Name: Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough; 16 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar, divided; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; Honey for drizzling

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If you’re craving a luscious, cinnamon-swirled dessert that’s as easy as it is indulgent, you absolutely must try Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars. Imagine the flakiest layers of crescent dough hugging a rich, sweet cream cheese center, all baked to golden perfection and finished with a touch of honey. This recipe checks every box for flavor, texture, and “come back for seconds” delight, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or honestly, any night when you want something irresistibly delicious.

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of humble ingredients, these Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars rely on every component to deliver their signature creamy center, flaky layers, and the sparkle of cinnamon sugar on top. Simplicity is key here, but don’t underestimate how these basics combine for something extraordinary!

Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The foundation that gives you those airy, buttery layers mimicking classic sopapillas without any fuss.
Cream cheese (softened): Essential for the creamy, tangy middle that brings cheesecake flavor front and center.
Granulated sugar: Used in the filling and the topping, it sweetens everything just right and adds a satisfying crunch on top.
Vanilla extract: One teaspoon of vanilla rounded out the filling with that comforting, aromatic note.
Unsalted butter (melted): Poured over the top, this amps up the richness and helps give the cinnamon sugar its crisp finish.
Ground cinnamon: Crucial for that warm, classic sopapilla vibe—don’t skimp on this!
Honey (optional): A drizzle before serving takes these bars from great to absolutely unforgettable.

How to Make Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s all set when you’re ready to bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; this not only helps with easy removal but also gives those bottom layers a golden edge.

Step 2: Lay Down the First Crescent Layer

Unroll your first can of crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of your baking dish. Pinch the seams together carefully—think of it as building the bed for your cheesecake filling to rest on.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The goal is a silky, spreadable filling with no lumps, so take your time here for the best results.

Step 4: Spread the Filling

Pour and smooth that indulgent cheesecake mixture evenly over the pressed crescent layer. Be patient and gentle—an offset spatula works wonders here to get it all nice and even.

Step 5: Add the Second Crescent Layer

Unroll the second can of crescent dough and carefully lay it over the cream cheese. Stretch or patch as needed to cover all the filling, pinching any seams or tears so nothing oozes out during baking.

Step 6: Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Slowly pour the melted butter over the entire surface—every inch should get its share! Next, blend the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with the cinnamon, then sprinkle this dreamy mixture all over the top for that signature sweet crunch.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden and set. Let the bars cool for at least 20 minutes so everything firms up just enough to slice into beautiful squares. If you love a little extra sweetness, drizzle with honey just before serving.

How to Serve Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

The beauty of Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars is that a finishing touch can really take them over the top. A simple drizzle of honey brings everything together with extra gloss and sweetness. For festive flair, you could sprinkle on a little extra cinnamon or even a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.

Side Dishes

These decadent bars are delightful all on their own, but if you’re serving dessert at a gathering, consider pairing them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The tartness of berries or the cool creaminess of ice cream is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the bars.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars stacked or layered with fruit compote in clear glasses for a parfait-style presentation. They also look gorgeous sliced into triangles, mimicking classic sopapillas, and served on a rustic wooden board for a casual, shared dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bars keep beautifully! Simply cover the pan with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy weeks.

Freezing

Want to stash a few for later? Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars freeze surprisingly well. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll hold up for about two months—just remember to thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To rewarm, simply zap a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. If you prefer the bars slightly warm with gooey filling and a crisp topping, reheating is definitely the way to go.

FAQs

Can I add fruit to the filling?

Absolutely! A layer of fruit preserves (think strawberry, raspberry, or cherry) spread over the cheesecake filling adds a lovely fruity tang and a pop of color. Try swirling them in for a marbled effect.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese if you prefer. The texture may be a bit lighter, but the bars will still be plenty creamy and delicious.

Will homemade crescent dough work?

If you’re up for a baking adventure, homemade dough will certainly give your Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars a personal touch. Just be sure to roll it thin and even for the best results.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Definitely! Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars can be made a day in advance. Chill them in the fridge overnight, then slice and serve directly from the pan or bring to room temperature just before guests arrive.

What if I don’t have honey for drizzling?

No worries! While honey adds a classic, floral sweetness, these bars taste fantastic on their own or with a bit of maple syrup, agave, or even a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar.

Final Thoughts

These Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars bring the best parts of classic sopapillas and creamy cheesecake right to your kitchen, all with minimal effort. If you’ve never tried them, I can’t recommend them enough—gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your favorite people to a cinnamon-sugar hug you won’t soon forget!

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet cinnamon sugar with these easy-to-make Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars. A perfect dessert for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Crescent Roll Dough:

2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough

Cheesecake Filling:

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Optional:

Honey for drizzling

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and 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 the seams together.
Make the filling: Beat the cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over dough.
Add the top layer: Unroll the second can of dough over the cream cheese. Pour melted butter on top.
Finish and bake: Combine remaining sugar with cinnamon, sprinkle over the butter. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing and drizzle with honey if desired.