Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 cans of crescent roll dough
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg (optional for a firmer filling)

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Bottom Layer:
   • Roll out one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust. Pinch together the seams of the dough.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (and egg, if using) until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Layers:
   • Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crescent dough layer.
   • Roll out the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it on top of the filling. Gently stretch it to cover, sealing any gaps.
5. Add the Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
   • Pour the melted butter over the top layer of dough.
   • In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle it generously over the butter.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed up.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set.
   • Slice into squares or bars and serve! These taste amazing chilled.

Let me know if you’d like variations or tips for perfecting this dessert!