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The Best and Easiest Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

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Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars on dark background with bottle of milk in backgroundIt is so hard meeting people as an adult.

As an adult who works from home.

I basically have no friends.

That was almost like the saddest haiku ever, wasn’t it?

I went to our family’s friend’s birthday party over the weekend and I was hoping I’d maybe get lucky and meet someone at the two bars we were going to on a poppin’ Saturday night. Maybe my knight in shining armor would be there playing ping-pong while I sauntered by. Maybe my one and only would be standing next to me, five people deep as we try to flag down the bartender for a drink.

But that didn’t happen. Instead, I stood next to sweaty people and it was not at all romantical.

And it got me thinking: I’ll probably be single forever. I know, poor me – cue the violins. But seriously, where am I supposed to meet the stud muffin in my life? Online? Fat chance – already tried online dating and it failed miserably. At the grocery store? Perhaps, if he wasn’t deterred by peeking in my cart full of chocolate chips, ice cream, cake mix and regret. Based on groceries alone, I look like I haven’t eaten in weeks. And maybe at the gym, if I went to the gym more often than once a week at best. Oops.

The next best thing is at friend’s birthday parties where we’re actually required to dress up nicer than my usual workout attire and shame. But alas, I just had an off night and didn’t meet any hotties. You win some, you lose most. Isn’t that how the saying goes?

Plus, if we’re being honest, maybe these Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are all I really need in life. I mean, they’re smothered in sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar, they’ve got the creamiest, dreamiest cheesecake filling, and they’re portable, so I could take them on vacations with me and pose them in my annual Christmas card. Isn’t that what being in love is all about?

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars stacked on dark backgroundAnywho, these bars are absolutely amazing. I first made them years ago and needed to update the pictures since they didn’t quite do these bars justice. These are crispy, creamy, chewy, glorious bars that deserve the very best… kinda like me. Thankfully, we have that in common 🙂 If I could offer some advice, I’d say to use a high-quality cinnamon, like Saigon cinnamon. It imparts such an incredible, warm flavor!

Make them!!

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars stacked on wood background

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4.90 from 29 votes

The Best and Easiest Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

These Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are to-die for! Rich, creamy, cinnamon sugary delights that are a cinch to make!
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time40 mins
Course: Bars, Cheesecake, Dessert
Cuisine: Dessert, Mexican
Servings: 15
Author: Hayley Parker, The Domestic Rebel

Ingredients

  • 2 pkgs refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 16 ounces (Two 8-ounce packages) cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter melted
  • 3/4 cup cinnamon sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Liberally grease a 13x9" baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Lay one roll of crescent rolls down in a single layer on the bottom of the pan, pinching together any seams to seal and stretching to fit the pan. Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, white sugar and vanilla until combined. Spread the mixture evenly over top of the first crescent roll layer.
  • Unroll the other crescent roll sheet onto a cutting board and pinch the seams together to seal, lightly stretching it out as you go. Pick it up and carefully lay it over top of the cheesecake filling, covering it completely. Pour the melted butter evenly over the top, and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top.
  • Bake for approx. 30 minutes, then let cool completely before chilling in the fridge. Store bars covered in the fridge.

Closeup photo of Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with bite removedI love how the cinnamon sugar mixture completely caramelizes on top of the bars, creating this crispy, crunchy crust on top that’s absolute heaven. It melds so well with the light and vanilla-y creamy cheesecake filling. Drizzle on some honey for the complete and true sopapilla effect!

Have a sweet day!

xo, Hayley

Disclaimer: this post contains Amazon affiliate links. If a purchase is made using my link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep my blog alive! 

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Comments

  1. It REALLY is hard to meet people these days if you are not looking for the hookup types at bars or the creepers. Not sure how ‘social’ our world is becoming. But you are right, we all need these bars in our lives.

    Reply

  6. These were so easy to make and absolutely fabulous!! I used Crescent Dough Sheets (2 of them) to avoid the seams and they fit perfectly in a 9×13 pan. I also added just a smidge of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling after I had mixed it, and then mixed again to blend it in….hey, why not?! Turned out so delicious!! Love that it didn’t take long to make…40 minutes and was ready to go! Thanks for such a delicious recipe!! It will be my “go-to” for quite a while. 🙂

    Reply

  7. 5 stars
    Sure hope you meet someone to share your life with, and tried this recipe it is sooooo good, love it..Good luck on your quest..

    Reply

  8. Im from the philippines and we dont have those crescent rolls in our groceries. Do you have an alternative? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hi Jem! Do you guys have a refrigerated dough of some kind? Maybe even pizza dough? If so, I would try using that and it may come out similar. Unfortunately I have not tried that so I cannot guarantee if it will work!

      Reply

    • You can make your own puff pastry. You can look it up online. It’s very simple. Flour, salt, ice water and butter 🙂 I’m baking this as of right now.

      Reply

  10. I felt just like you !.First thing, went back to college.Looked around.Prayed to my beloved St.Anthony.Found & invited to a museum the best and Single (as in “not married”) professor. It’s been 30 years Thank God. Had my daughter at 45! Do not despair.”Good things happen to those who wait in the Lord”.
    P.S. Don’t forget St. Anthony! This is my humble way to thank you for this wonderful recipe..?

    Reply

  11. 5 stars
    These turned out terrific, I had half a batch one block of cheese and 1 can of biscuits. Used a 9×13 but did not fill the whole pan. I used half the sugar and butter, added Lemon with the vanilla. Cooked a bit longer than suggested. Wonderful Crunchy delicious. Thanks for the reseipe

    Reply

    • Hi GPB, I have not tried it but it sounds awesome! If you used a rolling pin to roll the cinnamon rolls flat, that may work! Let me know how it turns out 🙂

      Reply

  15. just loved your funny blog as much as your great detailed ez to follow recipe! just pray asking Jesus to send a godly man/husband for you-it’s never too late,met my spouse later in life when i wasn’t looking but praying,in small church not bars.

    Reply

    • Hi Adele, crescent rolls are refrigerated crescent dough available here in the US.

      Reply

    • You dont have crescent rolls in Aussie land? OMG, and by the way, thats Oh My goodness, do you get Pillsbury products?

      Reply

      • 5 stars
        Thank you for introducing “Oh My Goodness” to a few people here….and one in Australia! It’s a so much softer exclamation and less abrasive toward God.

        Reply

  18. These look so good! I’m going to try them tonight!!! Just curious…do they make cinnamon sugar or did you mix it yourself? If you mixed it, how much of each did you use?

    Thank you!!! 🙂

    Reply

    • Hi Christina! I like making a big batch to keep on hand, but for this recipe, I would start with 2 tsp cinnamon for about 1/2 cup sugar and increase the cinnamon from there if desired. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

      Reply

      • Im with you! There are several things I want to take to heaven with me. Onions, garlic, cheese and cinnamon.??

        Reply

  19. This sounds like the perfect finish to my carnitas, I will definitely try them. As for finding someone special it will happen when you least expect it. I found my wife at work, I was an MP escorting her in with her cashbox at the end of the evening. Since it wasn’t professional I waited till I was off to go ask her out and we went from there to have the worlds worst first date and having her put up with my constant moving and deployments to 21 yrs later where she still puts up with me and my cooking. (That said I am still not allowed to make chili in the house though.)

    Reply

  20. 5 stars
    My daughter is in middle school and is taking Spanish this quarter and had to make something, either an entree or dessert, for an assignment so this recipe came up on Pinterest. She made it and we had it for dessert at home and it was amazing!! We love anything with cinnamon (and butter of course) and this hit the spot!! Thanks!

    Reply

  22. What about if you add a little pie filling on top of cream cheese mixture. Like cherry or blueberry? Wonder how that would work out .

    Reply

  23. 5 stars
    A friend of mine made this and brought us 2 pieces. Whow! Needless to say that was not enough. I haven’t tasted anything that good in a very long time. She is a professional baker and caterer. She has added this wonderful recipe to her menus. She always refers people to your site. Never claims it as her own. I’m impressed by this recipe and I am making it today. Thank you for this wonderful dessert. I

    Reply

  24. I made this and they were good but the top was soft and did not get crunchy at all!! Help! What did I do wrong?

    Reply

    • Mine isn’t wanting to cook in the middle ….it’s jiggly when I check it. and I’m taking this as a refreshment to my Master Gardener meeting tonight!!! Oh NO!!!

      Reply

  25. 5 stars
    These are also delicious warm, with coffee. OMG! I’ve always heard these called Goose Feathers – not sure where that name came from 😉

    Reply

  26. 5 stars
    Hello, I don’t really do much baking, but am having a hard time understanding what I am supposed to do when it says pinch the seams? I know, I feel super silly even asking this. Are the top and bottom layers supposed to join on the sides. OH GOSH. Sorry I’m silly.

    Reply

    • Jaclyn, no worries – it’s not a silly question! So the refrigerated crescent rolls have seams on them so you can typically rip them at the seams to make individual rolls. However, for this recipe you need the full sheet and not have it broken apart. Just use your fingers to pinch the seams together so it becomes a flat plane of dough.

