This Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars recipe is quick, comforting, and perfect for when you want an impressive dessert with little fuss. Golden, flaky crescent dough sandwiches a smooth, sweet cream cheese filling. The bars look and taste like a bakery treat — creamy center, crisp edges, and a buttery aroma that fills the kitchen.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving — values rounded)
- Calories per serving: 210 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
Why Make This Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars
These bars are fast and crowd-pleasing. The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and ready-made crescent dough so you skip making crust from scratch. The filling is silky and sweet with a mild tang from cream cheese and lemon if you choose to add it. The finished bars slice into neat squares that are great for potlucks, after-dinner treats, or a weekend coffee break.
How to Make Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars
This recipe layers a thin crescent roll crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a top layer of crescent dough. You’ll press the dough into a pan, spread the filling, seal with dough, and bake until golden. The result is a tender, slightly flaky exterior with a soft, rich interior.
Ingredients:
- 1 tube crescent roll dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for flavor)
Note: The directions call for a second tube of crescent roll dough to cover the filling. If you want a top crust, have a second tube on hand or roll out extra dough.
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment for easy removal. Unroll one tube of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish. Press the seams together to form a single, even crust so the filling won’t leak.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and egg. Beat until the mixture is glossy and creamy. If using, stir in the tablespoon of lemon juice for a bright flavor.
Step 3: Baking
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust in the baking dish. Unroll the second tube of crescent roll dough and lay it gently over the cream cheese layer. Press and seal the edges to enclose the filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is puffed and golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan so the filling sets. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar if you like. Cut into 12 squares and serve. Store extras as described below.
How to Serve Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars
Serve bars at room temperature or chilled. They pair well with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a bright touch, top with fresh berries or a drizzle of fruit sauce. These bars work well for brunch, potlucks, or an easy dessert after dinner.
How to Store Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars
- At room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly to avoid drying.
- Freezing: Freeze individual bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature. This avoids lumps and gives a smooth filling.
- Press seams of the crescent dough well to form a continuous crust. This keeps the filling from bubbling out.
- Don’t overbake. Pull the bars when the top is golden and the center is slightly jiggly. It will set as it cools.
- Cool fully before slicing for clean bars. Warm bars will be too soft and may fall apart.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Low-fat versions can make the filling runnier.
- If you only have one tube of dough, roll the dough slightly thinner to cover both bottom and top, or use a second tube for a flakier top.
Delicious Variations
- Lemon Cheesecake Bars: Add 1–2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the filling and the optional lemon juice for a bright citrus flavor.
- Berry Swirl: Spoon softened jam or berry compote over the filling and swirl with a knife before topping with dough.
- Chocolate Chip: Stir 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture for a sweet crunch.
- Cinnamon Sugar Top: Brush the top dough with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar before baking for a warm spice note.
- Nutty Crunch: After baking, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or almonds on top with a light drizzle of honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to use two tubes of crescent rolls?
A: For a distinct top and bottom crust, use two tubes. If you only have one, you can stretch and press the dough to cover both layers, or roll out extra dough. Two tubes give a better, flakier top.
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare the filling and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Bring it back to room temperature and beat it briefly before spreading.
Q: Why did my filling crack or separate?
A: Overmixing can add air and cause cracks. Also, baking at too high a temperature can cause separation. Beat until just smooth and bake at the recommended temperature. Cool slowly.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese or a cream cheese alternative?
A: You can, but texture and flavor will change. Low-fat versions may be softer and slightly watery. For best results, use full-fat cream cheese.
Q: How do I get the bars to cut cleanly?
A: Chill the baked bars for at least one hour, then use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This gives neat slices.
Q: Can I add fruit to the filling?
A: Yes. Fold in small pieces of fruit like strawberries or blueberries, but drain well first. Excess moisture can make the filling too soft.
Q: Is it okay to use powdered sugar on top if I plan to store the bars?
A: Powdered sugar dissolves over time. If storing, add it just before serving for the best appearance.
Conclusion
These Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars are an easy way to make a creamy, bakery-style dessert at home with minimal effort. They bake up golden and flaky, with a rich, smooth filling that tastes like a small celebration in each bite. Tried and true tips in this article will help you get clean slices and great flavor every time. For a similar recipe and inspiration, check out this Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars recipe: Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars. Give the bars a try — they’re fast, forgiving, and delicious. Enjoy!
Print
Crescent Roll Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and comforting cheesecake bars made with crescent roll dough and a creamy filling, perfect for parties and entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 tube crescent roll dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment. Unroll one tube of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, sealing the seams.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, vanilla, and egg, mixing until glossy. Stir in lemon juice if using.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Unroll the second tube of crescent roll dough over the filling, sealing the edges. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares and serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
