Name: Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cans of crescent roll dough; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, but adds a lovely zing); 1 tsp cinnamon (for sprinkling on top); 1 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)

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Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a delightful dessert that combines the flakiness of crescent rolls with a creamy cheesecake filling. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even a sweet treat for a cozy weekend breakfast. The layers of buttery crescent dough, rich cream cheese filling, and cinnamon-sugar topping give this dessert an irresistible flavor that’s similar to a baked cheesecake, but without the fuss of a water bath or long baking time.

I first came across this recipe when I was looking for a simple, quick dessert to make for a family brunch. I wanted something that tasted indulgent but wouldn’t take too long to prepare, and this cheesecake crescent roll casserole was the perfect solution. It has quickly become a favorite in our household because it’s easy to throw together, and the result is always delicious—rich, creamy, and with just the right amount of sweetness. The best part? It’s made with ingredients you likely already have on hand!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Easy to make: This casserole requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it perfect for busy schedules or last-minute desserts.
Classic flavors: The cream cheese filling combined with buttery crescent rolls and a cinnamon-sugar topping creates a classic cheesecake flavor with a flaky twist.
Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday party, or potluck, this casserole is always a hit and serves a crowd.
Great for breakfast or dessert: While it’s sweet enough for dessert, it’s also light enough to enjoy as a special breakfast or brunch treat.
Customizable: You can add fruits, chocolate chips, or different toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 300
Protein: 5g, Carbs: 32g, Fat: 17g

Ingredients:

2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Optional toppings: fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Prepare the crescent roll crust: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, sealing any perforations to create a smooth layer of dough.
Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer in the baking dish, making sure to smooth it out to cover the entire surface.
Top with the second crescent roll layer: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it on top of the cream cheese filling. Gently stretch and press the dough to cover the filling, sealing any seams.
Add the cinnamon-sugar topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Drizzle the mixture evenly over the top layer of crescent dough.
Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the crescent dough is fully cooked through. The filling should be set, and the edges should be slightly crispy.
Cool and serve: Let the cheesecake crescent roll casserole cool for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice. If desired, garnish with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey before serving.

How to Serve:

As a dessert: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
For breakfast or brunch: This casserole is also perfect for a sweet brunch dish. Pair it with coffee or tea for a satisfying treat to start your day.
With fresh fruit: Balance the richness of the cheesecake with fresh berries or sliced fruit on top. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries work beautifully with this dish.

Additional Tips:

Soften the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it with the sugar. This ensures a smooth, creamy filling without any lumps.
Use room temperature ingredients: For best results, let the crescent roll dough and cream cheese come to room temperature before assembling the casserole. This makes the dough easier to work with and helps the cream cheese filling spread evenly.
Seal the dough seams: When laying down the crescent roll dough, make sure to press the seams together to avoid gaps or holes in the crust and top layer.
Let it cool before slicing: While it may be tempting to dive in right away, allow the casserole to cool for a bit before slicing. This helps the filling firm up and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
Add extra flavor: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a little nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon-sugar topping for added warmth and spice.

Recipe Variations:

Berry Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: Add fresh or frozen berries to the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist. Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries work wonderfully.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese filling before adding the top layer of dough for a decadent, chocolatey version.
Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: Add thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling for an apple pie-inspired casserole.
Pumpkin Spice Crescent Roll Casserole: Mix a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese filling for a fall-flavored twist on this dessert.

Serving Suggestions:

With whipped cream or ice cream: Serve this casserole with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Paired with coffee or tea: This sweet, creamy casserole pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a latte, making it an ideal brunch or afternoon snack.
Topped with fresh fruit: Add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a drizzle of fruit syrup for a refreshing contrast to the rich cream cheese filling.

Freezing and Storage:

Storing leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it cold!
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Assemble the casserole as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Special Equipment:

9×13-inch baking dish: You’ll need a standard 9×13-inch baking dish for this recipe to accommodate the two cans of crescent roll dough.
Electric mixer: An electric mixer is helpful for achieving a smooth, creamy cream cheese filling.
Offset spatula or spoon: A spatula makes spreading the cream cheese filling over the crescent dough easy and even.

FAQ:

Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, you can substitute low-fat or Neufchâtel cheese for regular cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less rich.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake and serve.
Can I add fruit to the filling? Absolutely! Fresh or frozen berries, sliced apples, or even peaches make great additions to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor and texture.
Can I use homemade crescent dough? If you prefer homemade crescent roll dough, you can certainly use it in place of store-bought dough. Just make sure to roll it out to the same size as the store-bought version to fit the baking dish.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole tastes delicious reheated or even cold!

Conclusion:

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is the perfect dessert (or sweet breakfast!) for when you want something easy yet delicious. It’s creamy, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness, making it a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch, a family dinner, or just a weekend treat, this casserole will always impress. Plus, the possibilities for customization are endless—add fruit, chocolate, or spices to make it your own. I hope you love this dessert as much as I do! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you try it—I’d love to see your creations!

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole