Sopapilla Cheesecake – a delightful fusion of the beloved New Mexican dessert and creamy cheesecake, wrapped in a flaky crust. This dessert is a quick crowd-pleaser, ideal for cheesecake enthusiasts and cinnamon lovers.
If you enjoy churros or sopapillas, you’re invited for a treat with this simple and tasty sopapilla cheesecake recipe.
Imagine layers of sweetened cream cheese nestled between crescent rolls, topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar blend. These cheesecake bars will make you feel mouthwatering, as it is a traditional New Mexican dessert.
Perfect for sharing, this easy-to-make treat is a hit at potlucks, housewarmings, or weekend indulgences.
You can enhance the presentation by drizzling honey or adding whipped cream if you like, but rest assured, these bars are lovely and cinnamony on their own. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe is not only delicious but also a joy to create.
Try making my sopapilla cheesecake bars today! I tried this recipe for the very first time on my son’s birthday long ago as he is a cheesecake lover and wanted me to bake a new and different cake from him rather than opting for some well-known flavors.
If you’re a cheesecake enthusiast, explore more recipes like Marble cake, Lemon cake, and Eggless vanilla cake.
Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe(Cinnamon’s Spark)
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Small Bowl
- Large Bowl with Electric Mixer
- Measuring Cups
- Spatula
- Tubes of Crescent Roll Dough Sheets
- Pastry Brush
- Oven
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 2 tubes crescent roll dough sheets
- 1 package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
- Honey
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 of the sugar with cinnamon and set it aside.
- Use an electric mixer in a large bowl to beat smooth the cream cheese. Add remaining sugar, egg, and vanilla, beat to combine, and set aside.
- Unroll crescent roll dough sheets; press one into the baking dish. If using perforated dough, pinch seams to seal.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on the dough, then cover with the second crescent roll dough.
- Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix all over.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and set when gently shaken.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle evenly with honey
- Cool for at least 1 hour in the pan. Optionally, chill overnight for easier slicing, then bring to room temperature or rewarm before cutting into 12 bars.
Notes
- Substitute puff pastry dough for the crescent dough if you want.
- Metal pans are better at conducting heat than glass ones, so your bars will bake more uniformly and your crescent rolls will be perfectly crisp.
- If you want a stronger cinnamon taste, add 1½ or even 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon; if you want a milder flavor, use only ¾ teaspoon.
- To check if the sopapilla cheesecake has baked completely, gently shake the pan. If the cheesecake isn’t baked long enough to set, it will wobble all over. When the center moves ever-so-slightly, you’ll know that is set.
Nutrition
What Are Some Possible Variations?
Fruit Toppings:
- Elevate your cheesecake by adding a delightful layer of cherry or apple pie filling or a drizzle of raspberry sauce on the cream cheese before covering it with the top crust. Delicious!
Crescent Rolls:
- Opt for crescent roll dough sheets for convenience. If you only find perforated ones, no worries—just pinch the seams to seal completely.
Halve the Recipe:
- Adjusting for a smaller crowd? Easily halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8×8 pan for a perfectly portioned treat.
Sweeten with Honey:
- Don’t overlook the honey and cinnamon sugar—they’re the magic touch that elevates the flavor of this dessert. Trust us, you won’t want to skip it!
Managing Leftovers and Further Servings!
- Storing:
- Keep your Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars fresh by covering the baking dish with plastic wrap or transferring them to an airtight container.
- Pop them in the refrigerator to maintain their creamy texture and preserve the delightful flavors.
- Refrigerating Overnight (Recommended):
- For easier slicing and a more chilled treat, consider chilling the bars in the refrigerator overnight.
- This step not only makes cutting a breeze but also allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall deliciousness.
- Bringing to Room Temperature:
- Before serving, bring the chilled bars to room temperature for a bit, or rewarm them gently if you prefer a warm and gooey experience.
- This step ensures that you savor the perfect balance of creaminess and flakiness in every bite.
- Enjoying Warm or Cold:
- Whether you relish them warm or chilled, these Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are bound to be a scrumptious delight. So, savor the goodness!