Introduction
Craving a dessert that blends simplicity with indulgence? Your search ends here with this irresistible Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole. The flaky, buttery crescent rolls pair beautifully with the rich and creamy cheesecake filling, making this recipe a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a sweet breakfast treat or a decadent dessert after dinner, this casserole has the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Not only does this dessert require minimal ingredients, but it’s also quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or unexpected gatherings. The layers of crescent rolls and cheesecake filling bake together to create a luscious, golden treat that everyone will adore.
This cheesecake casserole is incredibly versatile, too! You can add fruit, nuts, or even chocolate to suit your tastes. The possibilities are endless, and once you try it, this dessert will become your go-to recipe for any special occasion. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to make this delightful treat!
What You’ll Need
Before you begin preparing your Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole, make sure you have all the necessary tools and ingredients on hand. Gathering everything you need beforehand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools
To get started, here’s a list of the tools you’ll need:
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe. It provides enough space for the layers of crescent rolls and cheesecake filling to bake evenly. If you prefer a slightly thicker casserole, you can use a smaller dish, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need two medium-sized mixing bowls—one for preparing the cheesecake filling and another for mixing the cinnamon-sugar topping. Using separate bowls helps keep your ingredients organized and prevents any mix-ups.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to getting the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Make sure you have measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients as well as measuring spoons for small amounts like vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: A whisk is sufficient for blending the cream cheese and sugar together, but if you prefer a smoother filling, you can use an electric mixer. This will help you achieve a silky texture that pairs perfectly with the crescent rolls.
- Pastry Brush: This handy tool is perfect for brushing the melted butter onto the crescent roll dough. It ensures an even coating, which helps the dough bake to a golden, flaky perfection.
Ingredients
Now that you’ve gathered your tools, it’s time to go over the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole. The ingredients are simple, but when combined, they create a rich and satisfying dessert.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough: These form the flaky base and top layers of the casserole. The crescent roll dough bakes up golden and crisp, complementing the creamy cheesecake filling perfectly.
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened: This is the key ingredient for the cheesecake filling. Softening the cream cheese before mixing ensures a smooth texture and helps the filling blend easily with the sugar.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese filling, balancing out the tanginess of the cream cheese and adding to the overall sweetness of the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cheesecake filling, giving it that classic, aromatic taste that pairs so well with the crescent rolls.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter adds a rich, savory touch to the recipe. It’s brushed over the crescent rolls before baking, helping them turn golden brown and crispy.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavor to the dish, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cream cheese filling.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping): This sugar gets mixed with the cinnamon and sprinkled on top of the crescent rolls, creating a lovely sweet crust as it bakes.
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to put everything together. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick as it bakes. Preheating the oven is crucial for an even bake, so make sure your oven is at the right temperature before you start assembling.
2. Prepare the Crescent Roll Base
Unroll a can of crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring it covers the surface evenly. As you press, make sure to seal any seams between the dough pieces. This will form the first layer of the casserole, which will bake up flaky and buttery, supporting the creamy cheesecake filling above.
If you prefer an extra-flaky crust, you can roll out the dough slightly before pressing it into the dish, but the regular crescent roll shape works just fine!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. The cream cheese should be soft enough to blend easily, so be sure to let it sit out for about 10 minutes before mixing.
This creamy filling will act as the “cheesecake” part of the casserole and provide a luscious contrast to the flaky crescent rolls.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Once your filling is smooth and well-combined, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll base in the baking dish. Use a spatula to ensure the filling reaches all the corners.
Next, unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and lay it over the cream cheese layer, pressing the seams together to seal. The top layer of dough will bake up golden and crispy, creating a delicious contrast to the creamy filling.
5. Add the Topping
Brush the top layer of dough with 1/4 cup of melted butter to help it brown nicely as it bakes. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of sugar, then sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. This topping will caramelize during baking, creating a sweet, spiced crunch on top.
6. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed up. The casserole should be bubbling slightly at the edges, and the cinnamon-sugar topping should look crispy.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve. You can enjoy this casserole warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Nutrition Score
If you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown of this Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole, here’s a quick guide to help you understand what goes into each serving. This recipe is rich in flavor, so it’s perfect as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.
Per Serving (1 Slice, Assuming 12 Servings):
- Calories: Approximately 320
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 4g
Understanding the Nutrition
The calories primarily come from the buttery crescent rolls and the cream cheese filling, making it a rich and indulgent dessert. While the casserole provides a good amount of fat and protein, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. If you’re looking to lower the calorie count, you can substitute light cream cheese or reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
The combination of fats from the butter and cream cheese with the carbohydrates from the crescent rolls creates a satisfying dessert that fills you up without being overly heavy. Plus, the cinnamon topping adds a touch of warmth and sweetness with minimal extra calories.
Serving & Storage
This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later use. Whether you’re serving it at a party or saving leftovers for a sweet treat later, here’s how to serve and store this delicious casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a sweet treat after dinner. Here are a few ways you can serve it to elevate the experience:
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top will add a light and airy contrast to the rich, creamy filling.
- With Ice Cream: For an indulgent twist, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even cinnamon ice cream to complement the flavor profile.
- Topped with Fruit: Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the casserole, making each bite feel like a burst of flavor.
- Drizzled with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: For extra decadence, drizzle some warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the top just before serving. This adds richness and a glossy finish.
Storage Tips
While this casserole is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers for later:
- In the Refrigerator: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve its texture and flavor. Be sure to cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. The topping may lose some of its original crispiness, but the casserole will still taste delicious.
- Freezing: If you have more leftovers than you can finish within 3 days, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole. These answers will help clarify any uncertainties and ensure that your casserole turns out perfect every time!
1. Do crescent rolls have dairy?
Yes, most traditional crescent roll dough contains dairy ingredients, such as butter and milk. If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, you can check for dairy-free crescent roll dough or make a homemade version using plant-based butter and milk alternatives. Always double-check the packaging to confirm!
2. How long do you keep crescent rolls in the oven?
To bake crescent rolls on their own, set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. When making this casserole, the crescent rolls bake as part of the casserole, and you’ll need to bake the entire dish at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
3. Can you let Pillsbury crescent rolls rise?
Pillsbury crescent rolls are designed to be baked immediately after unrolling. They come pre-portioned, so there’s no need to let them rise. Allowing them to rise may result in a different texture, as they’re meant to bake into a flaky, layered dough right from the can.
4. How long to bake Great Value crescent rolls?
Great Value crescent rolls should be baked at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. When using them in this casserole recipe, you’ll bake the entire dish at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the casserole and ensure it is golden and bubbly before removing it from the oven.
Conclusion
This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole combines the best of both worlds: the buttery, flaky texture of crescent rolls and the rich, creamy filling of cheesecake. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, serving it at brunch, or indulging after dinner.
With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different fruits, nuts, or chocolate to suit your tastes, making it a great recipe to adapt for any season or celebration.
Next time you’re craving a dessert that’s both decadent and easy to make, look no further than this Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole. Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or enjoying a slice by yourself, it’s bound to impress and satisfy every time.
If you’re in the mood for more easy, indulgent recipes, try making some Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls or a Chocolate Strawberry Cake for your next gathering! For another delicious dessert, check out our Chocolate Peanut Butter Roulade.