Description
This Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the flaky goodness of crescent rolls with the creamy richness of cheesecake. It’s perfect for brunch, potlucks, or any occasion when you need a crowd-pleasing treat. The sweet glaze and optional toppings add a touch of elegance, making it a versatile dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (for added flavor)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (or cream for richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
- Sliced almonds or chopped pecans
- Sprinkles or shredded coconut
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Arrange the triangles in the prepared baking pan, pressing the seams together to form a single layer of dough covering the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using) until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crescent dough layer. Unroll another can of crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Arrange the triangles over the cheesecake filling, pressing the seams together to seal the top layer.
Step 5: Bake Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before adding the glaze.
Step 6: Make the Glaze In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).
Step 7: Glaze and Serve Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm casserole. Optional: Add toppings like fresh berries, nuts, or sprinkles for added color and texture. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love, combining the comforting flavors of cheesecake with the flaky texture of crescent rolls. It’s also versatile, allowing for various customizations with different extracts, mix-ins, and toppings.
Serving Suggestions:
Perfect as a standalone dessert or paired with:
- Coffee or tea
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit salad
Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cream cheese and high-quality vanilla extract make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Switch Flavors: Add lemon zest, cocoa powder, or cinnamon to the cheesecake filling for variety.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fruit preserves for extra flair.
- Store Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25-30 minutes Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutrition Information: (per serving, approximate) Calories: 350 Protein: 6g Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion
The Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-prepare dessert that brings joy to any occasion. With its creamy cheesecake filling, flaky crescent roll crust, and sweet glaze, it’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite!
Questions and Answers about This Recipe
- Can I use a different size baking pan? Yes, you can, but it may affect the baking time. If you use a larger pan, the casserole will be thinner and may bake faster. Keep an eye on it and adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan will result in a thicker casserole, which may require a longer baking time.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the glaze just before serving to prevent the crescent rolls from becoming soggy.
- Can I use different extracts? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts to customize the flavor. Lemon extract, almond extract, or even a touch of rum extract can add unique and delicious twists to the cheesecake filling.
- What if I don’t have crescent roll dough? If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry as a substitute. Puff pastry will give a different texture, but it will still be delicious.
- How do I prevent the crescent rolls from burning? To prevent the crescent rolls from burning, you can tent the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will help to keep the tops from getting too brown while the filling finishes cooking.
