Crescent Cheesecake Bars: A Simple and Irresistible Dessert

Crescent Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert for cheesecake lovers looking for something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. With a flaky, buttery crescent roll crust, a sweet and tangy cream cheese filling, and a cinnamon-sugar topping, these bars deliver all the satisfaction of a classic cheesecake with half the effort.

This versatile recipe is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or as a sweet treat for any day of the week. The simplicity of using crescent roll dough makes these bars easy to whip up, while the layers of flavor and texture ensure they’ll disappear as soon as they’re served.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantity
Crescent roll dough (store-bought)2 (8-ounce) cans
Cream cheese (softened)16 ounces (2 blocks)
Granulated sugar1 cup
Vanilla extract1 teaspoon
Unsalted butter (melted)½ cup
Ground cinnamon2 teaspoons
Brown sugar¼ cup

Ingredient Notes

  • Crescent Roll Dough: Choose refrigerated crescent roll dough for convenience. Puff pastry can be used for a flakier crust.
  • Cream Cheese: Ensure it’s softened for a smooth and creamy filling.
  • Sugar: Use a mix of granulated and brown sugar for depth of flavor in the topping.
Tray of Crescent Cheesecake Bars

Equipment Needed

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for creating even layers and easy slicing.
  • Mixing bowls: For preparing the filling and cinnamon-sugar topping.
  • Electric mixer: Ensures a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling.
  • Pastry brush: For spreading melted butter evenly over the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Create the Bottom Crust

  1. Roll out one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring the seams are pinched together to form a solid layer.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent dough layer.

4. Add the Top Layer

  1. Roll out the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cream cheese filling. Pinch the seams and edges to seal.

5. Apply the Topping

  1. Brush the top crescent dough with melted butter.
  2. In a small bowl, mix ground cinnamon and brown sugar. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top.

6. Bake

  1. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool to room temperature.

7. Chill and Serve

  1. Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to firm up before slicing.
  2. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve as is, or drizzle with honey or caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

Tips and Variations

  • Make it Zesty: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a tangy twist.
  • Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese filling before adding the top layer.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar topping for extra warmth.
  • Mini Bars: Use a muffin tin lined with cupcake wrappers to make individual cheesecake bites.

Serving Suggestions

Crescent Cheesecake Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. For an indulgent touch, drizzle them with honey, caramel, or chocolate sauce before serving. Pair them with a cup of coffee, a warm spiced latte, or a glass of milk for a cozy and satisfying dessert.

Bitten Cheesecake Tart

Pairings

The sweet and creamy flavors of these bars pair wonderfully with warm beverages like chai tea, espresso, or a cinnamon-spiced latte. For a chilled option, serve them with a refreshing vanilla milkshake or a sparkling apple cider. If you’re serving these bars as part of a dessert spread, they pair beautifully with a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or Port.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating: These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature, but they can be lightly warmed in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if desired.

Nutritional Information

NutrientPer Serving (1 bar)
Calories320
Total Fat21g
Saturated Fat12g
Carbohydrates30g
Protein4g
Allergen WarningsContains dairy, eggs, gluten

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Crescent Cheesecake Bars are a simple yet decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their creamy filling, flaky crust, and sweet cinnamon-sugar topping, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Try them today and share your creations with friends and family—you’ll love how quickly they disappear!

Crescent Cheesecake Bars: A Simple and Irresistible Dessert

Recipe by Karen Allen
Servings

12

bars
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Total time

1

hour 

45

minutes

Ingredients

  • Crust and Topping: 2 (8-ounce) cans crescent roll dough, ½ cup unsalted butter (melted), 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ cup brown sugar.

  • Filling: 16 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Press one can of crescent roll dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread over the crust.
  • Layer the second can of crescent roll dough on top. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool, chill for 1 hour, then slice and serve.

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