Have you ever wanted a dessert that combines two of your favorite treats? Well, sopapilla cheesecake does just that! It’s a mouthwatering blend of sweet sopapillas and rich, creamy cheesecake. This dessert is made with layers of flaky crescent roll dough, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a cinnamon sugar topping, all drizzled with honey. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering.
If you’ve never had sopapillas before, you’re in for a treat. They’re fried dough, often served with cinnamon and honey, popular in New Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. The combination of these flavors with cheesecake creates a dessert that’s unique and irresistible. If you’re curious about sopapillas and their origins, be sure to check out the history of sopapillas.
To make sopapilla cheesecake even easier, you can use crescent roll dough, which saves time and effort. Not only does this give you a light, flaky crust without the hassle of making dough from scratch, but it also ensures consistency. For a smoother process, you can try using crescent roll dough sheets. Pillsbury offers some great options, and you can explore their crescent roll dough sheets.
Additionally, if you are a fan of cheesecake, you may want to explore Churro Cheesecake—another variation of this creamy dessert that combines cinnamon and sugar with cheesecake filling, creating a truly indulgent treat.
What Are Sopapillas?
Before we jump into making sopapilla cheesecake, let’s learn more about sopapillas themselves. These delicious fried pastries are popular in New Mexico and parts of the southwestern U.S. They are usually served as a dessert, topped with honey and cinnamon sugar. The dough is fried until it’s golden and puffy, giving it a light, airy texture. Sometimes, sopapillas are served savory, stuffed with meats or cheese, but the sweet version is the one used in this cheesecake.
In New Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, sopapillas are a popular comfort food. After a spicy meal, many people enjoy them as a sweet and simple dessert. Furthermore, they pair perfectly with honey and cinnamon, which complements their crispy texture. To further explore more dessert ideas, you may also want to try these delicious Carrot Cake Cookies, which offer another twist on classic flavors.
What Is Sopapilla Cheesecake?
Sopapilla cheesecake is a wonderful combination of sopapilla and cheesecake, two desserts that are delicious on their own but even better together. Instead of using a traditional cheesecake crust, this recipe uses crescent roll dough, which provides a light, flaky base and top layer. As a result, it’s a much quicker and easier option than making a traditional pie crust.
The cheesecake filling is made from cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, giving it the classic sweet, creamy flavor you expect from a cheesecake. On top of the dough, the cheesecake filling is spread, and then another layer of crescent roll dough is placed on top. Finally, the dessert is finished with a cinnamon sugar topping and a drizzle of honey, adding the flavors of sopapillas to the mix.
This dessert is perfect for parties or family gatherings because it can be made in a large pan and sliced into bars. It’s also very easy to prepare, making it a great choice for beginner bakers. Moreover, it can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.
Ingredients for Sopapilla Cheesecake
Here’s what you’ll need to make sopapilla cheesecake:
- Cream cheese: 2 8-ounce packages, softened
- Granulated sugar: 1 ¾ cups, divided
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Refrigerated crescent rolls or dough sheets: Two 8-ounce cans
- Butter: ½ cup, softened
- Ground cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Honey: 3 tablespoons, for drizzling
The cream cheese gives the cheesecake its smooth, creamy texture, while crescent roll dough provides a light, flaky crust. The combination of sugar and cinnamon on top adds a sweet and spicy flavor that makes this dessert special, and the honey drizzle brings the final touch of sweetness.
Ingredient Substitutes and Tips
There are several ways to adjust this recipe to fit your needs or preferences:
- Gluten-Free Version: If you or someone you’re serving is gluten-sensitive, you can use gluten-free crescent rolls. This simple change will keep the dessert light and flaky while making it gluten-free.
- Lower Sugar Option: You can cut down on the sugar by using sugar substitutes like monk fruit or stevia. This keeps the sweetness without adding too much sugar.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan option, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version, like almond-based cream cheese, and use vegan crescent rolls. Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly dessert.
If you enjoy experimenting with different flavors, you might also want to try this delightful recipe for 4-Ingredient Banana Bread, which is another simple yet satisfying dessert option.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Sopapilla Cheesecake
Let’s break down how to make sopapilla cheesecake step by step:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Next, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to ensure the crescent roll dough doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Then, add 1 cup of granulated sugar and the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it’s creamy and well-blended. This should take about 3 minutes.
3. Layer the Crescent Roll Dough
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the greased baking pan. If you’re using regular crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to form a smooth layer. Alternatively, if you’re using crescent roll dough sheets, this step is even easier.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough.
