerate, allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
When reheating, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds to enjoy it warm, or let it come to room temperature for a chilled treat.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own!
- For a fruity twist, add a layer of your favorite pie filling (like cherry or blueberry) on top of the cheesecake mixture before adding the second crescent roll layer.
- Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar in the topping for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest with the cheesecake filling for a tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts over the cinnamon-sugar layer.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free crescent dough, widely available in most grocery stores.
Experiment with these ideas to create a version that suits your taste and dietary needs. No matter how you customize it, this Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is sure to be a hit!
PrintCheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole Recipe
This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole recipe combines crescent rolls, cream cheese, and sugar for a simple, indulgent dessert casserole.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Roll out one can of crescent rolls and press into the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer.
- Roll out the second can of crescent rolls and place over the cream cheese filling.
- Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a more decadent flavor, drizzle with honey or chocolate syrup before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 260mg
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