These Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are a deliciously sweet and creamy dessert with a flaky crescent roll crust, a rich cream cheese filling, and a cinnamon-sugar topping. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat at home, these bars are simple to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients for Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
- 2 (8 oz.) packs of Pillsbury crescent rolls: The flaky, buttery crust and top layer for the bars.
- 2 (8 oz.) packs of cream cheese, room temperature: The rich and creamy filling.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a delicious flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
- ¼ cup butter, melted: Used to brush over the top layer to help it crisp and add flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon: Mixed with sugar for a sweet and spicy topping.
- 4 tablespoons sugar: Combined with cinnamon for a classic Sopapilla-style topping.
Instructions: How to Make Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust
- Roll Out the Crescent Dough:
- Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing the seams together to form a solid crust.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the Filling:
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll crust in the baking dish.
Step 4: Add the Top Layer
- Add the Top Crescent Layer:
- Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and carefully place it over the cream cheese filling, again pressing the seams together to cover the filling completely.
Step 5: Add the Topping
- Brush with Butter:
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the top layer of crescent rolls.
- Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and 4 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered top.
Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake Bars
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the filling is set.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Cool the Bars:
- Allow the cheesecake bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours to fully set.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once chilled, cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy this sweet and creamy dessert!
Cook’s Notes & Tips
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth filling with no lumps.
- Sealing Crescent Roll Seams: Press the seams of the crescent rolls together well to create a solid crust and top layer, preventing the filling from leaking out.
- Serving: These bars are delicious served chilled or at room temperature. They pair well with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
Variations of Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Here are some ways to customize your Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars:
- Fruit-Filled Cheesecake Bars: Add a layer of fruit preserves, like strawberry or raspberry, between the cream cheese filling and the top layer of crescent rolls.
- Chocolate Sopapilla Bars: Add a layer of chocolate chips on top of the cream cheese filling before adding the top crescent layer for a chocolate twist.
- Nutty Sopapilla Bars: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top layer before baking for added crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I store leftover cheesecake bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They taste best when served chilled.
2. Can I freeze Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, these bars can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This can actually help the flavors meld together even more.
4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer, but the texture may be slightly less rich.
5. What can I serve with Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars?
These bars are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A Sweet and Creamy Treat
Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are a delicious and indulgent dessert that’s simple to make and sure to impress. With their flaky crust, creamy filling, and sweet cinnamon-sugar topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or enjoying them at home, they’re sure to be a hit.
So gather your ingredients and enjoy this sweet, creamy, and flaky treat that everyone will love!
