Crescent Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

2 cans of Pillsbury crescent rolls

2 packages of cream cheese, 8 ounces each, softened

1 cup of granulated sugar

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted

3 – 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar

2 tablespoons of cinnamon

Instructions:

Let’s get started by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Make sure to grease your 9 x 13 inch baking dish so that nothing sticks.

Now it’s time to lay the foundation. Take out your can of crescent rolls. Press them into the baking dish. Press the seams together firmly to create a base.

Moving on to mixing the filling, take a bowl. Combine softened cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract. Use a mixer to blend everything until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Next layer it up! Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll base. Make sure you cover every inch of it, with that creamy goodness.

Unroll your can of crescent rolls. Gently place them over the cream cheese layer. Crimp together any seams to seal in all that filling.

To add a crunch, mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. Melt some butter. Pour it over the top of your crescent roll layer. Sprinkle generously with your cinnamon sugar mixture.

It’s time to bake our creation! Place your dish into the oven. Let it bake for around 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until you see that golden top and notice most of the butter has been absorbed.

There you have it—baked to perfection! Enjoy this treat once it’s ready.
After creating your masterpiece it’s best to allow it to cool on a wire rack before proceeding to cut it into squares. This will ensure that the flavors and textures have set properly resulting in a chef-d’oeuvre.

Notes:

To make these gluten Crescent Cheesecake Bars you’ll need to make a few adjustments to the original recipe:

Gluten Free Crescent Rolls: Finding gluten free crescent rolls can be a bit challenging since there aren’t many brands that offer them. However you can opt for puff pastry as a substitute. It has a flaky texture and can be rolled out to fit your baking dish. Just make sure to double check the packaging for the certified gluten-free label.

Double Check your Vanilla Extract: While most vanilla extracts are naturally free of gluten it’s important to be cautious about brands that might include caramel color or other additives containing gluten. Take a moment to read the label carefully.

Remaining Ingredients: The rest of the ingredients – cream cheese, sugar, butter and cinnamon – are inherently gluten free. Nevertheless it’s always wise to scan their labels in case any sneaky additives containing gluten have made their way in.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 12 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

What occasions are these Crescent Cheesecake Bars suitable for?

These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions, including as an afternoon energy boost, a brunch addition, or a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Can I use a different brand of crescent rolls?

While the recipe mentions Pillsbury crescent rolls, you can experiment with other brands as well.

The taste and texture might vary slightly, but it’s worth trying.

Can I adjust the amount of sugar used in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste preferences. The recipe calls for granulated sugar in both the filling and the cinnamon sugar topping.

You can increase or decrease the amount based on how sweet you want the bars to be.

How can I store these bars?

After baking, allow the bars to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

They can be enjoyed cold or brought to room temperature before serving.

Can I substitute margarine for the butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for unsalted butter in this recipe.

However, keep in mind that margarine might have a slightly different flavor and texture compared to butter, so the result could vary a bit from the original recipe.

Can I use a different type of pastry instead of crescent rolls?

While the recipe specifies using Pillsbury crescent rolls, you could potentially experiment with other types of pastry dough. Just be aware that the texture and flavor might differ from the original recipe.

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version?

Yes, you can use reduced-fat or light cream cheese as a substitute.

Keep in mind that this might affect the creaminess and taste of the filling, but it’s a viable option for those looking to reduce calories.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Certainly! You can personalize the filling by adding ingredients like lemon zest, fruit preserves, or chocolate chips to create different flavor variations.

Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, you can prepare these bars in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to store them in an airtight container and consume them within a few days.

Can I freeze these bars?

While freezing the bars is possible, the texture of the cream cheese filling might change slightly upon thawing.

If you plan to freeze them, do so before baking.

Wrap the unbaked bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.