Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole Recipe

There's nothing quite like the delicious aroma of warm, creamy cheesecake filling layered between flaky, golden crescent rolls wafting through the kitchen. This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a game-changer: it's a simple, sweet, and comforting dessert that comes together with minimal effort.

this Recipe

My family first fell in love with this recipe during a busy holiday season when I was looking for a dessert that didn’t require much prep. Now, it's one of our go-to treats, perfect for any occasion, from weeknight indulgences to weekend gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole

Get ready to discover your new favorite dessert! This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole has all the best elements of a classic cheesecake, but with a twist.

First, it’s ridiculously easy to make. With only a few ingredients and a quick assembly process, this dessert comes together in about 40 minutes. You’ll get that rich cheesecake taste without the hassle of a water bath or hours of cooling.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser. The buttery crescent rolls pair perfectly with the sweet, creamy filling, making it hard to stop at just one piece! Kids and adults alike love it, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals.

Another huge perk? It’s budget-friendly! Using pre-made crescent roll dough and a handful of basic ingredients keeps this dish affordable and accessible.

Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can add fruit toppings, drizzle chocolate or caramel over the top, or even add a little cinnamon for a holiday twist. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients Notes

This recipe uses a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, each contributing to the casserole’s irresistible texture and flavor.

Crescent Roll Dough: This is the foundation of the dish. The buttery, flaky layers bake up beautifully around the cheesecake filling. I recommend using two cans of crescent roll dough, ideally the sheets rather than the perforated triangles, which makes for a more seamless layer.

Cream Cheese: The heart of this dessert is the creamy, slightly tangy filling made from cream cheese. For the best texture, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature, as this will make it easier to blend with the sugar.

Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetening the cream cheese layer. It also helps give the filling that smooth, cheesecake-like texture. If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can adjust the sugar to your taste.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla brings a warm, fragrant note to the cheesecake filling. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract if you can, as it enhances the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: A melted butter and cinnamon sugar mixture is brushed over the top for extra flavor and a hint of crunch. The butter helps the top layer get beautifully golden while the cinnamon sugar adds a touch of spice.

No special equipment is required for this casserole – just a baking dish, mixing bowl, and a hand mixer to blend the filling. Simple and straightforward!

How to Make This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole

Making this Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole couldn’t be easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this decadent treat.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easy to serve.

Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Stretch it slightly if needed to cover the bottom fully, creating an even layer.

Next, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a mixing bowl, combine 16 ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature, with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps in the mixture. This is where the magic happens – the cream cheese layer will bake up rich and fluffy, like a traditional cheesecake.

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish, creating a smooth layer.

Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully lay it over the cream cheese layer. If using perforated dough, gently pinch any seams together to create a continuous top layer.

For the finishing touch, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the top crescent roll layer. Sprinkle ¼ cup of cinnamon sugar evenly across the buttered surface. This will give your casserole a gorgeous golden color and a hint of spiced sweetness.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. Let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing so that the layers can set up. Enjoy it warm for a gooey texture, or let it cool completely if you prefer a firmer slice.

Storage Options

This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dessert option.

To refrigerate, let the casserole cool completely, then cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, staying delicious and fresh.

If you’d like to freeze it, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. This dessert freezes well for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw slices overnight in the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

For reheating, pop individual servings in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm again.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:

• Fruit Toppings: For a fruity twist, add a thin layer of your favorite jam or fresh fruit over the cream cheese layer before placing the top crescent roll layer. Strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry jam pairs particularly well with the creamy filling.
• Chocolate or Caramel Drizzle: Before serving, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top for an added layer of decadence. It adds richness and a lovely presentation.
• Add Spices: Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese filling for a cozy fall-inspired flavor. This little addition makes the casserole taste like cheesecake crossed with cinnamon rolls!
• Lemon Zest: For a fresh, zesty flavor, stir a teaspoon of lemon zest into the cream cheese filling. The citrus notes beautifully balance the richness of the cream cheese.
• Nut-Free or Gluten-Free: To make this gluten-free, substitute a gluten-free crescent roll dough. If you have nut allergies in the family, stick to a simple topping or garnish without nuts.

No matter how you personalize it, this Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a surefire hit that’s both easy to make and delightful to eat.

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