Cream Cheese Squares Recipe
If you love creamy desserts that impress without a fuss, Cream Cheese Squares are about to become your new favorite treat. This crowd-pleasing recipe layers velvety cream cheese between two sheets of golden crescent roll dough, all crowned with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust that bakes up gorgeously crisp. With simple ingredients and an easy method, every bite offers a luscious, tangy sweetness paired perfectly with soft, buttery pastry—and a little hint of cinnamon warmth. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch when friends come over!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll only need a handful of basic ingredients to make these Cream Cheese Squares, but each one is essential to getting that perfectly fluffy, creamy, and slightly crisp result. Here’s why every component matters and a quick tip on using it:
- Crescent roll dough: The magic shortcut for an easy, flakey crust—make sure to press the seams together for even layering!
- Cream cheese (softened): This gives the signature creamy texture; allow it to sit at room temperature so it blends smoothly.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the filling and adds that sweet crunch on top.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon adds lovely warmth and depth to the filling.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Poured over the top, this helps the cinnamon sugar crisp up beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds aromatic warmth and the classic flavor you’ll love in every bite.
How to Make Cream Cheese Squares
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little butter. This prevents sticking and ensures every square comes out cleanly from the pan—no one wants to leave any behind!
Step 2: Lay the Crescent Dough Base
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and lay it flat in the bottom of your prepared pan, gently pressing and pinching the seams together. This sheet acts as the foundation for your Cream Cheese Squares, so take a minute to make sure there are no gaps. It will bake up tender and flaky!
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and dreamy. Don’t rush this—beating until creamy means your filling will be light and spread easily across your dough.
Step 4: Layer the Cream Cheese Filling
Spread your cream cheese mixture evenly over the base layer of crescent dough. Use a spatula to get all the way to the edges, guaranteeing every bite has that delicious, tangy center.
Step 5: Add the Top Crescent Layer
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully lay it over the cream cheese layer. Again, pinch all seams together and tuck the dough in at the edges as needed. Sealing the seams helps trap the creamy filling as it bakes.
Step 6: Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top layer of dough. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with the cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture generously over the entire surface. This creates that irresistible, slightly crunchy, and aromatic crust signature to the best Cream Cheese Squares.
Step 7: Bake and Chill
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool completely on the counter, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the filling and makes slicing a breeze!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Squares
Garnishes
Dress up your Cream Cheese Squares with a dusting of powdered sugar, a light drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top. Pile on some fresh berries or candied pecans for a truly stunning dessert tray—each little addition brings new color, texture, and flavor!
Side Dishes
These sweet, tangy bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. If you’re serving dessert as part of a brunch spread, consider accompanying them with a fruit salad, vanilla yogurt, or a scoop of lemon sorbet for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, cut your Cream Cheese Squares into mini bites and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. Stack them on a cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece, or layer them in parfait glasses with berries and whipped cream for a fun, deconstructed spin!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extras? Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the squares to an airtight container. Cream Cheese Squares will stay fresh and lovely in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor actually deepens after a day or two!
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cut squares in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer your Cream Cheese Squares a little warm, pop an individual square in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Avoid reheating the whole pan, as the filling could become too soft. Enjoy them chilled or gently warmed—either way, they’re delicious!
FAQs
Can I add fruit preserves to the filling?
Absolutely! Spreading a thin layer of your favorite fruit preserves—think raspberry, apricot, or strawberry—under the top crescent layer adds a fun, fruity twist to your Cream Cheese Squares. Play around with flavors to suit your mood!
Do I need to chill the bars before serving?
Yes, chilling the bars is key. Letting Cream Cheese Squares rest in the fridge for at least an hour firms up the filling, making them much easier to slice cleanly and enjoy. If you’re short on time, put them in the freezer for about 20 minutes instead.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can swap in low-fat or neufchatel cream cheese, but keep in mind that full-fat yields the creamiest, richest result. Lower fat options may create a slightly softer filling, but they’ll still be tasty!
My crescent dough didn’t seal perfectly—help?
No worries! Just do your best to pinch seams closed with your fingers. If a little filling peeks out while baking, it’s not the end of the world. The dessert will still be delicious, and those golden edges can be extra tempting!
Are Cream Cheese Squares best served chilled or at room temperature?
They’re wonderful either way, but chilling enhances their creamy texture and makes them easy to handle. You can let them sit out for about 30 minutes if you prefer a slightly softer bite.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t made Cream Cheese Squares yet, you’re in for a seriously delightful treat. They’re just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery—and couldn’t be more inviting on a dessert table or as a cozy pick-me-up. Give them a try and let them become a new favorite in your own kitchen!
Print
Cream Cheese Squares Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cream Cheese Squares are a delightful and easy dessert made with layers of crescent roll dough, sweetened cream cheese, and a cinnamon sugar topping. These squares are perfect for any occasion and will satisfy your sweet tooth with every bite.
Ingredients
Crescent Dough:
- 2 (8 oz) cans crescent roll dough
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Base: Press one can of crescent dough into the pan to form the base.
- Make Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over dough.
- Add Top Layer: Lay the second can of crescent dough over the filling.
- Add Topping: Pour melted butter over the top layer and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool, then chill before slicing.
Notes
- Enhance the flavor with a layer of fruit preserves under the top crescent dough.
- For best taste, refrigerate the squares before serving; they can be made ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
