Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make with just a few ingredients
- Deliciously rich and gooey with a crisp top
- Great for potlucks, brunch, or dessert
- Uses convenient refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups white sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Unroll one can of crescent dough and press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the bottom crust.
- Unroll the second can of dough and place over the cream cheese mixture—do not press down.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the top layer.
- Mix remaining ¼ cup sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over the butter.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and crisp.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into 24 squares. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and timing
- Yields: 24 squares
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Berry version: Add a thin layer of raspberry or blueberry preserves under the cream cheese.
- Nutty topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar.
- Lemon twist: Add lemon zest or a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
- Pumpkin spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist.
- Chocolate chip: Stir mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling.
storage/reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in single layers separated by parchment for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm individual squares in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or enjoy chilled.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, these squares store well and taste great even after refrigeration. Make a day ahead if needed.
Should I use full-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor. Low-fat may work but can be less creamy.
Can I use homemade dough?
Yes, but refrigerated crescent dough is quick and reliable for perfect results.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
Can I add fruit?
Absolutely. Try layering thinly sliced strawberries or peaches under the top crust.
How do I prevent the dough from puffing unevenly?
Do not press the top layer; it needs to float lightly over the filling to cook evenly.
What’s the best way to cut these?
Cool completely and use a sharp knife. Wipe the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
Can I skip the cinnamon sugar topping?
Yes, but the topping adds a delicious texture and flavor that complements the cream cheese well.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce sugar in the filling to ¾ cup or skip the cinnamon-sugar topping.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Squares are the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crispy—an easy dessert that looks and tastes like a lot more effort than it takes. With their versatility and indulgent flavor, they’re sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation.
Cream Cheese Squares
Cream Cheese Squares are an easy and indulgent dessert made with crescent roll dough, sweetened cream cheese, and a cinnamon-sugar topping. They’re rich, gooey, and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 ¼ cups white sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Unroll one can of crescent dough and press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the bottom crust.
- Unroll the second can of dough and place over the cream cheese mixture—do not press down.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the top layer.
- Mix remaining ¼ cup sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over the butter.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and crisp.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into 24 squares.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for best results.
Add fruit preserves or fresh fruit for extra flavor.
Cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
Can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
