Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe

Save this recipe on:

This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls recipe is the perfect mix of creamy, flaky, sweet, and buttery goodness—bringing together the best parts of cheesecake and pastry in one easy-to-make dessert. With a crispy golden crust, a rich cream cheese filling, and a cinnamon-sugar topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, this dish feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to pull off.

Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a last-minute dessert for guests, these cheesecake crescent rolls come together with minimal effort and maximum reward. Each bite melts in your mouth with sweet cream cheese and buttery layers that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a comfort food all in one.

---

Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Uses refrigerated crescent dough and basic pantry ingredients.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet creamy filling.
• Minimal Mess: Everything bakes in one dish, making clean-up a breeze.
• Customizable: Add fruit, chocolate chips, or drizzle with icing if you like.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep ahead and bake when ready.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)

Before diving into the deliciousness of Cheesecake Crescent Rolls, it helps to have the right tools prepped and ready. These essentials make the process faster, cleaner, and more efficient:

• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: This size gives the crescent rolls enough space to bake evenly and ensures the filling spreads properly without overflowing.
• Mixing Bowl: You’ll need one to combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. A medium-sized bowl works best.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To achieve that ultra-creamy texture in your filling, a hand mixer is highly recommended. A whisk works in a pinch, but it won’t be as smooth.
• Spatula: Ideal for spreading the filling evenly across the dough layers without tearing them.
• Pastry Brush (Optional): Useful for brushing melted butter over the top before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar.
• Knife or Pizza Cutter: Makes slicing neat and easy after baking.

Each tool plays a small but vital role in creating a clean, layered, and beautifully textured dessert. Having these ready before starting will streamline your process.

---

Preparation Tips

• Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy filling.
• Keep Dough Chilled Until Use: Crescent roll dough can become sticky and hard to manage when too warm. Only open it when you’re ready to unroll and assemble.
• Line or Grease the Pan: Use parchment paper or a light coat of cooking spray to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
• Don’t Overfill: Keep the cream cheese mixture evenly spread and not too thick; this helps avoid overflow during baking.
• Let It Cool Before Cutting: The filling sets more as it cools, so waiting 10–15 minutes before slicing gives you clean, attractive squares.

With the right prep and tools, making these crescent rolls becomes a no-fuss, no-fail treat.

---

Ingredients for This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Recipe

This recipe is wonderfully simple and calls for ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  For that soft, flaky pastry base and top layer.
• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  The heart of the cheesecake filling—smooth, tangy, and creamy.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
  Adds sweetness to the cream cheese layer and balances the tang.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese mixture.
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  Brushed over the top layer to help it bake golden and rich.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  This classic mix creates a sweet, spiced crust on top as it bakes.

Optional Add-ins:

• Zest of 1 lemon – For a citrusy twist in the filling.
• Fruit preserves or pie filling – Spread a thin layer over the cream cheese before adding the top dough layer.

These ingredients combine to form the buttery, creamy, cinnamon-dusted magic of this effortless dessert.

---

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

---

Step 2: Roll Out the First Layer of Crescent Dough

Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of the prepared dish. Pinch the seams together so it forms one even layer without gaps.

---

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

---

Step 4: Spread the Filling

Use a rubber spatula to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough in the dish. Make sure it’s level and reaches the edges.

---

Step 5: Add the Top Dough Layer

Unroll the second can of crescent dough and lay it carefully over the cream cheese layer. Again, pinch any seams together to create a smooth top layer.

---

Step 6: Brush with Butter

Pour or brush the melted butter evenly over the top layer of dough. Make sure it’s completely coated for a golden finish.

---

Step 7: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over the buttered dough.

---

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is puffed and golden brown.

---

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Let the cheesecake crescent rolls cool for at least 15 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes slicing much cleaner. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm or at room temperature.

