Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe: A Decadent Mexican Dessert
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are a delicious and decadent treat that combines two beloved dessert classics: cheesecake and sopapillas. These bars bring the flaky, buttery texture of sopapillas together with the creamy, indulgent filling of cheesecake, making each bite a perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and spice. This recipe is easy to make, and the results are nothing short of amazing. With layers of flaky puff pastry, a smooth and velvety cheesecake center, and a cinnamon-sugar topping, these Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Bars, Cheesecake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust and Filling:
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed)
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of fine sea salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of fine sea salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
These simple ingredients come together to create a dessert with layers of buttery pastry, a luscious cheesecake filling, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping. The puff pastry provides a flaky base, while the cream cheese and butter in the filling give the bars their rich and creamy texture. The cinnamon and sugar add the perfect amount of warmth and sweetness, while the melted butter gives the topping a glossy finish.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the pastry will bake evenly and become golden brown. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the bars from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl if you’re using a hand mixer), combine the softened cream cheese, ½ cup of butter, ¾ cup of sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix the ingredients on medium-high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure that all the ingredients are well incorporated. This will create a fluffy and smooth cream cheese filling that will be the heart of your Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer will work just as well. Just make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the first sheet of puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to stretch the dough until it fits the size of your 9×13-inch pan. Carefully transfer the sheet of pastry into the prepared pan and press it gently into the corners to ensure it sticks to the bottom.
Next, roll out the second sheet of puff pastry and set it aside for later. This will be the top layer of your bars.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the bottom layer of puff pastry. Use a spatula to smooth the filling into a uniform layer, covering the entire surface of the pastry. Once the cream cheese filling is evenly spread, place the second sheet of puff pastry over the top of the cream cheese filling. Press the edges of the pastry gently to seal the layers together.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¾ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. This mixture will add a sweet and aromatic flavor to the bars, as well as a beautiful golden-brown finish.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the puff pastry. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered pastry. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the puff pastry to ensure that every bite of the bars has that perfect cinnamon-sugar flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling has set. The top should have a nice golden hue, and the edges should be crisp and flaky. To check if the bars are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a small amount of filling on it, the bars are ready.
Keep in mind that the puff pastry will continue to cook slightly even after you remove it from the oven, so don’t worry if it looks a little soft in the middle when you take it out.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars to cool for 1 to 2 hours before cutting into them. This will help the bars firm up and make them easier to slice. Once cooled, cut them into 12 squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. These bars can be served warm or at room temperature, and they’re just as delicious either way.
Notes
- Add a fruit layer: If you like fruit with your desserts, try adding a layer of sliced fruit, such as peaches, strawberries, or berries, on top of the cream cheese filling. This will add a burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Use a different pastry: If you’re not a fan of puff pastry, you can use a shortcrust pastry or a phyllo dough. Both options will create a different texture but will still result in a delicious dessert.
- Make it gluten-free: To make these bars gluten-free, use gluten-free puff pastry or substitute with a gluten-free shortcrust pastry. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
- Add nuts for extra crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top of the cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking. The nuts will toast during the baking process, adding a satisfying crunch to the bars.