Mexican Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a holiday dinner with friends. It was love at first bite. The flaky crescent layers combined with the smooth, tangy cream cheese filling and the warm hint of cinnamon felt like pure magic. Now, anytime life calls for a little sweetness, Mexican Sopapilla Cheesecake is my go-to. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it for every occasion—big or small!

How to make Mexican Sopapilla Cheesecake

Mexican Sopapilla Cheesecake is a dessert that combines elements of sopapillas (fried pastry) and creamy cheesecake, baked together into a rich, sweet, and cinnamon-sugar-topped treat. It’s especially popular in the U.S. Southwest and Tex-Mex cuisine.

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Layer:

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

For the Crust & Topping:

• 2 cans (8-ounce each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Optional Garnishes:

• Honey (drizzle over the cheesecake before serving)
• Fresh fruit (like berries, mango slices, or strawberries)
• Whipped cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Create the Bottom Layer

1. Roll out one can of crescent roll dough, pressing the seams together to create a solid sheet.
2. Place the sheet of dough in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, ensuring it covers the base entirely.

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the layer of crescent roll dough in the baking dish.

4. Add the Top Layer

1. Roll out the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully lay it on top of the cheesecake filling. Press lightly to seal the edges and ensure coverage.

5. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

1. In a bowl, mix ¾ cup of sugar with 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon (adjust cinnamon to taste).
2. Pour the melted butter evenly over the top crescent roll layer. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered surface.

6. Bake

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown and the cheesecake filling has set.
2. The edges should be puffed, lightly crispy, and aromatic from the cinnamon sugar.

7. Cool and Serve

1. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the baking dish for about 30-45 minutes.
2. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to firm up the cheesecake layer.
3. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve. Optionally, drizzle honey over each portion for extra sweetness.

Tips for the Best Mexican Sopapilla Cheesecake

1. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends better, creating a smoother filling. If you’re short on time, microwave it in 10-second intervals until softened.

2. Choose the Right Crescent Roll Dough: If available, use seamless crescent roll dough sheets for ease. If using regular crescent roll dough, press the seams together to avoid gaps.

3. Adjust the Sweetness: While this recipe is perfectly balanced for most, you can reduce the sugar slightly in the filling or topping if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

4. Customize Your Topping: For added flair, sprinkle crushed nuts (like pecans or walnuts) on top before baking, or drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cheesecake for a rich finish.

5. Serving Temperature: Although you can serve it warm, chilling the cheesecake before serving allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing cleaner.

6. Store Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer them warm, reheat individual portions in the microwave.

What to serve with

Mexican Sopapilla Cheesecake is already a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and accompaniments can take your dessert experience to the next level.

1. Fresh Fruits

Adding a burst of freshness to the richness of Mexican Sopapilla Cheesecake can create a well-balanced dessert plate. Consider these options:

• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a tart counterbalance to the sweetness of the dish. A quick drizzle of honey over the fruit can add another layer of flavor.
• Tropical Fruits: Mango slices, pineapple chunks, or kiwi can give a vibrant, tropical twist that perfectly complements the cinnamon-sugar flavor.

2. Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream

• Whipped Cream: Serve a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream alongside each slice for a creamy, airy addition. This can make the dessert feel lighter and more luxurious.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon notes of the cheesecake. The coolness of the ice cream offsets the richness of the filling and adds a refreshing contrast.

3. Chocolate or Caramel Sauce

Drizzle sauces over the cheesecake or alongside as dipping options:

• Chocolate Ganache: Dark or milk chocolate sauce can provide depth and indulgence. Perfect for chocoholics!
• Caramel Sauce: Warm caramel complements the cinnamon sugar, adding a buttery sweetness that ties the flavors together.

4. Coffee or Espresso

Pairing desserts with beverages is always a good idea, and Mexican Sopapilla Cheesecake works beautifully with:

• Freshly Brewed Coffee: A hot cup of coffee (black or with a hint of mocha) can balance the sweetness while enhancing the overall experience.
• Espresso: For a stronger pairing, espresso offers a sophisticated bitterness to match the cheesecake’s creamy richness.