---

Notes

• Softening the Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Make It Fruity: A thin layer of raspberry or strawberry preserves on top of the cream cheese mixture adds a fruity burst that complements the richness.
• Serving Temp Options: These taste amazing both warm and chilled—warm for gooey comfort, chilled for a firmer, classic cheesecake texture.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not Pinching the Dough Seams: If you leave the crescent roll seams unsealed, the filling can leak during baking and cause uneven texture or burnt spots.
• Overbaking: The top should be golden brown, not too dark. Overbaking can dry out the layers and harden the crust.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into the rolls too soon can make them fall apart. Letting them rest helps the filling hold its shape.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Mixing cold cream cheese results in a lumpy filling and uneven texture.
• Excessive Butter or Cinnamon Sugar: It may seem tempting to overdo the topping, but too much butter can lead to soggy rolls, and extra sugar may burn on the edges.
• Crowding the Pan: Use the proper pan size—too small and it’ll overflow, too large and the layers will be too thin.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures your cheesecake crescent rolls turn out golden, creamy, and crowd-pleasing every time.

---

What to Serve With Cheesecake Crescent Rolls?

These sweet, creamy treats pair beautifully with a variety of drinks and sides depending on the time of day or the occasion. Whether it’s for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack, these ideas elevate the experience:

8 Recommendations

1. Fresh Berries
   A bowl of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries brings a refreshing contrast to the rich creaminess.
2. Hot Coffee or Espresso
   The bitterness of coffee balances out the sweetness and adds a cozy, café-style vibe.
3. Iced Vanilla Latte
   For a chilled option, iced lattes complement the vanilla notes in the filling beautifully.
4. Whipped Cream or Cool Whip
   A light, fluffy topping can make each bite feel even more decadent.
5. Fruit Compote
   Warmed berry or apple compote spooned over the top gives it an elegant dessert twist.
6. Scrambled Eggs and Bacon
   For a brunch platter, serve alongside savory elements to balance flavors.
7. Greek Yogurt with Honey
   Adds tang and texture, especially if you want a lighter companion.
8. Sparkling Water with Citrus
   Helps cleanse the palate after the buttery richness of the rolls.

These pairings can help turn a simple pan of cheesecake crescent rolls into a well-rounded spread that feels thoughtful and satisfying.

---

Storage Instructions

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls store exceptionally well, making them ideal for prepping ahead or saving leftovers. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerator: Place cooled rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The texture remains firm and the flavor deepens over time.
• Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to refresh that crisp texture.

Always allow the rolls to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

---

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 12 Servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	310 kcal
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	10g
Unsaturated Fat	6g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	300mg
Total Carbohydrates	33g
Dietary Fiber	0.5g
Sugars	17g
Protein	4g
Serving Size	1 square
Diet	Vegetarian

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact brands and add-ins used.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make cheesecake crescent rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.

---

2. Do cheesecake crescent rolls need to be refrigerated after baking?

Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, it’s best to refrigerate leftovers to keep them safe and fresh.

---

3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can, but the texture and flavor won’t be as rich. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the creamiest filling.

---

4. What can I add to the filling for extra flavor?

Try lemon zest, almond extract, or a swirl of fruit preserves like raspberry or blueberry for added depth.

---

5. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, puff pastry can work, but the texture will be flakier and more layered. Adjust the bake time and keep a close eye on it.

---

6. Why is my filling runny?

Most likely, the cream cheese wasn’t fully softened or blended enough. Also, cutting the rolls too soon can cause the filling to ooze out.

---

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free crescent dough (available in some specialty stores or online) and checking other ingredients for hidden gluten.

---

8. What’s the best way to cut these neatly?

Let them cool for at least 15 minutes, then use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for clean, even slices.

---

Conclusion

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are a dream come true for anyone craving a quick, satisfying dessert (or even an indulgent breakfast idea). With minimal prep, everyday ingredients, and a flavor that’s equal parts creamy, flaky, and sweet, they’re hard not to love. Whether you’re making them for a gathering, a holiday treat, or just because—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

It’s the perfect combination of comfort food, convenience, and homemade charm. One bite, and you’ll know why this easy recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: