If you love the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and warm cinnamon-sugared pastry, you are in for a real treat with this Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe. This delightful dessert features layers of flaky crescent roll dough wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling, baked to golden-brown perfection and finished with a drizzle of honey. It’s irresistibly simple to make yet sophisticated in flavor, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for any occasion where you want to impress without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building the flavor and texture that make this dessert so special. From the creamy richness of cream cheese to the delicate flakiness of crescent roll dough and the warm kiss of cinnamon sugar, every element contributes to a harmonious bite.
- Cream cheese 16 ounces softened: Provides the rich and velvety cheesecake center that’s the heart of the recipe.
- Granulated sugar 1 cup: Sweetens the cream cheese layer perfectly without overpowering it.
- Vanilla extract 2 teaspoons: Adds depth and a subtle warm aroma to the filling.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough 2 cans (8 ounces each): Gives the flaky, buttery layers that encase the cheesecake with ease and tenderness.
- Unsalted butter 1/2 cup melted: Brushed on top to create a golden, crisp finish that’s irresistible.
- Ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon: Mixed with sugar to sprinkle on the top, bringing classic sopapilla flavor to life.
- Additional granulated sugar 1/4 cup: Combines with cinnamon for that perfectly balanced sweet-spiced topping.
- Honey for drizzling: Served over the finished dessert for a luscious, sticky finish that complements all the layers.
How to Make Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Next, beat the softened cream cheese, one cup of granulated sugar, and the vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. Getting this filling silky is key because it forms the luscious center that everyone will love.
Step 2: Layer the Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll the first can of refrigerated crescent roll dough and gently press it into your prepared baking dish, making sure to seal all the seams so the filling won’t leak out. This creates a sturdy, flaky base that will bake up golden and crisp, supporting the delicious filling without sogginess.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese Filling
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough layer, covering every inch. This step is what transforms the dessert from a simple pastry into a decadent treat packed with creamy texture and sweet tang.
Step 4: Top With the Second Dough Layer
Carefully unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it atop the cream cheese filling, again sealing all the seams. This layer locks in the luscious filling ensuring every bite has that perfect balance of flaky crust and creamy cheesecake.
Step 5: Butter, Cinnamon, and Sugar Topping
Pour the melted butter evenly across the top dough layer, then mix the cinnamon with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar in a small bowl and sprinkle it generously over the top. This sweet, spiced topping is what gives the cheesecake bars their iconic sopapilla flavor and irresistible golden crunch.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the dish for 28 to 32 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and just slightly crisp. Let the dessert cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to help the layers set and ensure clean, firm edges.
How to Serve Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch that truly elevates the Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe, drizzle warm honey over each serving just before serving. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra indulgence and presentation flair. Fresh berries or a few chopped nuts can provide a lovely contrast in texture and color.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light coffee drinks or a chilled glass of milk to balance the richness. Fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can turn it into a festive indulgence fit for celebrations or special dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, present the sopapilla cheesecake bars on a rustic wooden board or decorative platter with honey drizzled artistically across the top. You might cut them into small squares for bite-sized treats at a party or serve warm with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream on the side for an irresistible twist that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sopapilla cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their creamy texture and flaky crust for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert or an easy treat to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving cold for convenience without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Warm your leftover sopapilla cheesecake bars gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to revive the crispness of the top layer and soften the filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain that perfect texture contrast.
FAQs
Can I use regular pie crust instead of crescent roll dough?
While pie crust can work, it won’t provide the same flaky, buttery layers that crescent roll dough delivers, which is key to that signature sopapilla texture. Crescent rolls keep the dessert light and tender.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese first?
Yes, softening the cream cheese ensures it mixes into a smooth filling without lumps. Room temperature cream cheese makes for a creamy, even texture.
Can I add other flavors to the cream cheese mixture?
Absolutely! A splash of almond extract or a bit of lemon zest can add a unique twist to the filling, making the Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe customizable to your taste.
How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?
Chilling the cheesecake bars for at least an hour after baking helps them set firmly and slice cleanly. Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for the best results.
Is it okay to serve this dessert cold?
Yes! Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe is delicious served warm or cold. Warm servings offer melty, gooey bliss, while cold slices are firmer and perfect for make-ahead meals.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that feels like a warm hug wrapped in cinnamon sugar, this Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe is your ticket to deliciousness. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection. Trust me, once you try these luscious, flaky layers with creamy cheesecake inside, you won’t look back!
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Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sopapilla Cheesecake recipe is a deliciously easy dessert featuring layers of creamy cheesecake sandwiched between buttery crescent roll dough, topped with a cinnamon-sugar butter glaze and a drizzle of honey. Perfect for any occasion, it boasts a golden, slightly crisp top and a soft, creamy interior that’s irresistible.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dough Layers
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup additional granulated sugar
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- First dough layer: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure to seal the seams so it acts as a solid base layer.
- Add cheesecake layer: Spread the smooth cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough base, covering it completely for a consistent texture throughout.
- Top dough layer: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it on top of the cheesecake layer, again sealing the seams to enclose the filling.
- Apply butter and cinnamon sugar: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top dough layer. In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon with the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the butter-coated dough.
- Bake the cheesecake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Slice into bars. Just before serving, drizzle each piece with honey for added sweetness and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- For cleaner edges when slicing, chill the bars before cutting.
- This cheesecake can be served warm or cold, both are delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
