Fluffy Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Featured in Sweet Endings: Irresistible Desserts.

Layers of crescent dough pack a creamy cheesecake inside, topped with butter and cinnamon sugar. It’s an easy dessert that feels fancy.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:10:18 GMT
Flaky pastry slice with creamy filling, powdered sugar, and a berry on top, plated. Pin it
Flaky pastry slice with creamy filling, powdered sugar, and a berry on top, plated. | linacooks.com

I can't even explain what happens when flaky crescents meet that smooth, dreamy cheesecake center! This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole has become my family's favorite sweet treat when I need something fast but fancy. The first time I whipped it up for our weekly game tournament, everyone kept sneaking back for another bite. Now my family bugs me to make it for every single get-together—my sister even begged me to prepare it for her upcoming baby celebration!

The Absolute Joy of This Sweet Treat

Being constantly on the go with kids, I adore that I can put this together with just 15 minutes of actual work. It's my backup plan when friends drop by unexpectedly or when my little ones start craving something sweet. The way everything works together—that crispy outside, velvety middle, and that sweet cinnamon topping—feels like comfort food at its best!

Everything We'll Need

  • Crescent Rolls: Grab two tubes from the store any brand works perfectly fine!
  • Cream Cheese: Remember to let it sit out and soften this really matters!
  • Sugar: Plain white sugar works wonderfully here.
  • Vanilla Extract: Try to use authentic vanilla for the best flavor.
  • Butter: I've learned to always have some ready for sudden baking urges.
  • Cinnamon: The warming spice that brings everything together.

Creating Our Sweet Masterpiece

Getting Started
Turn on your oven and find your go-to baking pan. Mine's a 9x13 that's helped create countless treats!
Creating the Foundation
Now for those crescents—open them carefully and spread them across the bottom. Don't stress about perfection we're going for a homemade look anyway.
The Creamy Middle
Stir that filling until it's completely smooth. I always sample a tiny bit just to make sure it's right!
Cover It Up
Add that second sheet of crescents on top like you're wrapping up a tasty present.
Make It Shine
Spread melted butter all over and dust with that cinnamon sugar mix. This creates that amazing golden crust!
Cool Your Jets
Try to wait before cutting though I totally get if you can't hold back!

Storage Solutions

If you manage to save any pieces (which hardly ever happens at my place!), just store them in the fridge. They'll stay tasty for around 5 days, but they've never lasted that long around here! You can even wrap slices individually and freeze them—perfect for when you're craving something sweet late at night.

Tasty Variations

I love playing around with different additions. Recently I tried adding some raspberry jam—it was fantastic! My kids go crazy when I throw in some tiny chocolate chips. And during winter holidays? A sprinkle of chopped pecans in the cinnamon sugar turns it into something extra special. Don't be afraid to try your own twists!

The Heart of This Dessert

There's something truly wonderful about this treat that seems to pull everyone together. Maybe it's how the house fills up with amazing bakery smells while it cooks, or the way folks smile when they see those gorgeous golden layers. It's what home baking should be all about—bringing happiness through food.

Great Companions

Though this sweet treat stands proud on its own, I love having it alongside a steaming mug of coffee. For morning gatherings, I'll put out some fresh fruit on the side. And for those times when I want to go all out? A little caramel drizzled over the top is absolutely amazing!

Kitchen Wisdom I've Gained

After countless batches, I've picked up some helpful tricks. Make absolutely sure your cream cheese has fully softened or you'll battle with chunks. Take your time with that top layer—we want to keep those crescents in good shape! And don't cut corners on cooling time—it really helps everything set up just right.

Your Baking Secret Weapon

This sweet treat has come to my rescue countless times—from surprise visitors to forgotten potluck commitments. It's easy enough for kitchen beginners but tastes like you've been baking all day. And there's something magical about how it creates memories—seems like everyone who tries it wants to tell me about the first time they tasted it. That's what makes it truly unforgettable!

A close-up of a freshly baked pastry dish filled with cream, topped with powdered sugar and two raspberries. Pin it
A close-up of a freshly baked pastry dish filled with cream, topped with powdered sugar and two raspberries. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should cream cheese be soft?
Soft cream cheese blends easier with sugar and vanilla, making a silky filling. Cold cheese stays lumpy and uneven.
→ Can I prep this in advance?
Sure! Put it together up to a day ahead. Keep it in the fridge, then let it sit out 30 minutes before you bake so it cooks evenly.
→ Why flatten crescent seams?
Smoothing the seams forms a continuous sheet. It keeps filling from leaking and bakes evenly, so every slice looks great.
→ What’s the best way to store it?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days. Since it’s got dairy, don’t leave it sitting out too long.
→ Can I freeze it?
You could freeze it, though it’s not ideal. The texture of the filling and dough can get weird, so fresh is better.

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

Sweet cream cheese filling wrapped in crescent dough, finished with a buttery cinnamon topping—simple and delightful.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cans of chilled crescent roll dough.
02 2 blocks (8 ounces each) of softened cream cheese.
03 1 cup of regular sugar.
04 A teaspoon of vanilla.
05 1/4 cup melted butter.
06 A tablespoon of cinnamon powder.
07 2 tablespoons of sugar for sprinkling on top.

Instructions

Step 01

Set oven to 350°F and lightly oil a 9x13-inch pan.

Step 02

Lay down the first roll of crescent dough in the pan, smoothing the seams together.

Step 03

Whip the cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla until fluffy.

Step 04

Layer the whipped mixture evenly on top of the crescent dough.

Step 05

Add the second roll of crescent dough over the filling and press the seams closed.

Step 06

Drizzle melted butter, sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar combo, and bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 07

Let it cool for about 20 minutes, then cut into pieces and enjoy.

Notes

  1. You can make this up to a day in advance.
  2. Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13-inch pan.
  • Mixer (electric).
  • Brush for pastry.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Includes eggs.
  • Has gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 5 g