Sweet Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Dreamy Sweet Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Delectable sweet sopapilla cheesecake bars melt hearts with their irresistible blend of creamy and crisp textures.

Layers of buttery pastry embrace a rich, velvety filling that promises pure indulgence.

Warm cinnamon and sweet cream cheese create a dance of flavors that will transport you to dessert paradise.

These bars bring a touch of southwestern charm to any gathering, offering a delightful twist on classic cheesecake.

Crisp edges and soft centers make each bite a perfect balance of comfort and excitement.

simple ingredients and easy preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert in no time.

Prepare to be the star of any potluck or family meal with these heavenly bars that everyone will adore.

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars: Sweet Highlights

  • Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with minimal effort. The recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and simple steps.
  • Using pre-made crescent roll dough cuts down on preparation time, making this dessert a quick go-to option for busy home bakers.
  • These bars work wonderfully for casual gatherings, potlucks, family desserts, or as a spontaneous treat that appeals to both kids and adults with their rich, cinnamon-sugar topping.
  • Enjoy these bars warm for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience or chilled for a firmer, more structured dessert, giving you flexibility in how you serve and enjoy them.

Sopapilla Bar Ingredient Roundup

Base Layer:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: A soft, flaky pastry that creates the foundational layer for the cheesecake bars.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy cheese that provides the smooth, tangy base for the cheesecake layer.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a golden, crispy surface and adds richness to the dessert.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Sugar: A classic sweet and spicy combination that provides a delightful crunchy topping with warm flavor notes.

Equipment List for Sopapilla Bars

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: essential for creating the perfect bar size and shape.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: crucial for blending cream cheese mixture smoothly and eliminating lumps.
  • Mixing bowls: needed for preparing cream cheese filling and cinnamon-sugar topping.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: precise measurements ensure consistent flavor and texture.
  • Cooking spray: helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal of bars.
  • Pastry brush: perfect for evenly spreading melted butter on top layer of dough.
  • Small bowl: useful for mixing cinnamon and sugar topping.
  • Spatula: helpful for spreading cream cheese mixture evenly across dough base.

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars—Steps

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Base

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it generously with cooking spray.

Carefully unroll the first crescent roll dough package and press it smoothly across the entire bottom of the dish, creating an even foundation.

Gently press down to eliminate any air bubbles and ensure a uniform layer.

Step 2: Whip The Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract.

Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend these ingredients until they transform into a silky, smooth mixture with no lumps.

The filling should look glossy and feel light when you touch it.

Step 3: Layer The Cheesecake Mixture

Spread the cream cheese blend evenly across the crescent roll base.

Make sure to reach all corners and create a consistent layer that covers the entire surface.

The filling should look thick and creamy.

Step 4: Create The Top Crust

Unroll the second crescent roll package and carefully place it over the cheesecake filling.

Gently press down on the edges to seal and create a complete top layer.

Use your fingers to smooth out any visible seams or gaps.

Step 5: Add Delicious Topping

Melt butter and brush it generously across the top layer of dough.

In a separate small bowl, mix ground cinnamon and sugar.

Sprinkle this aromatic mixture all over the buttered surface, ensuring an even distribution for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven.

Bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the dough appears fully cooked.

The edges might start to look slightly crispy.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Slice the bars into squares while still warm for a gooey texture, or refrigerate for a firmer consistency.

These bars can be served immediately or chilled.

Store any remaining bars in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days.

Tips for Golden, Flaky Cheesecake Bars

  • Use fresh cream cheese at room temperature for smoother, creamier filling and full-fat crescent roll dough for better texture and flavor.
  • Lightly pre-bake the bottom crescent roll layer for 5-8 minutes to create a crisp base that won't become wet from the cheesecake mixture.
  • Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture to ensure each bite has a consistent sweet and spicy flavor profile throughout the dessert.
  • Watch the bars closely after 25 minutes to prevent over-browning, aiming for a golden top and fully cooked dough without burning the edges.

Sopapilla Bar Mix-In Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Cream Cheese Option: Swap dairy cream cheese with cashew-based or tofu cream cheese alternatives, using coconut oil instead of butter for the topping.
  • Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
  • Fruit-Enhanced Variation: Add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries between cream cheese layer and top dough for extra fruity complexity.

Serving Sopapilla Bars as Dessert Bites

  • Sweet Celebration Platter: Create a beautiful dessert board with your sopapilla cheesecake bars alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, and mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
  • Cozy Comfort Pairing: Serve warm bars with a steaming mug of Mexican hot chocolate or cinnamon coffee to enhance the dessert's warm, spicy notes and create a comforting experience.
  • Ice Cream Indulgence: Top each bar with a scoop of vanilla bean or dulce de leche ice cream for a decadent twist that adds creamy contrast and extra richness to the dessert.
  • Breakfast Remix: Cut bars into smaller squares and enjoy as a sweet morning treat alongside fresh fruit and a light yogurt for a delightful weekend breakfast option.

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bar Storage

  • Seal the sopapilla cheesecake bars in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the container is clean and completely closed to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious taste and texture.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid leaving at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make these bars unique?

The crescent roll dough creates a flaky, buttery crust that serves as a quick and easy base, transforming traditional cheesecake into a more accessible dessert.

  • Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and richness might be slightly different from the original recipe.

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! This recipe requires minimal baking skills, uses pre-made dough, and involves simple mixing and layering techniques that even novice bakers can easily master.

  • How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and set edges. The dough should look cooked through and the cheesecake layer should be firm but not cracked when you remove it from the oven.

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Sweet Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Sweet Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful sweet sopapilla cheesecake bars showcase creamy cheesecake nestled between flaky crescent dough layers. Mexican-inspired dessert promises a delectable fusion of textures and flavors you’ll savor with each irresistible bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cans crescent roll dough
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated white sugar

Spices and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Topping and Finishing:

  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) melted butter
  • 1/4 cup additional sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Carefully unroll the first crescent roll dough sheet, gently pressing it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even base layer that covers the entire surface.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until silky, then incorporate sugar and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
  4. Distribute the cream cheese filling evenly across the dough base, using a spatula to create a consistent layer that reaches all corners of the dish.
  5. Delicately unroll the second crescent roll dough sheet, positioning it atop the cream cheese layer and gently pressing the edges to seal the filling inside.
  6. Melt butter and brush it generously across the top dough layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  7. Combine ground cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, then liberally sprinkle the mixture over the buttered surface, creating a flavorful and textured topping.
  8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and fully cooked dough.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly; serve warm for a gooey dessert or refrigerate for a firmer texture, storing any remaining bars in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Prevent Soggy Bottom by lightly prebaking the base layer of crescent roll dough to create a more stable foundation for the creamy cheesecake filling.
  • Ensure Smooth Cream Cheese Mixture by letting cream cheese soften at room temperature and beating until no lumps remain for a silky, consistent texture.
  • Customize Sweetness by adjusting the sugar quantity to suit personal taste preferences, reducing for a less sweet version or adding a touch more for intense sweetness.
  • Make Gluten-Free by substituting crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or a gluten-free crescent roll alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 293
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 264 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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