This easy Labor Day dessert is the kind of simple oven treat that feels almost too easy to be this good. Starting with a solid frozen block of cream cheese gives the dessert a rich, cheesecake-like center as it bakes, while the other three ingredients turn it into a warm, creamy, crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for a backyard cookout, holiday potluck, or family dinner when you want something sweet without a lot of fuss.
Serve this dessert warm with fresh berries, sliced peaches, or a spoonful of cherry pie filling for a festive late-summer touch. It also goes wonderfully with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cup of coffee after the meal, and if you are setting out a Labor Day dessert table, this pairs nicely with grilled fruit and simple cookies.
4-Ingredient Oven Baked Labor Day Cream Cheese Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 solid unthawed frozen 8-ounce block cream cheese
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough, 8 ounces
1 can fruit pie filling, 21 ounces, such as cherry or blueberry
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease an 8-inch square or similar small glass baking dish.
2. Unroll the crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching the seams together to make one even layer.
3. Place the solid frozen cream cheese block right in the center of the dough, then spoon the pie filling all around and over the top of the cream cheese.
4. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the top and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the dough is golden and the filling is hot and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so it can set slightly.
5. Scoop or slice and serve warm on its own or with whipped cream or ice cream if you would like an extra-special holiday dessert.
Variations & Tips
Berry Swap: Cherry and blueberry pie filling both work beautifully here, and strawberry is a nice choice if your family prefers a sweeter, softer fruit flavor.
Less Sweet Option: If you want the dessert a little less sugary, reduce the granulated sugar to 1/3 cup, especially if your pie filling is already quite sweet.
Make It Neat: Letting the dessert rest before serving helps the cream cheese soften into a creamy layer and makes each scoop look a little prettier on the plate.
For Picky Eaters: If your kids do not love fruit chunks, choose a smoother pie filling so the topping bakes up with a more even texture.
Holiday Serving Tip: For a Labor Day look, top each serving with a few fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries right before serving for a bright red, white, and blue finish.