This isn’t just another Sopapilla Cheesecake recipe. If you’ve been searching for the perfect one, this is it. It’s the one you’ll want to save and make again and again. It’s foolproof, family-approved, and guaranteed to impress.
It’s the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake, flaky layers, and just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar topping. But what truly sets it apart is just how effortless it is to make. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic Tex-Mex dessert or need a quick and impressive treat, this recipe has you covered.
Growing up in Texas and New Mexico, sopapillas were always a treat we’d order at our favorite restaurants. Those golden pillows of fried dough filled with honey were always the perfect ending to the meal. Then I tried something called a chongo at a local restaurant (that isn’t around anymore). It was a cheesecake-filled sopapilla drizzled with caramel and dusted with cinnamon sugar.
These Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars have all the flavors that I loved about the chongo, but in an easy to eat bar. You get all of the flavors of a sopapilla but with the creamy richness of cheesecake stuffed between the flaky layers.
It’s become a staple in my kitchen. Whether I’m hosting a family dinner or just looking for something easy to take to a potluck, this dessert never fails. And the best part? It’s ridiculously simple to make with just a handful of ingredients–leaving more time for what matters most, sharing it with the ones you love.
Why This Crescent Roll Cheesecake Is a Must-Try
Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this is perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute get together.
No-Fail Recipe: Even if you’re not an experience baker, this recipe is foolproof–no fancy techniques required.
Incredible Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake filling, buttery crescent dough, and a cinnamon-sugar topping makes every bite irresistable.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a family dinner, potluck, or a holiday party, this dessert always gets rave reviews (and requests for the recipe!).
Ingredients for Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
- Crescent Roll Dough: Found in the refrigerated section near biscuits and cookie dough. If available, opt for seamless dough sheets for easier layering, but the regular perforated rolls work just as well.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is key for a rich and creamy filling. Let it come to room temperature to ensure a smooth texture when mixed.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. I love to use Mexican vanilla, but regular pure vanilla extract works great.
- Egg: This acts as a binder in the filling, giving it the perfect cheesecake consistency. Large eggs work best for this recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the filling and is also a part of the topping.
- Butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere and creates a golden, caramelized finish. Unsalted butter is recommended to control the flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: This adds warmth and that signature sopapilla flavor.
How to Make Sopapilla Cheesecake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving a 9×13 baking dish a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures your layers come out perfectly without any fuss.
Grab your first package of crescent roll dough and gently stretch it across the bottom of the dish. If it tears, don’t worry—just pinch it back together and press it into place. This layer will form the flaky, buttery base for your cheesecake.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, vanilla, egg, and sugar. For the smoothest filling, an electric or stand mixer is your best friend here. Whip it up until everything is creamy and well-blended, then spread the mixture evenly over the crescent dough in the dish.
Now for the top layer—take the second package of crescent dough and lay it over the cream cheese filling. Try to align the edges and pinch the seams together to create a smooth surface.
Next, pour the melted butter right over the top. Be generous—it’s what helps create that golden, buttery crust.
In a small bowl, mix together your cinnamon and sugar to create the topping. Sprinkle it liberally over the butter, making sure every inch of the dough gets a sweet dusting.
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden and your kitchen smells like heaven.
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 20-25 minutes. This gives the layers time to set and makes slicing much easier. Serve it up and watch it disappear—this dessert is always a hit!
Expert Tips for the Best Sopapilla Cheesecake
Room-temperature cream cheese is key. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This ensures a smooth, creamy filling without any lumps. If you’re short on time, cut the cream cheese into smaller chunks and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Use seamless crescent dough if possible. If you can find the crescent dough sheets, they make layering easier since there are no perforations to pinch together. Regular crescent rolls work too—just take a few extra seconds to press the seams closed.
Cool before slicing: While it’s tempting to dive in as soon as it’s out of the oven, letting the cheesecake cool for 20-25 minutes helps the layers set. This makes slicing cleaner and keeps the filling from spilling out.
Variations
Chocolate: Add a layer of chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate syrup between the cream cheese filling and top layer of crescent dough.
Orange or Lemon: Mix a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the cream cheese filling for a bright touch.
Nutty: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar topping before baking. The nuts add a satisfying crunch and hint of nuttiness. Toffee bits work great here too.
Honey: Swap the cinnamon sugar topping with a drizzle of honey after baking to mimic the classic sopapilla flavor. It’s less crunchy, but just as good!
Fall Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar topping for a deeper, warm spice flavor that’s perfect for fall or the holidays.
Berries: Spread a thin layer of your favorite berry jam or preserves over the bottom crescent dough layer before adding the cream cheese filling.
How to Serve this Tex-Mex Dessert
This sopapilla cheesecake is a showstopper at potlucks, family dinners, or the holidays. If you need something to bring for a crowd, this is what you should bring.
You can serve it up with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a latte. The cinnamon-sugar topping goes great with coffee.
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle honey or caramel sauce over the top before serving.
A great thing about this is that you can serve it slightly warmed or chilled. You can even serve it straight from the fridge!
It’s also really great with some fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
Top Tip
Lightly lay the dough in the pan while you pinch the seams together and then stretch it to fit. It’s easier to pinch them together when it’s loose than when it’s already been stretched.
How to Store Sopapilla Cheesecake
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. If you’re stacking pieces, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
You can enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge, or warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that just-baked texture.
Freezing
Sopapilla Cheesecake also freezes well. Let it cool completely, slice it into portions, and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently if desired.
Sopapilla Cheesecake FAQs
Yes, once it’s cooled, you’ll want to store it in the refrigerator. Because of the cream cheese filling, it’s best kept chilled to maintain freshness and food safety. Just cover it tightly or store it in an airtight container.
It can safely sit out at room temperature for about 2 hours. If you’re serving it at a party or gathering, it’s fine on the counter for a bit, but be sure to refrigerate any leftovers. The cream cheese filling means it should be left out too long.
You can, but the texture and richness may not be quite the same. Full fat cream cheese gives the best creamy consistency.
Yes! This recipe is perfect for making a day in advance. Just bake it, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator. Serve it chilled or warmed slightly before serving.
Yes, you can double it and bake in a larger sheet pan if you’re serving a big crowd. Just be sure to keep an eye on the bake time. It may need a few extra minutes.
A slight jiggle in the center is totally normal and will firm up as it cools. If it still looks very wet or underbaked, give it a few more minutes.
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Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 ounces ea) crescent roll dough
- 16 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Stretch one package of crescent dough over the bottom of the baking dish.(2 cans (8 ounces ea) crescent roll dough)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, vanilla, egg, and sugar. An electric mixer or stand mixer works best.(16 ounces cream cheese, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 1 large egg, 1 cup granulated sugar)
- Add the cream cheese mixture to the baking dish and spread it evenly over the crescent dough.
- Add the other package of crescent dough over the top of the cream cheese mixture, making sure to pinch the seams together.
- Pour the melted butter over the top of the crescent dough.(4 tablespoons butter)
- In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon sugar topping with the ground cinnamon and sugar.(2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/3 cup sugar)
- Sprinkle the topping over the butter.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Allow it to cool 20-25 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
- Cream cheese should be at room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Crescent roll sheets work best if you can find them, but regular crescent rolls are just fine—just pinch the seams together.
- Let the cheesecake cool before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
- A light drizzle of honey after baking adds even more classic sopapilla flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
