weet Treat for Any Occasion
If you love the combination of creamy cheesecake and crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness, then these Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with Crescent Rolls are about to become your new favorite dessert. They offer all the rich indulgence of classic cheesecake but with a fraction of the effort. This recipe is perfect for home bakers of all skill levels and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re making dessert for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just a cozy night in, these cheesecake bars are simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Plus, they require minimal ingredients—many of which you probably already have in your pantry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Made with pre-made crescent roll dough, there’s no need to fuss with homemade pastry.
- Rich and Creamy: The cheesecake filling is smooth, luscious, and perfectly sweetened.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Crunch: A buttery cinnamon-sugar topping adds the perfect touch of warmth and texture.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars taste even better after chilling, making them perfect for prepping in advance.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) packages crescent rolls
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups white sugar (divided)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Pastry brush (optional, for spreading butter evenly)
- Knife for cutting bars
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Lay the First Crescent Roll Layer
Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the prepared dish. Be sure to pinch the seams together to create a solid layer.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
4. Add the Cheesecake Layer
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer using a spatula.
5. Top with the Second Crescent Roll Layer
Unroll the second can of crescent rolls onto a cutting board and roll it out slightly to ensure it covers the cream cheese layer completely. Carefully lay it on top.
6. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
Melt the butter and pour it over the top layer. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the melted butter.
7. Bake
Bake for 35 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly puffed. The top should have a crispy cinnamon-sugar crust.
8. Cool and Chill
Allow the cheesecake bars to cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before cutting into squares. This helps the cheesecake set properly and enhances the flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: While these are best served chilled, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a softer texture.
Variations and Substitutions
- Honey Drizzle: For an authentic sopapilla touch, drizzle warm honey over the bars before serving.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar topping before baking.
- Fruit-Infused: Add a thin layer of fruit preserves (such as raspberry or strawberry) between the cheesecake filling and the top crescent roll layer.
- Pumpkin Spice: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a cozy fall-inspired version.
Food and Drink Pairings
These bars are rich and sweet, so they pair well with:
- Black Coffee or Espresso – The bitterness balances the sweetness.
- Chai Tea – The warm spices complement the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla makes for an extra indulgent treat.
- Fresh Berries – A handful of raspberries or strawberries adds a tart contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of dough?
Puff pastry can work as a substitute, but the texture will be flakier and less soft than crescent rolls.
2. Do I have to use cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps stabilize the cheesecake filling, but you can substitute 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour if needed.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
4. What if I don’t have a hand mixer?
You can mix the cheesecake filling by hand using a whisk, but it will require more effort to get it completely smooth.
5. How do I make these extra crispy?
For a crispier top, bake an additional 5-10 minutes until deeply golden brown.
Try This Recipe and Share!
Now that you have the ultimate Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with Crescent Rolls recipe, it’s time to get baking! Whether you serve them at a family dinner, potluck, or just as a treat for yourself, these bars are guaranteed to impress.
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