Dessert Cheese Bars
Creamy cheese filling layered with flaky crescent dough creates a rich, sweet dessert bar with cinnamon-sugar topping, perfect for gatherings and satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk; save the egg white.
- Flatten one can of crescent rolls into an 11 1/2 x 9-inch cake pan.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the flattened crescent dough.
- Unroll the other can of crescent rolls and place on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Brush the top with the egg white.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting.
- Keep refrigerated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a sweeter topping, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar after baking. You can substitute the crescent rolls with puff pastry for a flakier texture. To enhance flavor, add a dash of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. This recipe also works well with flavored cream cheeses like strawberry or blueberry.
Serving Suggestions
These dessert cheese bars are delightful served chilled or at room temperature. Pair them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also complement a cup of coffee or tea nicely, making them perfect for brunch gatherings. For an added twist, try serving them alongside the Golden Five Flavor Cake for a dessert spread that guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dessert cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to reheat them, cut a portion and warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until just warmed through, to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid reheating the entire batch to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dessert Cheese Bars contains roughly 242 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these dessert cheese bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, allow them to cool, and then refrigerate them until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making them even more delicious.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt, which will provide a tangy flavor. Alternatively, vegan cream cheese can be used for a dairy-free version, ensuring that everyone can enjoy them.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The dessert cheese bars are done when the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean, indicating that the filling has set properly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).