Imagine taking the best parts of cheesecake and classic churros, snuggling them up in buttery crescent dough, and creating a treat impossible to resist—welcome to the world of Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars! These bars are a pure delight: rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet with a hint of cinnamon. Whether you’re baking for a family potluck, a holiday dessert table, or a Tuesday that just needs something special, this recipe brings comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor in a way only Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars can.

Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but hits all the high notes on texture and flavor. Each ingredient has a real role to play, from the tangy cream cheese to the warm cinnamon sugar. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars just perfect:

Butter (1 tbsp, softened): Greasing the pan with butter not only prevents sticking but adds a little extra richness to the crust.
Refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): The real secret here! It gives both the top and bottom of your bars a flaky, golden finish.
Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, softened): The heart of any good cheesecake filling—make sure it’s softened for silky-smooth mixing.
Sugar (1 cup for filling + 1/4 cup for topping): Sweetens things up just right and helps the cheese blend into decadent bliss.
Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Don’t skip this; vanilla brings out the best in creamy, cheesy desserts.
Butter (6 tbsp for topping): You’ll melt and pour this over the bars to make that cinnamon-sugar finish totally luscious.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, for topping): Mixed into the sugar topping, it delivers that iconic churro aroma and crunch.

How to Make Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with the softened butter. This helps both for easy removal and gives your bars an irresistible base. Don’t skimp on the edges!

Step 2: Lay the Bottom Crescent Dough

Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and gently stretch it along the bottom of your buttered baking dish. It’s okay if the seams show—just pat them lightly together to make one even layer. No need to press too hard; a light touch keeps the crust tender and flaky.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Grab your largest mixing bowl and add in the softened cream cheese, one cup of sugar, and vanilla. Blend everything together with a hand mixer until the mixture is velvety and smooth with no lumps in sight. The vanilla brings warmth, while the sugar ensures ultimate creaminess.

Step 4: Spread the Filling

Drop large spoonfuls of the filling all over the crescent dough layer, then gently spread it out to the edges. This little trick makes it easier to distribute without tearing the dough underneath. You want a thick, even layer of luscious cheesecake filling.

Step 5: Top with the Second Layer of Crescent Dough

Unroll the second can of crescent dough and carefully lay it over the cream cheese layer. Try to cover as much as you can; it’s fine if there are a few small gaps because they’ll fill in as they bake. Again, avoid pressing—just let it float on top like a golden blanket.

Step 6: Add the Buttery Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Next, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Pour the melted butter evenly over your bars and smooth it gently with a knife. In a separate small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup sugar with the teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle this magical mixture over the entire surface.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cinnamon-sugar crust looks beautifully crystallized. Resist the temptation to slice in right away! Let your Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars cool completely before you cut them; this gives the filling true cheesecake texture and ensures nice, clean slices.

How to Serve Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

The final flourish can be as simple or celebratory as you like. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a little visual drama. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce brings even more wow factor for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with something fresh to balance the richness, like a bowl of mixed berries or a tangy fruit salad. For dessert tables or brunches, coffee or a hot latte makes a dreamy accompaniment. Their creamy, sweet bite truly shines next to something light and bright!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving them for a party, cut the Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars into bite-sized squares and place in festive cupcake liners. Or, layer pieces in mason jars with berries and whipped cream for cheesecake parfaits. For a fun twist, you could even try dipping half of each bar in melted chocolate and letting them set for party platters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars tightly covered in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to four days, and you might even find the flavor improves once they’ve had a little time to chill and set!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars! After cooling and slicing, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

If you like your bars slightly warm (who doesn’t?), simply microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop in a low oven for a few minutes. Just be careful not to overdo it, as you don’t want to melt that perfect cheesecake filling.

FAQs

Do Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars have to be refrigerated?

Absolutely! The cream cheese filling means these bars need to be stored in the fridge, both for food safety and to preserve that luxuriously creamy texture.

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?

You can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer, but the bars may be a little less rich and creamy. They’ll still be tasty, just with a lighter vibe!

How do I keep the crescent dough from tearing?

The key is to unroll the dough gently and avoid stretching it too much. Pat the seams together with your fingertips and let the dough rest at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s sticking.

Can I add fruit or other flavors to the filling?

Definitely! Swirl in a little lemon curd, raspberry jam, or even sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers before baking. Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars are a fantastic blank canvas for your favorite flavor experiments.

What if I don’t have a hand mixer?

No hand mixer? No worries! Just use a sturdy whisk and a little extra elbow grease to blend the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

There’s pure joy in every bite of these Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars. Whether you’re a dessert pro or a total beginner, this recipe is one of those “secret weapon” treats you’ll find yourself making again and again. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked from the first golden, cinnamon-dusted bite!

Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars are a delightful combination of flaky crescent roll dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet cinnamon churro topping. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Bars:

1 tbsp butter, softened
2 (8 oz) cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough like Pillsbury
2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Cinnamon Churro Topping:

6 tbsp butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Rub the softened butter around the inside of a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Prepare bottom crust: Gently roll one can of crescent roll dough along the bottom of the baking dish without pressing too firmly.
Make cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Spread over the crescent roll layer.
Add top crust: Carefully roll the second can of crescent roll dough over the cream cheese layer.
Prepare churro topping: Melt butter, pour over bars, and spread. Combine sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the top.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sugar has crystalized.
Cool and serve: Let cool completely before serving. Store bars in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American