Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
An Irresistible Sweet Treat: Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Dessert is always such a fun thing to experiment with, and we have no problem trying out new recipes and coming up with the best versions of anything we try. As you may already know, we’re pretty hooked on all things cheesecake over here, so we’ve done a fair amount of trial and error with any number of cheesecake-related desserts. Whether it’s bright and citrusy lemon cheesecake bars or rich, silky chocolate cheesecake pie, you can’t go wrong with a cream cheese-based dessert…which is how we knew ahead of time that these sopapilla cheesecake bars would be a smashing success!
So, what exactly is a sopapilla, you ask? Also known as a sopaipilla, this dish has roots in many Spanish countries, but it’s the New Mexican version that influenced our recipe today. New Mexican sopapillas are little fried pillows of dough that rise up after being fried and are served with honey or cinnamon sugar. They’re light and airy, which means you can have a bunch of them without feeling full…which is usually what we do. Here, though, we took crescent rolls as our dough, then made a creamy cheesecake filling, and topped everything off with a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar. The result is a decadent dessert bar that never fails to hit the spot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and crispy, cinnamon-sugar-topped dough. The simplicity of crescent rolls makes this recipe easy, while the resulting flavors are complex and delicious. Plus, they’re a hit at any gathering!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Non-stick spray
- Large bowl or mixer
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz.) packages crescent rolls
- 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Unwrap one package of crescent rolls and carefully place it into the baking dish, gently pinching the seams together to form a uniform crust layer.
- Optional: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until light golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- In a large bowl or mixer, beat the cream cheese for 3-4 minutes, or until fluffy. Mix in 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla extract until combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the (now) cooled crust, ensuring it reaches all the way to the sides.
- Take the remaining crescent rolls and place them gently over the cream cheese layer, pressing the seams together again.
- Brush melted butter over the dough. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then evenly sprinkle the mixture over the top crust.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or overnight, before serving.
Tips for Success
For the best results, ensure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This will create a smoother filling. Also, don’t skip the step of letting the dessert bars chill; it helps them set properly and enhances the flavor.
Additional Tips and Variations
If you want to switch things up, consider adding a layer of fruit preserves between the cream cheese and top layer of dough. You could also try using flavored cream cheese for an extra twist.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving of Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars offers a delightful balance of creaminess and sweetness. While exact values may vary based on portion size, you can expect approximately 300 calories per serving with a good dose of energy from the sugars and fats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly different.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze these bars? Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
These Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake that will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. We invite you to try this recipe and share your experiences with us. Enjoy each delicious bite!