Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the magic of creamy cheesecake with cinnamony-sweet, pillowy pastry, let me introduce you to Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars. This recipe is pure genius: layers of buttery crescent dough cradle a tangy vanilla cheesecake filling, all crowned with a golden, cinnamon-sugar crust. It’s the perfect mashup of classic Mexican flavors and comforting American baking, and once you try it, you’ll be searching for excuses to make these bars again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars lies in how a handful of simple, familiar ingredients come together to create something downright irresistible. Each component is essential, whether it’s to provide structure, a burst of sweetness, or that signature spiced flavor on top.
- Crescent roll dough: Store-bought crescent rolls form the flaky, buttery base and top for these easy cheesecake bars, making prep quick and stress-free.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is whipped until smooth and creamy, creating the rich, luscious middle layer.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cheesecake filling and the cinnamon topping, so nothing is too tart or bland.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, making the cheesecake filling taste like a bakery treat.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and poured over the top, it helps the cinnamon sugar caramelize for those crave-worthy crispy edges.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the topping, bringing warmth and that classic sopapilla flavor to every bite.
How to Make Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift out each decadent bar later. You’ll thank yourself when cleanup is a breeze!
Step 2: Form the Base Layer
Open the first can of crescent roll dough. Unroll it and gently press it into the bottom of your prepared dish. Take a moment to pinch together the seams so you end up with a smooth foundation for the cheesecake filling. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—once baked, nobody will know.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is silky smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture is going to puff up beautifully in the oven, so don’t skimp on the mixing.
Step 4: Layer and Cover
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crescent dough base. Then, unroll the second can of crescent dough and place it gently over the top of the filling. Again, pinch those seams together to make it as uniform as possible.
Step 5: Add the Buttery Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top layer of dough. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with the cinnamon, then sprinkle it generously over the butter. This is what gives Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars their signature golden, crunchy top.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed, and the kitchen smells like cinnamon heaven. Let your bars cool completely before cutting; for extra clean slices, chill them in the fridge first.
How to Serve Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
The fun is just beginning once your bars are baked! To channel that “sopapilla at the fair” energy, drizzle each bar with a bit of honey or dust them with powdered sugar right before serving. Fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts are fabulous, too.
Side Dishes
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are delightful on their own, but serving them alongside fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an all-out dessert party. For a brunch spread, they pair beautifully with strong coffee or spicy Mexican hot chocolate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into fun shapes, stacking them on a rustic wooden board, or serving them in cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with dulce de leche or offer a trio of sauces for dipping—get playful and make them uniquely yours!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cheesecake bars keep wonderfully in the refrigerator. Place any leftover Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days—just be sure to separate layers with wax paper if you need to stack them.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Allow the bars to cool completely, cut them into portions, and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in a freezer bag or container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
To give Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds or reheat a pan (covered loosely with foil) in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. If you prefer them cold, they’re just as dreamy straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars?
You can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but for the creamiest and most decadent bars, full-fat cream cheese is recommended. Low-fat versions may result in a slightly softer filling, but the flavor will still be delicious.
What can I use if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry sheets can work in a pinch, though they’ll give a flakier texture. Just be sure to thaw according to package directions and trim as needed to fit your pan. Crescent roll dough, however, remains the most classic and foolproof option.
Do Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, since the recipe includes a cream cheese filling, it’s important to store these bars in the fridge for both food safety and best texture. They hold their shape much better when chilled, too.
Can I add fruit or other flavors to the cheesecake layer?
Absolutely! Swirl in a few spoonfuls of fruit preserves, such as raspberry or strawberry, for a fun twist. A little lemon zest or orange zest can brighten up the filling, and even mini chocolate chips make for a decadent addition.
How do I keep the top layer of dough from getting soggy?
Be sure the bars are fully baked and that you pour the melted butter evenly over the dough before adding the cinnamon sugar. If you let the bars cool fully before cutting (and, ideally, chill them), the top stays golden and slightly crisp.
Final Thoughts
If dessert happiness had a spirit animal, I’m convinced it would be Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars. Seriously, they’re the perfect treat to satisfy both cheesecake fans and pastry lovers alike. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked at first bite!
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Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the heavenly combination of a sweet, creamy cheesecake filling sandwiched between layers of buttery, flaky crescent roll dough, all topped with a cinnamon sugar glaze. These Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 2 cans (8 oz each)
Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Base: Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, pinching seams to seal.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the mixture over the crescent dough.
- Add the Top Layer: Unroll the second can of dough and place it over the cream cheese layer, pinching seams to seal.
- Top and Bake: Pour melted butter over the top. Mix 1/4 cup sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle it over the butter. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.
- Chill if Desired: Chill in the refrigerator for cleaner slices if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
- These bars can be served warm or cold and make a great make-ahead dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
