Ingredients
- Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough (2 cans): The crescent roll dough is the star of the casserole. It provides the perfect combination of flakiness and richness that forms the base and the top of the casserole. This dough is incredibly convenient and saves you time in the kitchen, allowing you to focus on the more flavorful components of the dish.
- Cream Cheese (2 blocks, 8 ounces each): Cream cheese is the heart of this dessert. It provides the luscious, creamy filling that’s both tangy and sweet. The cream cheese filling is thick yet smooth, and it contrasts beautifully with the flaky dough layers.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup for the filling, plus 2 tablespoons for the topping): The sugar is used to sweeten both the cream cheese filling and the cinnamon-sugar topping. It’s the perfect level of sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the cream cheese and the richness of the crescent rolls.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla adds depth to the cream cheese filling, complementing the sweetness of the sugar and providing a smooth, aromatic flavor that ties the whole dessert together.
- Melted Butter (1/4 cup): Butter helps to enhance the flavor of the casserole and is brushed over the top layer of crescent dough to create a golden, crispy crust. It’s the secret ingredient that adds richness to every bite.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Cinnamon is the key spice that gives this casserole its signature flavor. When paired with sugar, it creates a comforting, warm topping that elevates the dessert to new heights.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures that the casserole doesn’t stick to the dish and will come out easily after baking.
- First Layer of Crescent Roll Dough Open one can of crescent roll dough and unroll it. Lay the dough flat across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Be sure to press the seams together to form a smooth, even layer. This will serve as the base layer of your casserole.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The consistency should be thick but spreadable.
- Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture Once the cream cheese mixture is ready, spread it evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring the cream cheese layer is even and covers the entire surface of the dough.
- Second Layer of Crescent Roll Dough Take the second can of crescent roll dough and unroll it. Gently place it over the cream cheese layer, pressing the seams together to form a smooth top layer. This will create the sandwich effect, with the cream cheese filling nestled between two layers of flaky crescent rolls.
- Apply the Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture Brush the melted butter evenly over the top layer of crescent roll dough. The butter will help the dough crisp up and turn golden brown as it bakes. In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon with the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered dough. This step is essential for adding sweetness and warmth to the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. You’ll start to smell the warm cinnamon and butter as it bakes, which will only heighten your anticipation.
- Cool and Serve Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes. This will give the layers a chance to set and make it easier to cut into squares. You can serve the casserole as is, or for an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with honey or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Substitutions: If you don’t have crescent roll dough, puff pastry or biscuit dough can be used as alternatives. Both will offer a slightly different texture but will still yield a similar outcome.
- Add-ins: For added variety, consider adding fresh fruit to the cream cheese mixture, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a burst of freshness. You could also mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a richer flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole is perfect for brunch or as a comforting dessert after dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a special touch, serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian