Name: Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Desserts
Ingredients: 2 cans crescent roll dough.; 16 oz cream cheese, softened.; 1 cup granulated white sugar.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.; 1/4 cup melted butter.; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.; 1/4 cup additional sugar.

These Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the flakiness of crescent roll dough, topped off with a sweet and spicy cinnamon-sugar coating. The recipe starts by creating a base layer of crescent roll dough, which is optionally baked for a few minutes to ensure a firm foundation. The cheesecake filling is made with softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, which is spread over the base. Another layer of crescent roll dough is placed on top, then brushed with melted butter and generously dusted with cinnamon sugar. The result is a golden-brown dessert that can be served warm for a gooey treat or chilled for a firmer bite. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet, these bars are the perfect dessert!

Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are a quick and delicious dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with flaky crescent roll dough and a cinnamon-sugar topping. This simple recipe brings together rich, sweet flavors and a soft, flaky texture, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these indulgent bars.

INGREDIENTS

Crescent Roll Dough: The base and top layer of this dessert, providing a flaky, buttery crust that holds the cheesecake filling together.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates the rich, creamy center of the bars, adding the classic cheesecake flavor and texture.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cheesecake filling and the cinnamon-sugar topping, creating a delicious contrast to the tangy cream cheese.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake filling, adding warmth and depth to each bite.
Melted Butter: Brushed on top of the dough to create a rich, golden-brown finish and help the cinnamon-sugar topping adhere.
Cinnamon: Combined with sugar to create a sweet and spicy topping that perfectly complements the creamy filling and flaky crust.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Base Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base. For an extra crisp base, you can optionally bake this layer for 5-8 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together 16 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps in the mixture for the best texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked (or unbaked) base layer. Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and gently lay it over the top of the cheesecake layer, pressing the edges to seal the layers together.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Brush the top layer of dough with 1/4 cup of melted butter. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup of sugar. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered top layer of dough.
Step 5: Bake the Bars: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is fully cooked. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Store: Cut the bars into squares and serve warm for a gooey treat, or refrigerate them for a firmer texture. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions: These Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are best served slightly warm to enjoy the gooey texture of the cheesecake filling and the crispy, cinnamon-sugar topping. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delicious dessert or snack.
Leftover Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, you can enjoy them cold or warm them up slightly in the microwave for a softer texture.
Freezing: These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm slightly before serving if desired.

Helpful Notes

Customizable Filling: If you want to add a twist to this recipe, try adding a layer of fruit preserves, such as strawberry or raspberry, between the cream cheese and crescent dough layers for an extra burst of flavor.
Quick Prep Tip: To save time, use pre-made crescent dough, which provides a buttery and flaky crust without the need to make dough from scratch. This makes the recipe much quicker and easier to prepare.
Firm or Soft Texture: For a firmer texture, chill the bars in the refrigerator before cutting and serving. If you prefer a gooey, warm texture, serve them fresh out of the oven.

Tips from well-known chefs

Ree Drummond: Use high-quality vanilla extract in the cream cheese filling for a richer, more flavorful taste.
Ina Garten: Always allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing it to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
Martha Stewart: If you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle chopped nuts or drizzle honey over the bars for added texture and sweetness.