Crescent Roll Cheesecake

In this recipe, golden, buttery layers of crescent roll dough are filled with a creamy, slightly tangy filling and topped off with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for just the right touch of sweetness. This crescent roll cheesecake is so delicious that it will disappear quickly, leaving everyone reaching for seconds!

Whether you’re making it for a weekend treat or a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert, this crescent roll cheesecake delivers a delightful contrast of flaky and creamy textures in every bite. Plus, you can make it with minimal effort, thanks to canned crescent rolls.

Crescent Roll Cheesecake Ingredients

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• Crescent rolls: Refrigerated crescent roll dough creates a buttery, flaky crust that holds the creamy filling. It also adds structure and texture to the cheesecake layers. Use the best crescent rolls from the store, or try making homemade crescent rolls.
• Cream cheese: The softened cream cheese makes a rich, smooth filling. It provides a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweet topping.
• Sugar: Sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling and helps develop a golden, caramelized crust on the top of the cheesecake.
• Vanilla extract: The best vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake, adding a warm and aromatic note to the cream cheese filling.
• Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon brings a warm, spicy flavor that complements the sweetness and creates a fragrant topping when mixed with sugar.
• Butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the crescent roll dough and ensures a crispy, golden top layer.
• Honey: Honey is optional, but a drizzle of honey adds an extra layer of sweetness and a glossy finish to the baked dessert.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the crust

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Open one can of crescent roll dough, unroll it and press it into the bottom of a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Spread the dough into an even layer and press the seams together.

Step 2: Make the cream cheese filling

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In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese at medium speed until smooth, three to four minutes. Add 3/4 cup of the sugar and the vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy, two to three minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the cheesecake

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Pour the cream cheese filling into the baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it on top of the cream cheese filling. Press the seams together to form an even layer.

Step 4: Add the topping

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In a small bowl, stir together the remaining tablespoon of sugar and the ground cinnamon. Brush the top layer of dough with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake the crescent roll cheesecake

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Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the crescent dough is browned and crispy. Remove the baking dish from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool to room temperature. Drizzle with honey, if desired. Cut into squares and serve.

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Crescent Roll Cheesecake Variations

• Add a fruity twist: To create a sweet, tangy contrast, spread a layer of your favorite fruit jam over the cream cheese filling before adding the top layer of crescent roll dough. Try it with raspberry peach jam, strawberry jam or apricot jam.
• Incorporate chocolate: Mix a handful of mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a rich, decadent dessert with pockets of melty chocolate.
• Boost the crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts or almonds between the layers for added texture and a nutty flavor. Or add them on top of the cinnamon-sugar coating for visual appeal.
• Make it spiced: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or a blend of ground ginger and nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for a warm, seasonal flavor.
• Try a citrus upgrade: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the cream cheese filling to give the cheesecake a refreshing, zesty brightness.

How to Store Crescent Roll Cheesecake

To store this crescent roll cheesecake, cover the baking dish tightly with storage wrap or transfer the squares to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you freeze crescent roll cheesecake?

For longer storage, you can freeze crescent roll cheesecake in individual portions by wrapping them in storage wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Crescent Roll Cheesecake Tips

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Can you use low-fat cream cheese to make this crescent roll cheesecake recipe?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version of this cheesecake. However, low-fat cream cheese does not have the same rich flavor and creamy texture as full-fat cream cheese.

How do you prevent crescent roll dough from becoming soggy?

To avoid soggy dough, make sure to bake the cheesecake until the top is fully golden brown and crispy.

Can you make this cheesecake recipe without crescent roll dough?

If you don’t have crescent roll dough, puff pastry is a great alternative. It will create a cheesecake with a flakier, more delicate texture. Adjust the baking time as needed to ensure the puff pastry is fully cooked through.