Crescent Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert when you’re craving something easy, creamy, and absolutely delicious. With layers of flaky crescent roll dough, rich cream cheese filling, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for brunch, a party, or just a sweet afternoon treat, these bars deliver the perfect combination of textures—crispy, creamy, and sweet—all in one bite.
Easy Crescent Cheesecake Bars Recipe
These Crescent Cheesecake Bars are made with just a handful of ingredients, yet they taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. The flaky crescent roll base and top layer sandwich a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling. The buttery cinnamon-sugar topping adds a golden, crunchy finish that takes this dessert to the next level. Perfect for breakfast, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, these bars are so versatile and always a hit!
Why Our Crescent Cheesecake Bars Are the Best
Our Crescent Cheesecake Bars stand out for their simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness. With just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and perfect for sharing. The cinnamon-sugar crust gives them a delightful crunch, making them irresistible!
Ingredients Notes for Crescent Cheesecake Bars
Each ingredient in these Crescent Cheesecake Bars works together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures:
- 2 cans of Pillsbury crescent rolls: The base and top layers, creating a flaky and buttery crust.
- 2 packages of cream cheese (8 ounces each, softened): The star of the filling, adding a rich and creamy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the filling.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Used to coat the top layer and make the cinnamon-sugar crust golden and crunchy.
- 3-4 tablespoons granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon for a sweet topping.
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice to the sugary topping.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Crescent Cheesecake Bars
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish
- Handheld mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls (small and medium)
- Spatula or spoon
- Wire rack
How to Make Crescent Cheesecake Bars
These Crescent Cheesecake Bars come together easily in just a few steps:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to ensure the bars don’t stick.
2. Create the Base Layer
Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press them into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pinch the seams together to form an even base layer.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine 2 packages of softened cream cheese, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat with a handheld mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Spread the Filling
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll base. Make sure the entire surface is covered with the creamy filling.
5. Add the Top Layer
Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and gently place it over the cream cheese layer. Pinch any seams together to seal the top layer.
6. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
Melt ¼ cup butter and pour it evenly over the top crescent roll layer. In a small bowl, mix 3-4 tablespoons granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over the buttered crescent rolls.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and most of the butter is absorbed.
8. Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares. This ensures the filling sets properly for clean cuts.
How to Store Crescent Cheesecake Bars
Store your Crescent Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their gooey, creamy texture. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months; thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Crescent Cheesecake Bars Variations
These bars are versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. Try these variations:
- Berry-Lover’s Cheesecake Bars: Spread a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam over the cream cheese filling before adding the top crescent roll layer.
- Chocolate Cheesecake Bars: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese filling for an extra indulgent twist.
- Apple Pie Crescent Bars: Add a layer of apple pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
- Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars: Add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese mixture for a fall-inspired treat.
What to Serve with Crescent Cheesecake Bars
Pair these Crescent Cheesecake Bars with your favorite beverages or desserts:
- A warm cup of coffee or tea makes a perfect pairing.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a balanced dessert platter.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce before serving.
Top Tips for Perfect Crescent Cheesecake Bars
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth filling.
- Seal the Crescent Roll Layers: Press the seams of the crescent rolls together well to keep the layers intact during baking.
- Don’t Skimp on Cinnamon-Sugar: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top for that crispy, sweet crust.
- Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent the filling from oozing out.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the cream cheese mixture to ¾ cup.
- Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the crescent rolls with gluten-free puff pastry or dough.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Martha Stewart: “For a golden crust, brush the top crescent roll layer with an egg wash before adding the cinnamon-sugar topping.”
- Ina Garten: “Always use high-quality vanilla extract—it makes a big difference in flavor for simple desserts like this.
- Ree Drummond: “For a little crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top of the cinnamon-sugar layer before baking.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese works, but the filling may be slightly less rich and creamy.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
3. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Yes, puff pastry is a great substitute and will give the bars an extra flaky texture.
4. Can I add fruit to the filling?
Absolutely! Fold in chopped strawberries, blueberries, or even canned fruit for a fruity twist.
5. Do I have to refrigerate the bars?
Yes, since the filling contains cream cheese, it’s best to store the bars in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Enjoy making these Crescent Cheesecake Bars—a creamy, flaky, and utterly delicious dessert that’s sure to impress!
Crescent Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- – 2 cans Pillsbury crescent rolls
- – 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- – 1 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- – 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- – 3–4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- – 2 tablespoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Base Layer: Roll out one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the dish. Seal the seams tightly to create a smooth base.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 1 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll base.
- Add Top Layer: Roll out the second can of crescent rolls and carefully lay it over the cream cheese layer, sealing the seams.
- Add Topping: In a bowl, mix 3–4 tablespoons granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Pour melted butter over the crescent roll top layer and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and most of the butter has been absorbed.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack before slicing into squares. This ensures the flavors and textures set properly.
- Serve: Enjoy your perfectly baked Crescent Cheesecake Bars!
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute crescent rolls with gluten-free puff pastry. Double-check vanilla extract and all ingredients for gluten-free certification.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For an extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel or serve with fresh berries.
