Easy Cherry Cheesecake Bars With Crescent Rolls (30-Minute Dessert!)

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Have you ever needed a show-stopping dessert but only had 30 minutes to spare? These Crescent Cherry Cheesecake Bars are about to become your secret weapon! Combining the buttery flakiness of crescent rolls with rich cream cheese filling and sweet cherry pie topping, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results without the fuss.

Whether you’re looking for croissant dessert recipes, creative croissant recipe ideas, or a stunning way to use up those crescent rolls in your fridge, this recipe checks all the boxes. The best part? You probably already have most ingredients in your pantry right now!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheesecake Bar Recipe

This isn’t your ordinary cheesecake. By using crescent rolls as the base instead of traditional crust, you get that signature flaky croissant recipe texture without spending hours laminating dough. The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet cherries, and crunchy oat topping creates layers of flavor and texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

These bars are incredibly versatile too. Serve them as a decadent croissant recipe breakfast alongside your morning coffee, bring them to potlucks, or plate them up as an elegant dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They work for any occasion and always impress.

What Makes These Bars Special

Unlike traditional cheesecakes that require water baths and precise temperatures, these bars are forgiving and foolproof. The crescent roll base provides structure while staying tender, the cream cheese layer adds richness without being too heavy, and the cherry pie filling brings that pop of fruity sweetness everyone loves.

The oat crumble topping with nuts adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers below. And that vanilla glaze drizzled on top? It’s the finishing touch that transforms these bars from homemade to bakery-worthy.

Essential Ingredients

Main Components

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Crescent Rolls	1 can (12 oz)	Flaky base layer
Cream Cheese	16 oz (2 packages)	Creamy filling
White Sugar	1/4 cup	Sweetens filling
Almond Extract	1 teaspoon	Flavor enhancer
Egg Yolk	1	Binding agent
Cherry Pie Filling	21 oz can	Fruit topping
Quick Oats	1 1/2 cups	Crumble texture
Brown Sugar	1/4 cup	Topping sweetness
Butter	1 stick (1/2 cup)	Rich flavor
Nuts (walnut/pecan)	1/2 cup	Added crunch

Glaze Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Powdered Sugar	1-1 1/2 cups	Sweet glaze base
Milk	3-4 tablespoons	Consistency control
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon	Flavor

Equipment You’ll Need

To make these delicious bars, you’ll want to have the right tools on hand. A quality 9×13 baking sheet is essential for even baking. You’ll also need an electric mixer to blend that cream cheese filling until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. A reliable oven preheated to the right temperature ensures your bars bake evenly. Don’t forget mixing bowls for preparing your crumble topping, and a good cutting board with chef’s knives for cutting your finished bars into perfect squares.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and spray a 9×13 cake pan with cooking spray
2. Unroll the crescent rolls and press them firmly into the bottom of the pan
3. Make sure to pinch and seal all the seams together so the filling won’t leak through
4. Set aside while you prepare the filling

Making the Cream Cheese Layer

5. Place your softened cream cheese into a mixing bowl (microwave for 40 seconds if needed)
6. Add white granulated sugar, almond extract, and egg yolk
7. Using your electric mixer, blend until completely smooth with no lumps
8. Spread this mixture evenly over the crescent roll base using a spatula

Adding the Cherry Topping

9. Open your cherry pie filling and spread it evenly over the cream cheese layer
10. Make sure to distribute the cherries evenly for consistent flavor in every bite

Creating the Crumble Topping

11. In a separate mixing bowl, combine quick-cooking oats and brown sugar
12. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the cherry layer
13. Add your chopped walnuts or pecans on top
14. Cut the stick of butter into small pieces and distribute them across the surface

Baking

15. Place your pan on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes
16. The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set
17. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack

Making the Glaze

18. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract
19. Stir with a spoon until smooth, adjusting consistency as needed
20. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars in decorative patterns

Pro Tips for Perfect Bars

Cream Cheese Temperature: Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened. Cold cream cheese will create lumps in your filling that are impossible to smooth out.

Sealing the Seams: Take extra time pressing those crescent roll seams together. Any gaps will allow the cream cheese to seep underneath during baking.

Don’t Overbake: Watch your bars carefully after 35 minutes. Overbaking will dry out the cream cheese layer and make the crescent base too hard.

Cooling is Crucial: Let these bars cool completely before adding the glaze and cutting. Warm bars will fall apart and make a mess.

Glaze Consistency: Start with less milk and add more as needed. It’s easier to thin out a thick glaze than to thicken a runny one.

Creative Variations

Different Fruit Fillings

Swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry, apple, or strawberry. Each variation brings its own unique flavor profile while keeping the same delicious concept.

Flavor Extracts

Try replacing almond extract with vanilla, lemon, or even amaretto extract for different taste dimensions.

Topping Options

Skip the oat crumble and use a simple streusel topping, or go minimalist with just butter and sugar.

Nut Alternatives

Use almonds, cashews, or go nut-free completely if dealing with allergies.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They actually taste even better the next day once all the flavors have melded together! You can also freeze them for up to 3 months just wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.

Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature. They’re wonderful on their own, but you can elevate them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch events, pair them with hot coffee or mimosas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! If you have a flaky croissant recipe or homemade croissant dough, you can use it instead of canned crescent rolls. Just roll it out to fit your pan.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are perfect make-ahead desserts. Prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Add the glaze just before serving for the best appearance.

What if I don’t have almond extract?
Regular vanilla extract works perfectly as a substitute. You can also try other extracts like lemon or orange for a citrus twist.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Fresh cherries will work, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch first to create a thick filling similar to pie filling consistency.

Why is my cream cheese layer lumpy?
This usually happens when the cream cheese is too cold. Make sure it’s fully softened before mixing, and use your electric mixer on medium speed to create a smooth consistency.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use two pans or one large sheet pan. Keep the baking time the same but check for doneness at the 35-minute mark.

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Recommended Kitchen Equipment

• Air Fryer – Perfect for reheating individual portions
• Oven – Essential for baking these bars perfectly
• Electric Mixer – Creates smooth cream cheese filling
• Mixing Bowls – For combining ingredients
• Baking Sheets – Quality pans for even baking
• Kitchen Utensils – Spatulas and serving tools
• Cutting Board – For preparing nuts and cutting bars
• Chef’s Knives – Clean cuts through layers
• Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – Precise measurements

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