Creamy Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Irresistible Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Beginners

The magical world of crescent roll cheesecake bars opens up a delightful dessert experience that combines creamy indulgence with buttery pastry.

Soft, flaky layers meld seamlessly with rich cream cheese filling, creating a mouthwatering treat that beckons from the plate.

These bars deliver a surprisingly simple yet decadent dessert that requires minimal effort.

With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing confection that looks like it took hours to prepare.

The golden, crisp edges and silky smooth center make these bars irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Get ready to become the dessert hero at your next gathering with this incredibly delicious recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars

For Base Layer:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Flaky, buttery foundation that creates a golden, crispy bottom for the bars, choose refrigerated dough for optimal texture and easy preparation.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds rich moisture and helps create a smooth, even base layer with a delicate golden color.
For Creamy Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides luxurious, tangy smoothness and creates the signature cheesecake-like texture, select full-fat cream cheese for maximum richness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the cream cheese's tanginess and adds perfect sweetness to the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake bars.
For Topping Layer:
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates a delightful sweet crunch on top of the bars.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Delivers a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the creamy filling and adds aromatic complexity.

Tools for Folding Crescent Dough Cleanly

  • 9×13-inch casserole dish: perfect for layering and baking the cheesecake bars.
  • Medium mixing bowl: ideal for combining cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.
  • Small mixing bowl: used for creating the cinnamon-sugar topping.
  • Measuring cups: essential for accurate sugar measurements.
  • Measuring spoons: needed for precise vanilla and cinnamon amounts.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: helps mix cream cheese ingredients smoothly.
  • Pastry brush or spoon: useful for spreading melted butter evenly.
  • Oven mitts: protect hands when handling hot dishes.

Instructions to Layer and Bake These Bars

Delightful Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a cozy temperature that will transform your kitchen into a heavenly bakery. Grab a baking dish and give it a light, friendly coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Bottom Dough Layer

Gently unroll the first tube of crescent roll dough, spreading it across the dish like a soft blanket. Carefully press down and smooth out any visible seams, creating a perfect base for our creamy adventure.

  • Creamy Filling Magic

In a mixing bowl, whip together cream cheese with sweet sugar and a splash of vanilla. The mixture should become silky smooth and irresistibly tempting. Spread this dreamy layer evenly over the first dough foundation.

  • Topping Layer

Carefully drape the second crescent roll dough sheet over the creamy filling. Pinch the edges together, sealing in all that delicious goodness like a warm hug.

  • Finishing Touches

Drizzle melted butter across the surface, then sprinkle a magical dust of cinnamon and sugar that will make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible.

  • Baking Bliss

Slide the dish into the waiting oven and let it transform for about 30 minutes. The top will turn a gorgeous golden brown, signaling that your dessert is ready to delight taste buds and warm hearts.

Swaps for Filling or Topping Creativity

  • Flavor Boost Tips: Add a splash of lemon zest or orange extract to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, tangy twist that'll wake up your taste buds.
  • Texture Magic: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure an ultra-smooth, creamy filling that spreads like a dream.
  • Sweet Swap Strategy: Experiment with different flavored cream cheese like strawberry or blueberry to create unique variations that'll surprise your family and friends.
  • Topping Transformation: Drizzle melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts right after baking for an extra layer of decadent deliciousness that takes these bars from good to incredible.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: These bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining or weekend meal prep.

Serve Cheesecake Bars Chilled or Warm

  • Family Dessert Delight: Slice these bars into perfect squares for a cozy family gathering, serving them on a pretty platter that makes everyone smile and dig in together.
  • Sweet Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the bars on a decorative board with fresh berries and mint leaves, creating an Instagram-worthy spread that turns your morning brunch into a gourmet experience.
  • Potluck Party Favorite: Pack these bars in a portable container for easy transport, guaranteed to be the most requested treat at any community event or friend's potluck party.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these bars with a hot cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, offering a delightful sweet moment that transforms your simple afternoon break into a mini celebration.

Store Extras for Another Sweet Bite

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them covered to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and taste.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire recipe 1-2 days before serving. Bake, cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. This method allows flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall deliciousness.
  • Serving Temperature Tips: Enjoy these bars chilled straight from the refrigerator or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for a softer, creamier consistency. Cut into neat squares before serving to create clean, attractive portions.
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Creamy Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Creamy Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy cheesecake nestled within flaky crescent roll dough creates a delightful dessert. Rich cream cheese filling and buttery layers promise sweet satisfaction for anyone craving a simple yet indulgent treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 packages (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cans (8 oz / 226 g) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Set oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan for optimal pastry release.
  2. Create Base Layer: Unroll first crescent roll dough across pan bottom, pressing seams to form a seamless foundation.
  3. Craft Cream Filling: Whip cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture.
  4. Layer Cream Mixture: Spread cream cheese blend evenly across the crescent roll base, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Assemble Top Layer: Gently position second crescent roll dough over cream cheese, sealing edges to create a cohesive pastry structure.
  6. Enhance Flavor Profile: Drizzle melted butter across the surface, then dust with a blend of sugar and ground cinnamon for aromatic richness.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Slide pan into preheated oven, baking 30-35 minutes until dough achieves a golden-brown hue and filling sets completely.
  8. Rest and Serve: Allow pastry to cool briefly, stabilizing layers before slicing into delectable portions.

Notes

  • Seal Seams Carefully: Press crescent roll dough edges firmly to prevent separation during baking, ensuring a smooth, unified base.
  • Achieve Creamy Perfection: Whisk cream cheese mixture until completely smooth, eliminating any lumps for a silky-soft texture.
  • Butter Distribution Matters: Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top to create a rich, golden-brown crust with consistent flavor.
  • Cool Before Cutting: Let the pastry rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to set the filling and prevent crumbling when slicing.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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