Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Flaky, Creamy, Cinnamon-Sugar Bliss in Every Bite
These Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are one of those “Why didn’t I make this sooner?” desserts. Made with crescent rolls, sweet cream cheese, and a cinnamon-sugar topping, they hit that perfect trifecta of flaky, creamy, and irresistibly sweet. Whether served warm and gooey or chilled and sliceable, they’re always a hit—at potlucks, holidays, or just a random Tuesday night.
The best part? They come together with a handful of ingredients and almost no effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dessert is dangerously simple. Crescent roll dough gives you the golden, buttery base and top without making a crust from scratch. The cheesecake filling is sweet, smooth, and lightly tangy. And that cinnamon-sugar topping? Total magic once it caramelizes in the oven.
It’s a no-mixer, no-fuss recipe that looks bakery-worthy and tastes like something your grandma made—if your grandma had a sweet tooth and a stash of crescent rolls.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz.) cans Pillsbury crescent rolls
- 2 (8 oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp sugar
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
- Add a drizzle of honey over the top after baking for an authentic sopapilla flair
- Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version
- Stir in a bit of lemon zest or almond extract for a flavor twist
- Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for crunch
- Add a layer of fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, or peach) beneath the top crust
How to Make Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
🔥 Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
🧈 Step 2: Layer the Dough
Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of the dish. Pinch seams together and stretch to fit the edges.
Optional but recommended: Pre-bake this layer for 5–8 minutes to avoid a soggy bottom.
🍰 Step 3: Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and creamy.
🥄 Step 4: Assemble
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pre-baked bottom crust.
Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and lay it over the top, pressing seams together to seal.
🧴 Step 5: Top & Bake
Brush the top crust with melted butter.
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and 4 tablespoons sugar, then sprinkle over the buttered dough.
⏲️ Step 6: Bake
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed.
Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. For clean cuts and a chilled texture, refrigerate for several hours.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps
- Pre-bake the bottom crust if you want a firmer base
- Chill before slicing for cleaner bars
- Store in the fridge to maintain structure and flavor
- These bars taste amazing both warm (for gooey goodness) and chilled (for clean, creamy texture)
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve these bars with:
- A drizzle of honey or chocolate syrup
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top
And if you love these bars, you’ll go crazy for:
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies – bite-sized fall magic
- Old School No-Bake Cookies – classic and foolproof
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – creamy, chocolatey perfection
- Pumpkin Delight – a chilled favorite
- Big Family Banana Pudding – perfect for gatherings
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Freeze: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight
- Reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds for that warm, gooey finish
Final Thoughts
These Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are one of those “print it and keep it” recipes. Simple ingredients, quick prep, and the kind of flavor that gets recipe requests every time. Whether you’re serving them warm for a sweet, cinnamon-sugar meltdown or chilled for a clean cheesecake bite, they’ll never disappoint.
Made them? Snap a pic and tag @chefmaniac—we’d love to see your version!
Until then, keep baking sweet and simple. 💛🍰✨
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