Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

Flaky, golden crescent dough meets creamy, sweetened cheesecake filling in this easy-to-make dessert that’s finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar topping. Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are a Tex-Mex-inspired treat with the perfect balance of crispy edges, rich creaminess, and warm spice, making every bite feel like a little celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are incredibly easy to prepare with just a few ingredients and minimal effort. You get the irresistible flavor of a sopapilla—a fried, cinnamon-sugar pastry—without the deep frying. The result is a chewy, gooey, buttery dessert that feels indulgent but is totally doable even on a busy weeknight. Crowd-pleaser? Absolutely.

Pure Comfort

Think of these bars as the lovechild of a churro, a cheesecake, and a cinnamon roll. That familiar, nostalgic comfort of cinnamon sugar hits first, then comes the rich cream cheese middle—cool and creamy—and finally the lightly crispy dough crust to bring it all home. It’s sweet, spiced, and soul-soothing in the best way.

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

What You Need

• 9×13 baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Silicone spatula or spoon
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Non-stick spray or parchment paper

Time to Cook

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Create the Crust Base
   Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching seams together to form a single layer.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
   In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Layer the Filling
   Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough layer in the baking dish.
5. Top It Off
   Roll out the second can of crescent dough and carefully place it over the filling. Press down slightly to seal the top layer.
6. Add the Buttery Cinnamon Sugar
   Pour melted butter over the top layer. In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle it generously over the butter.
7. Bake to Perfection
   Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges start to crisp up.
8. Cool and Slice
   Let the bars cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Chill them in the fridge for firmer bars, or serve warm for extra gooey goodness.

Make It Perfect

Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and richest flavor. Press crescent seams together well so the layers don’t separate during baking. And don’t skip the cooling time—it helps the bars set properly for clean slices.

Mix It Up

Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of honey on top for extra texture. You can also mix in a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a zingy twist. Love spice? Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar for a warm kick.

Perfect Partners

Pair with a hot cup of café de olla, a rich Mexican hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the sweetness.

Busy Day Hero

These bars are ideal for potlucks, bake sales, school events, or casual get-togethers. They’re simple to transport, slice, and share—plus, they keep well at room temp for hours.

Work Ahead

You can prep everything the night before and refrigerate the unbaked bars. When ready, bake fresh the next day. Or bake and chill in advance—they slice even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Save Some For Later

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual bars, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or pop in the microwave for 15 seconds.

Everyone’s Happy

Whether you’re serving picky eaters, kids, or sweet-toothed adults, these bars win over everyone. They’re mild, creamy, crunchy, sweet, and satisfying all at once.

Good For You Too

While these aren’t a health food, using reduced-fat cream cheese and cutting sugar slightly won’t hurt the flavor. Plus, a small square goes a long way in satisfying your sweet cravings.

Easy Clean Up

No messy oil from deep-frying, and only a few bowls to wash. Using parchment paper in the baking dish helps lift out the bars cleanly and makes post-dessert cleanup even easier.

Switch It Up

Swap crescent dough for puff pastry for a flakier bite. Add a spoonful of Nutella or fruit preserves between the cheesecake and top crust for a flavor surprise. Try maple sugar or coconut sugar for different sweetness vibes.

Simply Perfect

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are what happens when classic flavors meet simple technique. They’re reliable, versatile, and a guaranteed hit every time you bake them. With just the right balance of texture and taste, this dessert stands out for both ease and elegance.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes! Puff pastry gives a flakier texture but may rise more, so keep an eye while baking.

Do these need to be refrigerated?
Yes, since they contain cream cheese, store leftovers in the fridge.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but the texture may be less rich and slightly more watery.

Can I add fruit to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped strawberries or raspberries mix well into the cream cheese layer.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free crescent dough alternative.

Are they good warm or cold?
Both! Warm for gooey texture, cold for firmer, cheesecake-like slices.

How do I keep the layers from separating?
Pinch the seams of the dough well and make sure each layer is evenly spread.

Conclusion

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are the kind of dessert that wins hearts fast. With a buttery crust, a luscious cream cheese center, and a cinnamon sugar topping that’s pure magic, they bring warmth and joy in every bite. Easy to bake, easier to love—this recipe belongs in your permanent collection.

Explore More Decadent Desserts

If you loved the cozy cinnamon-sugar magic of Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars, you’ll definitely want to check out more sweet creations on Goodie Recipes. Try the warm and gooey layers of the Churro Cheesecake Recipe, or dig into the indulgent Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bliss that balances sweet and salty like a dream. For something crispy and fun, you’ll adore the Crispy Strawberry Cheesecake Wontons, and if no-bake treats are your jam, don’t miss the ultra-cool Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe. Finally, round out your dessert table with the rich, melty goodness of the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake.

Each of these recipes brings that same joyful, comforting vibe with a fun twist—perfect for anyone who fell in love with Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars.

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