There’s nothing like the scent of buttery, flaky crescent rolls and creamy cheesecake filling wafting from the oven. Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a sweet, comforting dessert that combines the best of both worlds: a rich, creamy cheesecake flavor with the simplicity and ease of crescent rolls.

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole Recipe

I first came across this recipe when I wanted a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s become a family favorite that’s often requested for holidays, weekend brunches, and special celebrations. Now, let’s dive into why this dessert will soon be one of your favorites too!

Why You'll Love This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with this effortlessly delightful dessert. Not only is this casserole delicious, but it also has a few extra perks that make it ideal for busy bakers and dessert lovers alike.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With only a handful of ingredients, you can whip this up in minutes. No water baths or springform pans here – just mix, layer, and bake for an easy, stress-free cheesecake experience.

Perfect for gatherings and holidays, this dessert is made in a casserole dish, making it perfect for serving a crowd. It’s a great choice for potlucks or family dinners when you want something everyone will enjoy.

Customizable to your taste, you can add fruit toppings, caramel, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to elevate the flavors. This dessert can adapt to many variations, so you can get creative with your favorite flavors.

Finally, it stores well and tastes just as good the next day – if not better! The cheesecake filling settles overnight, creating an even creamier texture. Let’s look at the ingredients you’ll need to bring this delicious dessert to life.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with just a few key ingredients coming together to create a luscious treat. Each one has an important role in making these cheesecake crescent rolls irresistible.

Crescent Rolls form the base and top layers of this casserole. They bake up golden brown and slightly crispy, providing a lovely contrast to the creamy cheesecake filling. You’ll need two cans for this recipe, which will cover the bottom and top layers perfectly.

Cream Cheese is the heart of the cheesecake filling. For the best results, use full-fat cream cheese, which gives the filling a rich, smooth texture. Soften it to room temperature for easier mixing and a lump-free filling.

Granulated Sugar sweetens the cheesecake mixture and caramelizes slightly as it bakes, creating a deliciously sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese. You’ll also use a bit of sugar to sprinkle on top for a lightly crispy, caramelized crust.

Vanilla Extract enhances the creamy cheesecake filling with a warm, sweet aroma. Use pure vanilla extract if possible – it makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor.

Butter is melted and drizzled on top of the casserole, helping to create a golden-brown crust on the crescent rolls. This simple touch adds a buttery richness to each bite.

For this recipe, you’ll only need a standard baking dish, about 9x13 inches, and a hand mixer or stand mixer for the cream cheese filling. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dessert!

How To Make This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole

Creating this luscious cheesecake crescent rolls casserole is a breeze. Let’s walk through the steps to get that perfect bake.

1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will ensure the crescent rolls bake up beautifully without any trouble getting them out.

2. Layer the First Crescent Roll Sheet
Open one can of crescent rolls and unroll the dough into a single sheet. Lay it across the bottom of the baking dish, pressing any seams together to create a solid layer. This will be the base layer for your cheesecake filling.

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, with no lumps. The filling should be light and spreadable.

4. Spread and Top with Crescent Rolls
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom crescent roll layer, making sure it’s smooth and reaches the edges. Open the second can of crescent rolls, unroll into a sheet, and carefully place it over the filling. Again, press any seams together so you have an even top layer.

5. Add the Topping and Bake
Melt ¼ cup butter and drizzle it over the top crescent roll layer. In a small bowl, mix about 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with a dash of cinnamon if desired. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the melted butter for a lightly caramelized, slightly crunchy top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Let the casserole cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled – each option offers a unique taste experience.

Storage Options

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a great make-ahead dessert because it stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it for a few days after baking.

Refrigerator: Once completely cooled, cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer: To freeze, cut the casserole into individual portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating: You can enjoy it straight from the fridge, but if you prefer it warm, reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is how easy it is to customize! Here are a few ideas to change things up:

Add Fruit Toppings: After baking, add a spoonful of cherry, strawberry, or blueberry pie filling on top of each slice for a fruity twist. This is especially great for holiday gatherings.

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: Before adding the top layer of crescent rolls, sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and brown sugar over the cheesecake filling for an extra touch of warm spice.

Chocolate Chip Addition: For a chocolatey twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cheesecake layer before adding the top crescent roll layer. It adds a nice, sweet surprise in every bite.

Drizzle with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling caramel or chocolate sauce over the casserole right before serving takes it to a whole new level of indulgence.

Add a Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the buttery topping before baking. They’ll toast as the casserole bakes, adding a delightful crunch.

Experimenting with flavors and add-ons can make this dessert unique each time you bake it, so feel free to try different combinations. Whether you’re enjoying it with family, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself, this Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is sure to become a favorite!