1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Setting the Stage for Baking

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the bars from sticking and ensure easy removal.

2. Create the Base Layer: A Flaky Foundation

1. Unroll Dough: Open one can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it.
2. Press into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Seal Seams: Pinch together the perforations in the dough to create a solid, seamless crust.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Creamy, Tangy, and Sweet

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and the vanilla extract.
2. Beat Until Smooth: Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand), beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Assemble the Layers: Building the Bars

1. Spread Filling: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll base in the baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to smooth it out and ensure it reaches all the edges.
2. Top with Second Layer of Dough: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and gently place it over the cream cheese layer. Pinch together any seams to create a top crust, carefully sealing in the filling.

5. Prepare the Topping: A Sweet and Spicy Crunch

1. Melt Butter: Melt the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. You can do this in a small saucepan on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave.
2. Combine Cinnamon and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the 3-4 tablespoons of granulated sugar and the 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Stir well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed.
3. Brush with Butter: Using a pastry brush, brush the melted butter evenly over the top layer of crescent roll dough.
4. Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough, covering the entire surface.

6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Creating the Layers of Texture

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Baking Time: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
   • Tip: Keep an eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the topping from over-browning.
   • Check for doneness: The filling is set when there is just a slight jiggle in the middle.

7. Cool and Cut: Allowing the Flavors to Meld

1. Cool: Remove the baking dish from the oven and place it on a wire rack.
2. Cool Completely: Let the Crescent Cheesecake Bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This allows the filling to set and makes them easier to slice and serve. Cutting them will also be easier once they have cooled.