If you have a sweet tooth and love desserts that bring together creamy, flaky, and cinnamon-sprinkled goodness, you are going to fall head over heels for the Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe. This dessert combines the delicate flakiness of crescent roll dough with a luscious cream cheese filling, all topped with a dreamy cinnamon-sugar butter glaze that bakes into a golden brown delight. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward, relying on simple but essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table—from the buttery richness to the sweet cinnamon touch. Every component works harmoniously to create the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- 2 (8-oz) tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets: The base and top layers, providing flaky and tender pastry that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese (softened): The creamy, tangy heart of the bars that melts into lusciousness when baked.
- 1½ cups sugar (divided): Sweetness that marries the cream cheese and cinnamon perfectly, split to layer and sprinkle.
- 1 tsp vanilla: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling with a subtle aromatic note.
- ½ cup butter (melted): Poured over the top to help the cinnamon sugar caramelize and create a crisp, flavorful crust.
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings that signature sopapilla flavor in every bite.
How to Make Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF, then greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Press the first can of crescent roll dough into the bottom, making sure to cover the entire surface. This layer creates that delicate flaky crust you’ll love.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the softened cream cheese, vanilla, and 1 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. This mixture becomes the luscious middle filling that contrasts perfectly with the crispy dough layers.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pressed crescent dough. Then gently place the second can of crescent roll dough on top. Don’t worry if it looks like it won’t cover evenly—it will bake down into a beautiful, flaky top crust.
Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Finish
Mix the remaining ½ cup of sugar and the ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Drizzle the melted butter over the top dough layer, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. This final step gives the bars their heavenly sopapilla-inspired glaze and that irresistible aroma as they bake.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown, bubbly, and absolutely mouthwatering. The smell alone will have you counting the minutes!
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Once out of the oven, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool. Then refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before cutting. This cooling step is key to getting perfectly clean squares and allowing the cream cheese layer to set up just right.
How to Serve Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these bars, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top just before serving or drizzle some warm honey or caramel sauce. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea. If you’re serving them at a brunch or party, fresh fruit or a light fruit salad balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a colorful platter for an inviting dessert table. You can also serve them layered in parfait glasses with alternating layers of whipped cream for an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the firmness of the cream cheese filling while preserving that delicate crust.
Freezing
You can freeze uncut Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, use a low oven setting (around 300ºF) for 10 to 15 minutes to bring back that crispy top and soften the filling without overbaking.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent roll dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! While store-bought crescent dough is convenient and reliable, homemade dough can add an extra level of freshness and flavor. Just ensure it’s rolled thin enough to bake through nicely.
Is it necessary to chill the bars before cutting?
Yes, chilling helps the cream cheese filling firm up, which makes cutting clean squares easier. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with a lighter option?
You can try using reduced-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind it might affect the richness and texture. Full-fat cream cheese gives you that creamy indulgence this recipe is known for.
What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
You can mix the cream cheese filling by hand with a sturdy whisk or wooden spoon, but it may take a bit more elbow grease to get it completely smooth.
Can I add fruit to the bars?
Yes! For a fresh twist, try layering thinly sliced peaches or berries on top of the cream cheese layer before adding the second dough layer. Just be mindful that adding extra moisture can change baking time slightly.
Final Thoughts
Making these Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe is like bringing a warm hug to your dessert table. The ease of preparation combined with rich, creamy, and golden sticky-sweet layers means this treat will quickly become your go-to for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll want to share this recipe with every friend you have. So roll up your sleeves and start baking—you’re in for something wonderful!
Print
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a creamy cheesecake layer sandwiched between buttery crescent roll dough, topped with a cinnamon-sugar butter glaze. This easy-to-make treat combines flaky, golden layers with a smooth and sweet cream cheese filling, perfect for parties or a comforting dessert any day of the week.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 (8-oz) tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Form the base layer. Unroll one tube of refrigerated crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a dough base.
- Make the cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Spread cheesecake layer. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent dough base in the pan.
- Add the top dough layer. Unroll the second tube of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cheesecake mixture, covering it completely.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar topping. In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon with the remaining ½ cup sugar. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top.
- Bake the bars. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and chill. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before cutting into 16 squares to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute the crescent roll dough with puff pastry for a flakier texture.
- Ensure cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- For an added twist, drizzle honey or caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
