15 Simple Crescent Roll Desserts You Can Make Tonight

Crescent rolls aren’t just for dinner anymore! These buttery, flaky pastries make the perfect base for quick and delicious desserts that taste like you spent hours baking.

From fruity turnovers to creamy cheesecake bars, these simple treats will have your family asking for seconds every single time.

01. Bakery-Style Cream Cheese Danish

Buttery crescent rolls filled with sweet cream cheese create an irresistible breakfast pastry. These taste just like expensive bakery danishes but cost a fraction of the price.

Ingredients: 2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 egg yolk, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon almond extract.

How To Make Bakery-Style Cream Cheese Danish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll crescent rolls and separate into individual triangles, arranging them on your prepared baking sheet with space between each piece.

2. Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until completely smooth and creamy. This mixture should be light and fluffy with no lumps remaining for the best texture in your finished danishes.

3. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Fold the sides over slightly to create a border that will hold the filling in place during baking.

4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set. While they cool, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract together until smooth, then drizzle over warm danishes.

02. Crispy Air Fryer Donut Sticks

Transform crescent rolls into golden donut sticks using your air fryer for a healthier treat. These crispy-outside, fluffy-inside treats are perfect with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack.

Ingredients: 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls, ¼ cup melted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, cooking spray, your favorite jam or honey for dipping.

How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Donut Sticks

1. Unroll crescent dough and cut each triangle into 3 long strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. You’ll end up with 24 strips that will puff up beautifully in the air fryer.

2. Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange donut strips in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other so air can circulate properly around each piece.

3. Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside. You might need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size, but don’t overcrowd the basket.

4. While still warm, brush each stick with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated. Serve immediately with jam, honey, or melted chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.

03. Cinnamon Sugar Sopapilla Cheesecake

This impressive layered dessert combines flaky crescent rolls with creamy cheesecake filling and cinnamon sugar topping. It looks fancy but uses simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now.

Ingredients: 2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls, 16 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup melted butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.

How To Make Cinnamon Sugar Sopapilla Cheesecake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Unroll one tube of crescent rolls and press into the bottom of your dish, pinching seams together to create a solid crust layer.

2. Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom crust layer, making sure to reach all corners of the pan.

3. Unroll the second tube of crescent rolls and carefully layer over the cream cheese filling. Stretch the dough gently to cover completely, then brush the top with melted butter.

4. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is set in the center.

5. Let cool completely before cutting into squares. I recommend chilling for at least 2 hours for the cleanest cuts and best texture in every bite.

04. Sweet Banana Caramel Rolls

Ripe bananas and gooey caramel sauce transform ordinary crescent rolls into an extraordinary dessert. These fruity treats come together in just 20 minutes for a quick family favorite.

Ingredients: 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls, 2 ripe bananas (sliced), ½ cup caramel sauce, 2 tablespoons melted butter, ¼ cup chopped pecans, vanilla ice cream for serving.

How To Make Sweet Banana Caramel Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet. Unroll crescent rolls and separate into triangles, laying them flat on your work surface for easy filling.

2. Place 3-4 banana slices on the wide end of each triangle and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce. Don’t overfill or the rolls will burst open during baking.

3. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle up carefully, tucking the banana slices inside as you go. Place seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet and brush tops with melted butter.

05. Bright Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

Fresh lemon juice and zest create these tangy, creamy bars that are perfect for spring and summer gatherings. The crescent roll crust adds a buttery base that complements the bright citrus flavor beautifully.

Ingredients: 2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls, 16 oz cream cheese (softened), ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, 1 cup powdered sugar.

How To Make Bright Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper. Press one tube of crescent rolls into the bottom, pinching seams together to form a complete crust without gaps.

2. Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon juice and zest until the filling is smooth and bright yellow.

3. Pour lemon mixture over the crust and spread evenly to all corners. Unroll second tube of crescent rolls and layer carefully over the filling, stretching gently to cover completely.

4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the center is just set. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares for the cleanest presentation.

5. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness that balances the tart lemon flavor perfectly.

06. Four-Ingredient Nutella Cups

Rich chocolate-hazelnut spread baked inside flaky crescent roll cups creates an irresistible treat. With just four simple ingredients, these are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or whenever you need something sweet.

Ingredients: 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls, ½ cup Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread, 1 egg (beaten), 2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts, cooking spray for muffin tin.

How To Make Four-Ingredient Nutella Cups

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. Unroll crescent dough and cut into 12 equal squares, pressing each square into a muffin cup to form little pastry bowls.

2. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of Nutella into the center of each pastry cup, being careful not to overfill or it will bubble over during baking and make a mess.

3. Brush the edges of each pastry cup with beaten egg to help them turn golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the Nutella is warm and slightly melted. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing to prevent breaking.

07. Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

Tender apple slices wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough and baked in a sweet vanilla orange sauce. These comforting dumplings taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen, especially when served with vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients: 2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls, 4 large apples (peeled and sliced), 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup butter, 1 cup orange juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon.

How To Make Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Peel and slice apples into thin wedges, removing cores completely for the best eating experience in your finished dumplings.

2. Unroll crescent rolls and separate into triangles. Place 3-4 apple slices on each triangle and sprinkle with cinnamon, then roll up starting from the wide end, tucking apple slices inside securely.

3. Arrange rolled dumplings in your prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly so they have room to expand during baking without sticking together.

4. In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar, orange juice, and vanilla. Heat until sugar dissolves completely and mixture is smooth and fragrant.

5. Pour the warm sauce over dumplings and bake for 35-40 minutes until pastry is golden brown and apples are tender. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.

08. Peachy Ozark-Style Turnovers

Sweet, juicy peaches wrapped in flaky crescent roll pastry create these delightful handheld treats. The natural sweetness of ripe peaches shines through in every bite, making these perfect for summer entertaining or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients: 2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls, 3 cups fresh peaches (diced), ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 egg (beaten).

How To Make Peachy Ozark-Style Turnovers

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dice fresh peaches into small pieces and toss with sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and cinnamon until evenly coated.

2. Unroll crescent rolls and pinch seams together to form 4 rectangles. Cut each rectangle in half to create 8 squares that will become your turnover wrappers.

3. Place about 3 tablespoons of peach mixture on one half of each square, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the other half over and press edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.

4. Transfer turnovers to your prepared baking sheet and brush tops with beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish. Cut small slits in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape.

5. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving so the filling isn’t too hot, but they’re best enjoyed while still warm.

09. Fresh Blueberry Breakfast Turnovers

Bursting with fresh blueberries and wrapped in golden pastry, these turnovers are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They’re best served warm with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients: 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls, 1½ cups fresh blueberries, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 egg (beaten), 2 tablespoons coarse sugar.

How To Make Fresh Blueberry Breakfast Turnovers

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently toss blueberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice, being careful not to burst the berries.

2. Unroll crescent dough and pinch seams to form 2 large rectangles, then cut each rectangle into 4 squares for a total of 8 turnover shells.

3. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of blueberry mixture onto half of each square, leaving space around the edges for sealing. Fold over and crimp edges with a fork to prevent filling from leaking out.

4. Place turnovers on your prepared baking sheet and brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for extra sweetness and a beautiful sparkly finish that catches the light.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Cool slightly before serving, as the blueberry filling will be very hot and can cause burns if eaten immediately.

10. Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings

The secret ingredient in these fall-perfect apple treats is Mountain Dew soda poured over the dumplings before baking. This unusual addition creates an incredibly moist, sweet dessert that will surprise and delight everyone who tries it.

Ingredients: 2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls, 4 medium apples (peeled and cored), 1 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 can Mountain Dew soda.

How To Make Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Peel and core apples, then cut each apple into 8 wedges for easy wrapping and even cooking throughout.

2. Unroll crescent rolls and separate into triangles. Wrap each apple wedge in a crescent roll triangle, starting from the wide end and rolling to completely enclose the fruit.

3. Arrange wrapped apples in your prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and fragrant.

4. Pour the butter mixture over the dumplings, then slowly pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Don’t pour directly on top of the dumplings or you’ll wash off the butter mixture.

5. Bake for 40-45 minutes until dumplings are golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork. The soda creates a unique caramelized sauce that’s absolutely delicious.

11. Popular Cream Cheese Squares

These beloved cream cheese squares are requested at every gathering for good reason. With their buttery crust, creamy filling, and sweet topping, they disappear faster than any other dessert on the table.

Ingredients: 2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls, 16 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup melted butter, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon almond extract.

How To Make Popular Cream Cheese Squares

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. Press one tube of crescent rolls into the bottom of the pan, pinching all seams together to create a solid, leak-proof crust.

2. Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Gradually add granulated sugar and vanilla, beating until completely smooth with no lumps remaining.

3. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom crust, making sure to reach all corners and edges for consistent flavor in every bite of these popular squares.

