If you like churros or sopapillas, you’re in for a treat with this sopapilla cheesecake recipe. Imagine a luscious cream cheese filling nestled between layers of crescent rolls, topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating—pure dessert bliss! A fun twist on the traditional sopapillas from New Mexico, these cheesecake bars are perfect for potlucks, housewarmings, or simply as a weekend indulgence. Drizzle with honey or add a dollop of whipped cream for that classic sopapilla touch, or enjoy them as they are—sweet, cinnamony, and utterly delicious.
This Sopapilla Cheesecake recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour. With just 15 minutes of prep time using Pillsbury crescent rolls, you’ll have a homemade dessert that rivals any bakery treat. Whether you’re a cheesecake aficionado or simply looking for a fun and easy dessert, these bars are sure to impress. Try out this recipe today and savor the irresistible combination of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Creating the perfect sopapilla cheesecake requires a handful of common ingredients that come together to form a delectable dessert. Let’s dive into the necessary components for this mouthwatering treat.
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Crust Preparation
- 2 cans seamless crescent rolls
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
Equipment Needed
To create this delectable sopapilla cheesecake recipe, you will need the following equipment:
- 9×13 baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Oven
Having these essential kitchen tools ready will make the preparation process smooth and enjoyable. Now, let’s move on to the next steps in crafting this irresistible dessert.
Preparation Steps
Making the Crust
To begin, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 baking dish. Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the dish, ensuring to seal any perforations.
Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, cream together two 8-ounce packages of room temperature cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the pressed crescent roll layer in the baking dish.
Assembling the Cheesecake
Take the second can of crescent rolls and press the perforations together before gently placing it on top of the cream cheese layer. Next, pour melted butter over the top dough layer. In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
That’s it! Your sopapilla cheesecake is now ready to bake to golden perfection. Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon and sugar as it fills your kitchen and get ready to indulge in this decadent dessert.
Baking Instructions
To bake the delicious sopapilla cheesecake, follow these simple instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press them into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, sealing the perforations to create a solid base.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and spread this creamy mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer.
- Unroll the second can of crescent rolls onto a surface, press the perforations together, and carefully transfer it on top of the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Melt the butter and pour it over the top layer of crescent dough.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar with ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top layer in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the sopapilla cheesecake is golden brown and set.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool before slicing into squares or bars.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over the finished sopapilla cheesecake before serving.
Cooling and Serving
After baking your sopapilla cheesecake to golden perfection, it’s essential to handle the cooling process correctly to retain the flavors and textures. Once cooled, serving this delectable dessert in an inviting manner can enhance the overall dining experience.
How to Cool and Cut
- Allow the sopapilla cheesecake to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing if you prefer serving it warm. This cooling period helps the layers set, making it easier to cut into neat squares while maintaining its integrity.
- For serving the cheesecake cold, let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before refrigerating for a minimum of 1 hour. This chilling time ensures the filling is firm for clean and presentable slices when served.
- Enjoy the sopapilla cheesecake bars as is for a delightful treat on their own, showcasing the delightful flavors of the cream cheese filling and cinnamon sugar topping.
- For an added indulgence, consider drizzling a touch of honey over the warm cheesecake bars before serving. This sweet addition complements the flavors and adds a luxurious touch to your dessert.
- To elevate the experience, serve the sopapilla cheesecake bars with a dollop of whipped cream on top. The creamy texture of the whipped cream pairs harmoniously with the sweet and creamy layers of the cheesecake, creating a decadent dessert experience.
By following these simple cooling and serving guidelines, you can savor the sopapilla cheesecake in its best form, ensuring a memorable and satisfying treat for yourself and your guests.
Storage Tips
Properly storing your sopapilla cheesecake ensures it stays fresh and delicious for longer periods. Here are some simple storage tips to help you maintain the quality of your dessert:
Refrigeration Instructions
After enjoying your sopapilla cheesecake bars, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Refrigeration helps preserve the freshness of the dessert and prevents it from spoiling quickly. Ensure to consume within three days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing and Thawing
If you want to extend the shelf life of your sopapilla cheesecake, freezing is a great option. Flash freeze the cooled bars on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer safe container wrapped in foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight for a convenient and tasty treat anytime.
Conclusion
Creating sopapilla cheesecake bars is a delicious way to enjoy a unique dessert that combines the flavors of sopapillas with a creamy cheesecake filling. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether served on their own, drizzled with honey, or paired with whipped cream, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Remember to follow the storage tips to keep them fresh for longer. Try making these sopapilla cheesecake bars for your next gathering and impress your guests with this delightful treat. Enjoy the perfect blend of cinnamon, sugar, and cream cheese in every bite!