If you’re searching for the ultimate sweet treat that’s equal parts effortless and irresistible, Cream Cheese Squares are about to become your new dessert hero. This recipe brings together flaky crescent roll dough, dreamy cream cheese filling, and a shimmering cinnamon-sugar topping for a crowd-pleasing delight that always disappears fast. Whether you serve them chilled or fresh from the oven, each bite is creamy, sweet, and perfectly nostalgic—like cheesecake and coffee cake rolled into one glorious square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list to make Cream Cheese Squares, and that’s part of their magic! Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s building the melt-in-your-mouth texture or layering on sweet, buttery flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a why-each-matters note.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): The shortcut to that tender, golden pastry base and top—effortless and always reliable.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, softened): The rich, tangy heart of every bite, bringing smooth cheesecake vibes to each bar.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup for filling, 1/4 cup for topping): Sweetens the creamy center and gives the top its crackly crust; split for different roles.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors in the filling, making them taste bakery-quality.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Brushes the top layer and creates that golden, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Swirled right into the topping, it gives each square a hint of cozy spice and beautiful color.
How to Make Cream Cheese Squares
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. A quick spritz of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter makes sure those luscious Cream Cheese Squares lift out clean later—trust me, you won’t want to lose even a crumb!
Step 2: Lay Down the First Layer
Pop open your first can of refrigerated crescent roll dough. Unroll it and gently press it into the bottom of your baking dish, pinching the seams closed for one smooth, even base. This layer forms the delicately crisp foundation for all that creamy filling to come.
Step 3: Whip Up the Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and the vanilla extract until everything is smooth and beautifully creamy. You’re looking for a spreadable, fluffy filling—this is the luxurious center that makes Cream Cheese Squares so uniquely craveworthy.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Mixture
Spoon the cream cheese filling over your crescent dough base and use an offset spatula (or even the back of your spoon) to spread it into an even layer. Make sure it reaches every corner—this is what will make every bite sing!
Step 5: Top with the Second Layer
Gently unroll your second can of crescent roll dough and lay it right over the creamy layer, pinching seams together again to seal it all in. Don’t worry about perfect edges; a rustic look is part of the charm.
Step 6: Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top dough layer. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the cinnamon, then sprinkle it all over the buttery surface for an irresistible, sparkly crust that’s both sweet and aromatic.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is golden and the center feels set. Let them cool completely before slicing into neat, shareable squares. If you can, chill them a bit—this makes for even cleaner cuts and an extra silky texture.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Squares
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate Cream Cheese Squares to bakery-case gorgeousness. For a fruity pop, scatter on some fresh berries or add a spoonful of your favorite jam alongside.
Side Dishes
Pair Cream Cheese Squares with fresh fruit salad, piping-hot coffee, or spiced chai tea for a delightful brunch spread. Their creamy richness also balances beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the squares into tiny bites and serving them on a tiered platter for a party. Or, layer slices in clear jars parfait-style with whipped cream and fruit—mini cheesecakes to-go! You can even bake them in muffin tins for individually portioned treats that are adorable and portable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Cream Cheese Squares in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, and many would say they’re even better cold, as the flavors mellow and meld together.
Freezing
Want to save some for next time? These bars are freezer-friendly! Wrap squares individually in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Although Cream Cheese Squares are divine straight from the fridge, a short 10-15 seconds in the microwave will bring back that just-baked tenderness and make the cinnamon topping extra fragrant. Be gentle, so the filling stays creamy.
FAQs
Can I add fruit or jam to the filling?
Absolutely! For a burst of fruity flavor, spread a thin layer of raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot jam over the cream cheese mixture before you add the top crescent layer. It’s an easy way to make these squares extra special.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
If you can’t find crescent roll dough, you can use sheets of puff pastry. Just be sure to roll them thin and monitor baking time, as puff pastry can brown a little faster.
Can I make Cream Cheese Squares ahead for a party?
Definitely! They’re perfect for making the night before—just bake, cool, and refrigerate overnight. Cut into bars just before serving for the neatest slices and maximum convenience.
Is there a way to make them less sweet?
You can absolutely scale back the sugar in both the filling and the topping if you prefer a less sweet dessert. Start with 2/3 cup in the filling, and 2 tablespoons in the topping, and adjust to taste.
How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Make sure your filling is spread evenly, and don’t overdo the butter on the bottom layer—just a light greasing will do. Also, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing, which helps everything set up nicely.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a no-fuss dessert that’s sure to wow with every single bite, you simply can’t go wrong with Cream Cheese Squares. They bring just the right mix of creamy, sweet, and comforting—perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!). Go on, give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the first batch.
Print
Cream Cheese Squares Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Cream Cheese Squares for a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Layers of creamy cheese filling sandwiched between flaky crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection, make for a simple yet scrumptious dessert.
Ingredients
Crescent Dough:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the base: Press one can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the dish.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the dough.
- Add the top layer: Place the second can of dough over the cream cheese.
- Top with butter: Pour melted butter over the top layer.
- Add topping: Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the butter.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Chill for enhanced flavor.
- Try with fruit jam for a fruity twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