      Reply

  27. 4 stars
    Can’t wait to try these. I am off of work until December 3 and don’t go back to my diet until then! I absolutely enjoy making and eating homemade sopapillas. These look scrumptious and quick–sooner to eat, right?

    Reply

  28. 4 stars
    I see how long they would keep in the fridge after making/serving. However, for how long should they be in the fridge to initially FIRM up? Can’t wait to make them. Thanks,

    Reply

  30. 5 stars
    Hi! Wondering- will the bottom be soggy or uncooked? Or does it cook fully without having to bake first before the filling?

    Reply

  31. I love your witty blog and hope you find someone who deserves you and your baking! I’m trying to figure out how to transform this recipe into a gluten free one. *Sigh* one day I’ll figure out how to make gfree crescent rolls.

    Reply

  32. just looking at the recipe Very long ago I use to visit this German Bakery in Smithtown NY They used phyllo dough instead and rolled it they made it with plain cream cheese, cherry with cream cheese, and apple and cream cheese they also sprinkle a little crushed nuts with the cinnamin sugar on top After it cooled they sliced it. The owner retired and my favorite pastry was gone. So happy to see this I am sure it is the same delisious dessert! To die for….yum I’m so glad to see your recipe

    Reply

  34. Invited to a Mexican themed engagement party and was asks to bring a dessert for 60. So I found this easy to make bars that went with the theme. At first nobody was taking them. Let’s face it, their not that pretty. Finally this guy stepped up. He said “Oh my god, who made these?” They went so fast after that. Thank you for this amazing recipe.

    Reply

  36. I halved the recipe, it’s in the oven now…can’t wait for my kids & hubs to get home to try it. I met my husband at church. Just saying…find a wonderful church family and “the one” will come along. Blessings and happy baking!

    Reply

  37. I put the top layer on wax paper or oiled plastic wrap makes it easy to pick up and invert it on the filling

    Reply

  38. 5 stars
    These are delicious!! Question could I substitute pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon? Or should I add pumpkin purée in the cream cheese mixture?

    Reply

    • If you add some pumpkin puree to the cheesecake mixture, I would add about 3/4 cup at first and add plenty of pumpkin pie spice to help flavor it – start at 2 tsp and work your way up.

      Reply

  39. 4 stars
    Have you tried only doing half? There is just two of us and I wanted to make this for a nice dessert, but scared it won’t turn out!

    And I tried for years to find someone either through friends or at the bar. Lol got on a dating site and couldn’t be happier with the man I am marrying. Not the path I thought I would take at all but wouldn’t change it for the world!

    Reply

    • Hi Jessica! You could definitely try this in a 9″ square pan… I would think it’d work with one sheet of crescent roll dough split in half (for bottom and top)!

      Reply

  41. 5 stars
    Awww man, mine was jiggly in the middle too! I left it in there longer, but geez I didnt want to burn it, so I took it out. Is it suppose to look that way? Guess I’m not sending it with my man to work. 8l

    Reply

    • Hi Nancy, every oven is different, so if it was sloshing around in the pan, then yes, return it to the oven. But a little jiggle is okay.

      Reply

  42. 5 stars
    I made these tonight. I was having a rough night in the kitchen-my mashed potatoes were too runny and when I threw another potato in the microwave to cook so I could try and salvage my mashed potatoes, I forgot to poke holes in it and it burned up. Anyhow, I put the cinnamon sugar and melted butter on top of the filling instead of on top of the crescent roll that goes on top ?‍♀️?‍♀️ I put some cinnamon sugar on top of the top layer of crescent roll and hoped it would taste ok. Fortunately my kids and hubby really aren’t picky and said it was delicious-they all had seconds. Maybe next time I’ll make it right and my mashed potatoes won’t be runny!

    Reply

    • Cindy, oh no! Sounds like what happens to me sometimes, too. Glad your family loved them anyway – they sound perfect to me as I love cinnamon sugar!

      Reply

    • Hi JoAnna, I have not tried this with mascarpone. I’d imagine it would probably work. I’d start with using half and half cream cheese and mascarpone.

      Reply

  44. You touched my heart – saying you have few friends. I know just how that feels. I used to live in Hermanus, Cape Provence, S.Africa by the sea. But my son persuaded me it was unsafe to live there alone – and he was so right They have had big trouble there now. I had many friends there. Here however (in Gauteng) the locals (whites) mostly speak a different language. Although my mother was Afrikaans (a decedent of the Dutch Voortrekkers) ( pioneers). i was raised in Northern Rhodesia (Now Zambia) So I can understand primary school Afrikaans but conversing is difficult. I now stay mostly at home. busy with cooking and sewing and crafts.
    I did go to church for a few years but it has become difficult as I have arthritis. I just love Pinterest It has so much to offer.
    Bless you for being one of the reasons I love Pinterest.
    Regards Iris.

