These Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars combine the flavors of rich cheesecake and crispy, sugary sopapillas in a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert. With buttery crescent rolls as the crust and a creamy cinnamon-topped cheesecake filling, this recipe delivers a satisfying, indulgent treat. Best of all, it’s quick to make and ideal for any gathering or celebration. You can enjoy these bars cold for a refreshing dessert or slightly warm for a comforting sweet bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 (8 oz) packages crescent rolls
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups white sugar (divided)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. First Layer of Crescent Rolls:
- Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and gently press it onto the bottom of the greased baking dish. Make sure to press the seams together so the dough forms an even layer without gaps.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, then beat again until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake Bars:
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll layer in the dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the dough.
5. Add the Top Layer of Crescent Rolls:
- Unroll the second can of crescent rolls onto a flat surface. Roll it out slightly larger than the first layer to ensure it covers the entire cream cheese layer. Gently lay it on top of the filling.
6. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- Melt the butter and pour it evenly over the top layer of crescent rolls.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup of sugar with the cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the melted butter.
7. Bake and Chill:
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing and serving. Chilling helps the bars set and makes slicing easier.
Description and Tips:
These Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars bring together the rich, tangy flavor of cheesecake with the classic cinnamon-sugar topping of sopapillas, a traditional Mexican pastry. The crescent rolls form a soft, flaky crust and topping, while the creamy cheesecake filling is perfectly balanced with the sweet and buttery cinnamon sugar.
Tips:
- Press the Dough Seamlessly: Be sure to press the crescent roll dough seams together well for both layers to avoid gaps where the filling could leak.
- Chilling is Crucial: For neat and clean slices, chill the bars for at least 3 hours. This step ensures the cheesecake filling firms up, making the bars easier to cut and serve.
- Customize the Flavor: For extra flavor, you can add a touch of lemon zest or a hint of almond extract to the cream cheese filling. You could also drizzle honey on top before serving to enhance the sopapilla experience.
- Serving Ideas: These bars are delicious as is, but you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or even fresh fruit to elevate the dessert even more.
These Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you’re in the mood for a decadent yet simple dessert!
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