Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars: A Sweet and Creamy Mexican Delight

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent and simple to make, look no further than this Sopapilla Cheesecake. With layers of buttery puff pastry, a soft and fluffy cream cheese filling, and a generous dusting of cinnamon-sugar on top, this decadent treat will have you coming back for more. The crispy, flaky layers and the rich, creamy filling meld together in a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors that are absolutely irresistible.

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Sopapilla Cheesecake is a fun twist on the classic Mexican dessert, sopapillas, which are traditionally deep-fried pastries sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. In this recipe, we take the concept of the sopapilla and transform it into an easy-to-make cheesecake bar that’s baked to perfection. Whether you’re making it for a family dessert, a potluck, or just because you want a sweet treat, this Sopapilla Cheesecake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Sopapilla Cheesecake

This dessert combines two beloved flavors: cheesecake and sopapillas. The cream cheese filling is light, fluffy, and mildly sweet, balanced perfectly by the buttery layers of puff pastry. The cinnamon-sugar topping gives it a warm, comforting flavor reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls. The best part is that this Sopapilla Cheesecake is incredibly easy to prepare and bake, taking only about 55 minutes from start to finish. The prep time is short, and the result is a dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to create.

But what truly sets this Sopapilla Cheesecake apart is its versatility. While it features a traditional cream cheese filling and cinnamon topping, it can be customized to suit your taste. You can adjust the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra sweetness or spice, swap out puff pastry for crescent rolls, or even add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel for added flavor. However you decide to enjoy it, this Sopapilla Cheesecake is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients for Sopapilla Cheesecake

The ingredients are simple, and most of them are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need to make this indulgent dessert:

• 1 package puff pastry, thawed: Puff pastry creates the perfect flaky, buttery base for this dessert. It adds a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the smooth, creamy filling.
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature: Cream cheese is the star of the filling, providing that luscious, smooth texture. Be sure to let it come to room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Butter adds richness to both the filling and the topping. It ensures the cheesecake has a decadent flavor and keeps the puff pastry layers crisp.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: This adds the right amount of sweetness to the filling, balancing out the cream cheese’s tanginess.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Vanilla enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor of the cheesecake filling.
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, complementing both the cream cheese filling and the cinnamon-sugar topping.
• Pinch fine sea salt: Just a pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• For the Topping:
  • ½ cup granulated sugar: A little extra sweetness for the topping.
  • ¾ teaspoon cinnamon: For that signature cinnamon flavor.
  • Pinch fine sea salt: To balance the sweetness.
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: This buttery drizzle ensures the puff pastry gets that golden-brown, crispy finish.

How to Make Sopapilla Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously to ensure that your cheesecake bars don’t stick. If you’re concerned about removing the cheesecake from the pan later, you can line it with parchment paper for easy lifting.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), combine the room-temperature cream cheese, ½ cup of softened butter, ¾ cup of sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture should be smooth and fluffy. Set the cream cheese filling aside.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry Dust your work surface with a little flour and roll out the first sheet of puff pastry. You’ll need it to fit the size of your baking pan. Once the puff pastry is rolled out to the correct size, lay it in the bottom of the prepared pan.

Take the second sheet of puff pastry, roll it out slightly if necessary, and set it aside for later.

4. Assemble the Sopapilla Cheesecake Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the puff pastry in the pan. Once the filling is spread evenly, take the second sheet of puff pastry and place it over the top, sealing the edges as best as you can.

In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup of sugar, ¾ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the puff pastry, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.

5. Bake the Sopapilla Cheesecake Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t over-brown. If needed, cover the top loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

6. Cool and Slice Once baked, remove the Sopapilla Cheesecake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 1-2 hours. This gives the cheesecake time to set and makes it easier to cut. After it’s cooled, slice it into squares or bars.

7. Serve and Enjoy Serve the Sopapilla Cheesecake warm or at room temperature. The flaky pastry layers paired with the rich cream cheese filling and sweet cinnamon topping make for a heavenly bite every time.

Optional Variations and Tips

• Crescent Roll Substitute: If you don’t have puff pastry, crescent rolls are a great alternative. Use 2 (8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls instead of puff pastry sheets. Simply stretch each roll to fit the pan and press to remove the perforation marks. You’ll need to bake it for about 30-35 minutes instead of 35-40 minutes.
• Chocolate Ganache Topping: If you’re looking to take this dessert to the next level, consider topping your Sopapilla Cheesecake with a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Simply melt some semi-sweet chocolate with heavy cream and pour it over the top once the cheesecake has cooled.
• Fresh Fruit: For a fruity twist, add a layer of fresh fruit like berries on top of the cream cheese filling before adding the second layer of puff pastry. It adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
• Make Ahead: This Sopapilla Cheesecake can be made ahead of time. After baking, let it cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Serving Suggestions

Sopapilla Cheesecake can be served as is, or you can dress it up with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive holidays or family gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.

Conclusion

This Sopapilla Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves sweet, creamy, and cinnamon-spiced treats. With its easy preparation, minimal ingredients, and incredible taste, it’s a must-try recipe that will satisfy every sweet tooth in the room. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just to enjoy with your family, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!

This Sopapilla Cheesecake will become one of your favorite go-to desserts that’s always a hit at any gathering. Get ready to enjoy the perfect combination of crispy, buttery pastry and smooth, creamy cheesecake filling – it’s truly a slice of heaven!