Cream cheese squares are so easy to make, they’ll be on permanent rotation.
Vanilla-spiced cream cheese is layered between sheets of crescent roll dough, drenched in melted butter and cinnamon, and baked until golden and fluffy.
Holly’s Scoop On Cream Cheese Squares
- Flavor: Warming spices, a buttery crust, and a soft, creamy filling make these easy cream cheese bars a craveable dessert you’ll want to make on repeat!
- Difficulty: Cream cheese squares have upscale bakery flair but require minimal baking skills! Just assemble, chill, and serve.
- Serving suggestions: Make cream cheese bars for a quick afternoon snack, a buffet table contribution, or a sweet treat on movie night!
Recipe Building Blocks
Crust: The buttery crescent roll crust makes the perfect base for the sweet cream cheese layer. Use unsalted butter to coat the top layer to get that rich, nutty flavor that only real butter can impart!
Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese. Fat in any recipe (dessert or otherwise) always carries the other flavors forward.
Switching it Up: Try mixing in mini chocolate chips, freeze-dried strawberries, crushed banana chips, or dried fruit and nuts. Or, spread some cherry or apple pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer. It’s a whole new dessert every time!
Shortcuts to Sweet Squares
- Skip the mixing and use tubs of flavored cream cheese instead! Maple walnut, honey pecan, or strawberry are readily available in the dairy aisle.
- Forgot to take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator in advance? Just heat it in short bursts in the microwave. It’ll be soft and mixable in seconds.
- Line your baking dish with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Use pre-made cinnamon sugar to save a step!
Next-Day Delicious
Be sure cream cheese squares are completely cool before storing to prevent the crust from getting soggy. To refrigerate, cover with plastic wrap. They will keep for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap them individually in plastic, then place them in a zippered bag and store for 2-3 months.
More Sweet Desserts
Did you enjoy these Cream Cheese Squares? Leave a comment and rating below.
Cream Cheese Squares
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar divided
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 16 ounces refrigerated crescent rolls 2 cans
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened, 2 packages
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Combine ¼ cup of sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Unroll one tube of the crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish*.
- In a large bowl beat the cream cheese, ¾ cup of sugar, and vanilla with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture in an even layer over the dough in the baking dish.
- Unroll the second tube of crescent rolls and lay it over the cream cheese mixture.
- Melt the butter and pour it overtop, using a brush to ensure everything is covered. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar overtop.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bars are set. Allow to cool on a baking rack for 30 minutes and then transfer to the fridge, uncovered, to cool for at least an hour before cutting.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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Recipe inspired by Lil’ Luna
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Love this recipe! I think the next time I make it I will add some sliced strawberries on top of the cool whip as well!
This is a fabulous recipe,and its soooo fresh,and wonderful. I varied it with Blueberries,Blackberries. Could use anykind of berries,or peaches,pears,etc. That’s the kind of recipes,I truelly love,ones I can use other substitutes,besides the original recipe,which was very,very,good,as well!