4. Unroll second tube of crescent rolls and carefully place over the cream cheese layer, stretching gently to cover completely. Brush the top with melted butter for extra richness and golden color.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top. While still warm, whisk powdered sugar and almond extract together, then drizzle over the squares for a sweet finishing touch.

12. Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Bars

The extraordinary combination of peach cobbler and cheesecake creates these luscious bars. Fresh peaches burst with sweet flavor while the creamy cheesecake filling adds richness that makes these absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients: 2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls, 16 oz cream cheese (softened), ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 cups fresh peaches (diced), ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons butter.

How To Make Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper. Press one tube of crescent rolls into the bottom, creating a seamless crust by pinching all edges together firmly.

2. Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, then add eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. The mixture should be light and fluffy with no streaks remaining.

3. Toss diced peaches with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. Spread half the peaches over the crust, then pour cheesecake mixture on top and add remaining peaches.

4. Unroll second tube of crescent rolls and place over the filling, stretching to cover. Dot with small pieces of butter for extra richness and flavor in the finished bars.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and the center is just set. Cool completely before cutting for clean slices that showcase the beautiful peach and cheesecake layers.

13. Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This dump cake lives up to its name with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Crescent rolls, cake mix, and cherry pie filling create a dessert that’s as easy as it gets with virtually no cleanup required.

Ingredients: 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls, 1 box yellow cake mix, 1 can cherry pie filling, 8 oz cream cheese (cubed), ½ cup melted butter, ¼ cup sliced almonds.

How To Make Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Unroll crescent rolls and press into the bottom of the dish, pinching seams together to form a complete base layer.

2. Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the crescent roll crust, making sure to distribute cherries and sauce uniformly for consistent flavor in every serving of this easy dessert.

3. Drop cubes of cream cheese randomly over the cherry layer, then sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over everything. Don’t mix anything together – the layering is what makes this a true dump cake.

4. Drizzle melted butter over the top and sprinkle with sliced almonds for extra crunch and visual appeal. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and set throughout.

14. Summer Strawberry Crescent Shortcake

This gorgeous summertime dessert showcases fresh strawberries beautifully while being surprisingly easy to make. Refrigerated crescent rolls make this much simpler than traditional strawberry shortcake but just as delicious.

Ingredients: 2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls, 2 pounds fresh strawberries (sliced), ½ cup granulated sugar, 16 oz cream cheese (softened), ½ cup powdered sugar, 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla.

How To Make Summer Strawberry Crescent Shortcake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Press one tube of crescent rolls into each pan, pinching seams together to create smooth, even layers for your shortcake base.

2. Bake for 11-13 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cool completely in pans before removing, as warm pastry will break apart and ruin the presentation of your beautiful dessert.

3. Toss sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and let sit for 30 minutes to create natural juices that will soak into the pastry layers and add incredible flavor.

4. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then gradually add heavy cream and vanilla, whipping until soft peaks form. Don’t overbeat or you’ll end up with butter instead of fluffy cream.

5. Place one pastry layer on serving plate, spread with half the cream mixture and half the strawberries. Top with second layer and remaining cream and strawberries for a stunning presentation.

15. Magic Marshmallow Puffs

These magical treats hide a gooey marshmallow surprise inside flaky crescent roll pastry. Kids absolutely love these fun puffs, and they’re usually devoured straight from the oven before anyone thinks about adding glaze.

Ingredients: 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls, 8 large marshmallows, ¼ cup melted butter, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk.

How To Make Magic Marshmallow Puffs

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a muffin tin or line with paper cups. Unroll crescent rolls and separate into 8 triangles, laying them flat on your work surface.

2. Place one marshmallow on the wide end of each triangle and wrap the dough around it completely, pinching all seams tightly so the marshmallow doesn’t escape during baking.

3. Roll each wrapped marshmallow in melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar mixture until completely coated. Place seam-side down in muffin cups to prevent unrolling while they bake.

4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and puffed up beautifully. The marshmallows will melt inside, creating a sweet, gooey center that’s absolutely magical when you bite into it.

5. If desired, whisk powdered sugar and milk together for a simple glaze, but honestly these are so good warm from the oven that most people can’t wait long enough for glazing.

Final Thoughts

These crescent roll desserts prove that amazing treats don’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients. With just a few simple additions, you can create bakery-worthy desserts in your own kitchen.

Keep a few tubes of crescent rolls in your refrigerator and you’ll always be ready to whip up something sweet and delicious for any occasion.