5. Churros or Fried Tortilla Chips

Keep it authentic by pairing with additional Mexican-inspired desserts/snacks:

• Mini Churros: Serve alongside for an added crunch and extra cinnamon sugar goodness.
• Fried Tortilla Chips: Lightly dusted with cinnamon sugar, these chips are fun to dip into whipped cream, caramel, or chocolate sauce.

6. A Citrus Twist

Balance the sweetness with some tangy flavors:

• Key Lime Sauce: A drizzle of key lime sauce or even lime zest can add a surprise zesty element.
• Candied Orange Peel: Serve with thin slices of candied orange peel to blend citrusy sweetness with the warm cinnamon tones.

7. Mexican Hot Chocolate

Keep the theme intact by adding a delicious Mexican beverage:

• Abuelita Mexican Hot Chocolate: Rich, chocolaty, and flavored with cinnamon, this drink is the ultimate comfort beverage to pair with your Sopapilla Cheesecake.

8. Nuts for Extra Texture

If you want a crunchier bite:

• Candied Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle over the cheesecake or serve on the side for an added layer of flavor and texture.
• Toasted Almonds: Lightly toasted almonds work well with the sweetness and add nuttiness to each bite.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes you might need to substitute ingredients due to dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or simply what’s available in your pantry.

1. Cream Cheese Substitutes

Dairy Alternatives:

• Neufchâtel Cheese: This is a softer, lower-fat version of cream cheese and it can be used in equal amounts.
• Ricotta Cheese: For a lighter texture, use full-fat or part-skim ricotta cheese. Blend until smooth to achieve a creamy consistency.
• Greek Yogurt (Full-fat): Use strained full-fat Greek yogurt. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tanginess of cream cheese.

Non-Dairy Alternatives:

• Vegan Cream Cheese: This is typically found in health food stores and is made from cashews, almonds, or soy. Use an equal amount.
• Silken Tofu: Blend silken tofu until smooth. To achieve the desired flavour, you may need to add lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

2. Crescent Roll Dough Substitutes

Homemade Dough:

• Homemade Puff Pastry: If you’re up for it, making your own puff pastry can replace crescent roll dough. Roll and trim as needed.
• Pie Crust Dough: For a different texture but similar structure, you can use pie crust dough.

Non-Dairy or Gluten-Free Options:

• Gluten-Free Crescent Roll Dough: Look for gluten-free versions in specialty grocery stores.
• Vegan Crescent Roll Dough: Some brands offer vegan versions that eliminate dairy and animal products.

3. Granulated Sugar Substitutes

For Lower Calorie/Sugar-Free Options:

• Stevia or Erythritol: Use a 1:1 ratio, or check the brand’s conversion recommendations.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener: Can be used equally as a sugar substitute.

Natural Sweeteners:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: These provide additional flavor notes. Use about 3/4 cup for every 1 cup sugar, but reduce the other liquid ingredients slightly.
• Coconut Sugar: Offers a caramel-like flavor and can be used in an equal amount to granulated sugar.

4. Butter Substitutes

Dairy Alternatives:

• Margarine: Ensure it’s high-quality, and use in an equal amount.
• Ghee: Clarified butter is a suitable substitute with a richer flavor.

Non-Dairy or Vegan Options:

• Vegan Butter: Use a plant-based butter substitute.
• Coconut Oil: Solid at room temperature, it can mimic butter’s consistency (use in equal amounts).

5. Vanilla Extract Substitutes

• Vanilla Bean Paste: Use an equal amount for a more intense vanilla flavor.
• Vanilla Powder: Use half the amount as extract, as it’s more concentrated.
• Imitation Vanilla Extract: Provides the vanilla flavor when pure extract is unavailable. Use 1:1.
• Almond Extract: For a different but delightful flavor, use half the amount.

6. Cinnamon Substitutes

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds additional spice notes. Use in the same amount.
• Apple Pie Spice: Another spice blend that works well with the flavors of this cheesecake.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Sopapilla Cheesecake is a versatile, comforting dessert that’s easy to make but feels special enough for celebrations. With these step-by-step instructions and tips, you’ll create a dessert that’s indulgent, satisfying, and sure to impress. 

More Cheesecake Recipes:

• Dipped Strawberry Cheesecake Blizzard Recipe