Sopapilla Cheesecake Dessert

Sopapilla Cheesecake Dessert combines the flaky, buttery layers of crescent dough with a creamy cheesecake filling and a cinnamon-sugar topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you crave a sweet treat. The flavors of this dessert are inspired by traditional sopapillas, giving it a rich, indulgent twist.

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Base and Topping:

• 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup honey (for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Base

1. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Stretch the dough to the edges to form an even layer. Pinch any seams together to seal.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the layer of crescent dough in the baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Top Layer of Crescent Dough

1. Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cream cheese mixture. Try to match the edges of the dough to the bottom layer. Pinch any seams to seal.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. Pour the melted butter evenly over the top layer of dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered top.

Step 6: Bake the Dessert

1. Bake the sopapilla cheesecake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Drizzle with Honey and Serve

1. Drizzle honey over the top of the warm dessert before slicing and serving.
2. You can serve this dessert warm or at room temperature, and it pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cook Notes

• Crescent Dough: Make sure to pinch the seams of the crescent dough to prevent the cheesecake filling from seeping through.
• Honey Drizzle: For an extra indulgent dessert, you can increase the amount of honey and drizzle more on individual servings.
• Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.

Variations

Chocolate Sopapilla Cheesecake

Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey twist. You can also drizzle chocolate syrup over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.

Apple Sopapilla Cheesecake

Mix 1 cup of finely diced apples with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Add this mixture on top of the cheesecake filling before layering the top crescent roll dough.

Nutty Sopapilla Cheesecake

Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the top layer of crescent dough before adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! Sopapilla cheesecake is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare and bake it up to 1 day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving, or warm it slightly in the oven for a few minutes.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before serving.

Can I freeze sopapilla cheesecake dessert?

Yes! After baking, allow the dessert to cool completely. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator and warm slightly if desired.

What can I serve with sopapilla cheesecake?

This dessert is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for added richness.

Sopapilla Cheesecake Dessert is a sweet, creamy, and flaky treat that’s sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and easy assembly, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds!