Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful treat featuring a creamy, sweet filling sandwiched between flaky crescent roll layers. These bars offer a perfect balance of cinnamon and sweetness, making them ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (divided)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 16 ounces refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets
• 16 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 5 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar with the cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Step 3: Open one package of crescent roll dough sheets. If using crescent rolls with seams, press them together on a clean surface to form one sheet. Lay this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent dough layer.
5. Step 5: Open the second package of crescent roll dough sheets and carefully place it over the cream cheese layer. There’s no need to press it down firmly.
6. Step 6: Melt the butter and brush it generously over the top dough layer. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into 24 squares for serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar topping.
• Use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
• Substitute the cinnamon sugar with a mix of brown sugar and chopped nuts for a crunchy twist.
• For a fruit variation, spread a thin layer of your favorite jam over the cream cheese before adding the top dough layer.

Storage

Store any leftover cream cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be enjoyed cold or gently warmed in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular crescent rolls instead of dough sheets?

Yes, just press the seams of the crescent rolls together on a flat surface to create a uniform sheet before layering as directed.

Do I have to use cream cheese at room temperature?

Using room temperature cream cheese makes it easier to mix and results in a smoother, fluffier filling. If the cream cheese is cold, it may become lumpy.

Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 83 reviews

These Cream Cheese Bars feature a flaky crescent roll crust layered with a smooth, sweetened cream cheese filling and a buttery cinnamon sugar topping. Baked until golden brown, they make a delightful dessert or snack that is both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust and Topping:

• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (divided)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 16 ounces refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets (2 cans)
• 5 tablespoons butter (melted)

Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Set this cinnamon sugar mixture aside for topping later.
3. Prepare bottom crust: Open one can of crescent roll dough sheets and carefully press all seams together on a clean cutting board or work surface to create one solid dough sheet. Lay this dough sheet evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
4. Make cream cheese filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract together on medium speed using an electric mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat until smooth, creamy, and fluffy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent dough in the pan.
5. Add top crust: Open the second can of crescent roll dough sheets, press seams together similarly, and lay this second dough sheet gently on top of the cream cheese layer without pressing down.
6. Add butter and cinnamon sugar: Melt the butter and brush it evenly over the top layer of dough. Then sprinkle the reserved cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and fully cooked.
8. Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 24 squares and serve.

Notes

• For best results, ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
• You can substitute the crescent roll dough with refrigerated puff pastry sheets for a slightly different texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; consume within 3-4 days.
• These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Keywords: cream cheese bars, cinnamon sugar bars, crescent roll dessert, easy dessert, baked cream cheese bars