Looking for a quick and indulgent dessert to impress your family and friends? Cream Cheese Squares are the perfect choice. With buttery, flaky layers of crescent roll dough filled with a smooth and sweetened cream cheese mixture, topped off with a cinnamon-sugar dusting, these squares are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. This easy-to-make recipe comes together in just 40 minutes and yields 12 scrumptious squares. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a treat to bring to a party, or simply craving something sweet, these Cream Cheese Squares are the answer.
Ingredients:
2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup margarine or butter, melted
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Layer the Crescent Dough:
Roll out one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This forms the first, buttery layer of your cream cheese squares.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. This rich filling will provide a delicious contrast to the flaky dough.
Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent dough layer, ensuring every inch is covered.
Add the Top Layer of Dough:
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese mixture. Gently press it down to seal the layers.
Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
Pour the melted margarine or butter evenly over the top layer of dough. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and 1/4 cup of sugar, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the melted butter.
Bake to Golden Perfection:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the irresistible scent of freshly baked pastries.
Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cream cheese squares to cool on a wire rack at room temperature. After they’ve cooled, slice them into squares and enjoy the rich, sweet, and flaky goodness.
Serving Tips:
Serve Warm or Room Temperature: Cream Cheese Squares are delicious when served warm, straight from the oven, but they also taste great at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave or for a few minutes in a low oven (around 300°F) to maintain the flaky texture.
Pair with Beverages: These sweet squares go wonderfully with a hot beverage. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the perfect dessert or snack pairing.
Garnish for Extra Appeal: For an extra touch, dust the cooled squares with powdered sugar or drizzle with a bit of icing or caramel sauce. You can also top them with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant finish.
Cutting Tips: Use a sharp knife to cut clean squares, especially once they’ve cooled. If you want perfect portions, consider scoring the dough before baking, so you know where to cut after they’ve cooled.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the squares within a couple of days, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
Refrigeration: To extend their shelf life, refrigerate the Cream Cheese Squares in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge. When ready to eat, you can enjoy them cold or warm them up slightly for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Freezing: For longer storage, these squares freeze very well. To freeze, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or warm them up in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
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FAQs:
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
Yes, you can substitute puff pastry for the crescent roll dough. Puff pastry will provide an even flakier texture, but be aware that it may take a bit longer to bake (about 30-35 minutes). Keep an eye on the squares to ensure they turn golden brown.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Cream Cheese Squares up to a day ahead. After baking, let them cool, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and reheat as needed.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cream cheese is the key ingredient for this recipe, you can try mixing in other soft cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different flavor profile. However, these cheeses won’t provide the exact same texture and sweetness as cream cheese.
How do I know when the squares are done baking?
The squares are done when the top layer of dough is golden brown and crisp, which usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes. If you’re unsure, you can use a toothpick to check if the dough is cooked through. Just insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, the squares are ready.
Conclusion:
These Cream Cheese Squares are a wonderfully indulgent treat that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. With their layers of buttery dough, creamy filling, and sweet cinnamon-sugar topping, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. So next time you’re craving a dessert that’s quick to prepare yet tastes like it took hours to make, this recipe will be your go-to!
📖 Recipe:
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Cream Cheese Squares
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy-to-make Cream Cheese Squares feature buttery, flaky layers of crescent dough filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture, topped with a cinnamon-sugar blend. Perfect for any occasion, this decadent dessert is quick to prepare and always a crowd favorite. Indulge in this irresistible treat for a sweet finish to any meal.
Ingredients
2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup margarine or butter, melted
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Roll out one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent dough layer.
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese mixture, pressing it gently into place.
- Pour the melted margarine or butter evenly over the top layer of dough.
- In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and 1/4 cup sugar, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and allow the squares to cool on a wire rack to room temperature.
- Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Store leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezing: These squares can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm in the oven before serving.
Variations: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of nuts for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Pastry, Sweet Treat
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 squares
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
