Description

Indulge in this easy Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole! With layers of flaky crescent rolls, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole

Crescent Roll Dough: 2 cans (8 oz each) – Forms the top and bottom layers of the casserole. Crescent rolls provide a flaky, buttery crust that complements the cheesecake filling.
Cream Cheese: 16 oz, softened – The main component of the cheesecake filling, providing a creamy, tangy taste.
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup – Sweetens the cheesecake filling, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds depth to the filling, enhancing the cheesecake flavor and balancing the sweetness.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Butter: 1/4 cup, melted – Adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar topping adhere to the top crust.
Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – Adds warmth and a subtle spiciness to the topping, which enhances the flavor of the casserole.
Sugar: 1/4 cup – Mixed with cinnamon to create a sweet, slightly crispy topping.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to remove slices once baked.

Step 2: Layer the Bottom Crust

Unroll One Can of Crescent Rolls: Open the first can of crescent rolls and unroll the dough. Press the seams together to create a single, solid sheet.
Place in Baking Dish: Lay the dough sheet into the bottom of the baking dish, pressing it evenly to form a uniform bottom layer. This will act as the crust for the casserole.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine 16 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth, creamy, and lump-free.
Add Vanilla Extract: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and continue mixing until well incorporated. The filling should be creamy and spreadable.

Step 4: Add the Cheesecake Layer

Spread the Filling Evenly: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the bottom crust and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Make sure the filling reaches the edges of the baking dish for uniform baking.

Step 5: Top with the Second Layer of Crescent Rolls

Unroll the Second Can of Crescent Rolls: Open the second can of crescent rolls, unroll the dough, and press the seams together as you did with the bottom layer.
Place Over the Filling: Carefully lay this sheet over the cream cheese filling, covering it completely to create the top crust. Press down lightly to secure the layer.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Brush with Melted Butter: Melt 1/4 cup of butter and brush it evenly over the top layer of crescent roll dough. This will help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick.
Sprinkle Cinnamon-Sugar: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the buttered top layer, ensuring an even coating.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown and the cinnamon-sugar topping has formed a slightly crisp crust.
Check for Doneness: The casserole is ready when the top is golden and you can see slight bubbling along the edges.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool in the baking dish for about 10–15 minutes. This cooling period helps the layers set, making it easier to slice.
Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm for a gooey texture, or let cool to room temperature for a firmer slice.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling. This also helps the cream cheese blend smoothly with sugar, creating a creamy, spreadable filling.
Chill the Casserole Before Slicing (Optional): If you prefer neat, clean slices, let the casserole cool to room temperature and then chill it in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set, allowing you to cut precise squares.
Brush with Melted Butter Generously: Applying a generous layer of melted butter on the top layer of crescent roll dough before sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar mixture enhances both flavor and texture. It creates a golden, slightly crisp top that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Cover Edges with Foil if Needed: If the edges begin to brown too quickly before the casserole is fully baked, cover the edges with foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
Choose a High-Quality Vanilla Extract: The vanilla flavor plays a big role in this recipe, so use a high-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for the best flavor in the cheesecake filling.
Test for Doneness: To ensure the crescent rolls are fully baked, gently press on the center of the casserole. It should feel set but still soft, and the top should be golden brown. This is an indicator that the casserole is baked through without drying out.