4. Add the Top Layer of Dough
- After spreading the filling, unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it on top of the cheesecake filling. Make sure to gently press the dough to cover the entire surface.
5. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¾ cup of granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon and softened butter. Stir until you have a crumbly texture.
- Dot this mixture evenly over the top layer of dough. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly—it will melt as the cheesecake bakes and cover the top with a delicious layer of cinnamon and sugar.
6. Bake the Sopapilla Cheesecake
- Now, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffed up.
- Once the cheesecake is done, drizzle honey over the top while it’s still warm. This adds a final touch of sweetness and makes the dessert even more delicious.
7. Let It Cool and Serve
- Lastly, allow the sopapilla cheesecake to cool in the pan for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars or squares. This cooling time helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut neat slices.
How to Serve Sopapilla Cheesecake
Sopapilla cheesecake is versatile and can be served either at room temperature or chilled. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Room Temperature: Serve the bars at room temperature for a soft, creamy texture. The dough will be flaky, and the cheesecake layer will be smooth and rich.
- Chilled: If you prefer a firmer texture, chill the cheesecake in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Chilled sopapilla cheesecake holds its shape better and is perfect for warm days.
- Toppings: For an extra indulgent treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice. Additionally, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce is a great way to elevate this dessert.
Storing and Freezing Sopapilla Cheesecake
One of the best things about sopapilla cheesecake is that it stores and freezes well, so you can enjoy it later:
- Refrigerator: First, store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing them.
- Freezer: Additionally, you can freeze the cheesecake bars for up to a month. To do this, place the bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Fun Variations of Sopapilla Cheesecake
You can get creative with sopapilla cheesecake by adding different ingredients or trying new flavors. Here are some fun variations:
1. Chocolate Sopapilla Cheesecake
Add a chocolatey twist by drizzling melted chocolate over the top after baking. You can also mix chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for extra richness. This version pairs wonderfully with whipped cream and extra honey for a decadent dessert.
2. Fruity Sopapilla Cheesecake
For a fresh twist, consider adding fruit to your sopapilla cheesecake. You can layer fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, between the cheesecake filling and the top layer of dough. You can also top the bars with a fruit compote or fresh fruit slices after baking.
3. Caramel Sopapilla Cheesecake
If you love caramel, swap the honey for a drizzle of caramel sauce. After baking, drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cheesecake for a rich, buttery flavor. Moreover, you can sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top for a salted caramel version.
4. Vegan Sopapilla Cheesecake
To make a vegan version of this dessert, use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan crescent rolls. Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey for a delicious, plant-based dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
With so many people making sopapilla cheesecake for the first time, it’s no surprise that many questions come up. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Can I Make Sopapilla Cheesecake Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can make a gluten-free version of this dessert by using gluten-free crescent rolls. Most other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, so this is an easy adjustment for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Can I Use Puff Pastry Instead of Crescent Roll Dough?
Yes, puff pastry is a great alternative to crescent roll dough. It will give the cheesecake an even flakier texture. Just make sure to roll the puff pastry out thinly so it covers both layers evenly.
How Can I Soften Cream Cheese Quickly?
If you forget to set your cream cheese out ahead of time, don’t worry. You can cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave it in 10-second intervals until softened (but not melted). For more tips, check out this guide on how to soften cream cheese quickly.
Can I Make Sopapilla Cheesecake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make sopapilla cheesecake ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a day because the flavors have more time to blend. Simply bake the cheesecake, allow it to cool completely, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Should I Use Salted or Unsalted Butter?
Both salted and unsalted butter work well in this recipe. If you prefer more control over the salt content, go with unsalted butter. However, using salted butter will add a slight savory contrast to the sweet flavors, which some people prefer.
Can I Freeze Sopapilla Cheesecake?
Yes! Sopapilla cheesecake freezes very well. Cut the cheesecake into bars, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer the bars to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and serve.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Sopapilla Cheesecake?
If you want to enjoy your sopapilla cheesecake warm, you can reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will help restore the buttery, flaky texture. Just be careful not to overheat, as the cheesecake filling may become too soft.
Conclusion
Sopapilla cheesecake is a perfect dessert that brings together the flavors of two classic treats. The flaky, buttery layers of crescent roll dough mixed with the rich, creamy cheesecake filling and topped with cinnamon sugar and honey create a dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving it at a party or simply enjoying it with your family, this easy-to-make dessert will quickly become a favorite.
With all the fun variations and tips shared here, you can customize this recipe to suit any occasion or preference. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and start baking! Everyone will be asking for seconds of this delicious dessert.