    Reply

    • Hi Iris, thank you for your kind words! I am so sorry you also feel lonely sometimes but I’m glad that crafts and cooking keep you happy and busy. Hugs!

      Reply

  45. These are scary good, couldn’t stop eating them!! I used the crescent dough sheets, because that’s all I had and they turned out perfect! Thanks for sharing, love yummy easy recipes, definitely a keeper!

    Reply

  47. Hello! I cannot wait to make this recipe. Thank you for sharing it. I hope that you have expanded your circle and met people who appreciate you for who you are!!

    All the best,

    Holly

    Reply

  48. Where can you find crescent roll sheets, and are they made by Pillsbury. like regular seaned crescent rolls? It seems as though sheets would be easier to work with. Thank you for a reply.

    Reply

    • Hi Marilyn! I don’t think they make the crescent roll sheets anymore but you can use a regular can of crescent rolls! Just pinch all the seams closed and use that sheet of dough.

      Reply

  49. 5 stars
    Cut the recipe in half and served it to my dominoes group last night. They each ate two pieces of it!!1 It was a hit. I definitely will make it again.

    Reply

  50. Just finished the baking, was hoping to to leave a photo comment . I guess you’ll have to take my word that it looks and smells absolutely amazing

    Reply

    • Hi Anthony! Working on the idea of having photo comments but so happy to hear you’re loving them!

      Reply

  52. 5 stars
    Hi Hayley, just came across your blog bcz I couldn’t find my recipe I’ve used for years, but this one is identical! Thanks for posting it! Also, you’re too funny! I loved your bit in the beginning of this post! You sound like me years ago. I thought I’d be alone forever and then decided to make up a written list of of what was my perfect man, then read it outloud to the universe, and then put it in a box. Not long after that, I got a IM from a man, we talked and did the webcam bit, then met and been in love ever since. Going on 14 yrs now. Had I not met my hubby, my next step was gonna be those Home Depot self do it workshops. Those are great places to meet other singles, as well as cooking classes. I would say if you really want to meet people, and definitely NOT AT BARS, join some workshops or reading book clubs, dance classes, etc. Activities is where you’ll meet not only men, but maybe some good women friends. I did that after I got married, and met some great women I talk to all the time now. Life gets better, hang in there!!!!! I didn’t meet my husband til I was 30 and we have 2 beautiful kids and a blessed life. And no matter what, love yourself, know your worth, and keep the faith! And you’ll meet Mr. Right!

    Reply

  53. 5 stars
    I made this recipe yesterday but I didn’t have the crescent rolls so I used the biscuit dough from pillsbury. It didn’t look as nice haha but it still tasted amazing. My co workers loved it and said it kinda tastes like a churro cheesecake ? so easy to make. Thanks for sharing the recipe!! From curious.kakes ?

    Reply

    • Keiko, thanks so much for your comment! I’m glad to know this works with canned biscuit dough, too!

      Reply

  54. 5 stars
    I just saw these on Pinterest. They look absolutely wonderful! Next time you go to a bar to meet guys, take some of these with you!

    Reply

  55. 5 stars
    Hi Hayley! These are super delicious! I made them for my weekly taco Tues party a bit ago and they got rave reviews! I’m making them again this week. I love the simplicity of this recipe and it’s soooooooo tasty. Recipes like this are hard to find. Thank you so much!

    Reply

  56. 5 stars
    Super easy to make and a super hit as well! My mom kept asking if I really made it myself. Haha. I did make cuts to the sugars to 3/4cup for the cream cheese mixture and 1/2 cup for the top. I’m going to be giving it another try with reduced fat cream cheese and maybe a little less sugar so I don’t feel as guilty eating more than one piece. They’re addicting! You’ve been warned. Lol

    Reply

  57. 5 stars
    I can’t wait to try these!!!! I’m going to make them for my next party. I met my wonderful husband on a dating app! Lol! I had just moved into the area and needed a friend stat! I definitely got more than a friend but now we’re married and I’m loving life! Don’t give up, girl! Your Prince Charming is out there and he is going to love your sopapilla bars!!!!

    Reply

  59. Did I see (& can’t find now) some suggested using 1/2 of the melted butter on top?? I found comments about the “sheets” just have to locate them in a store now. Merry Christmas ? Stay healthy and safe!

    Reply

  60. 5 stars
    HI THERE! I HAD THESE AT A PARTY LAST WEEK & FELL IN LOVE WITH THEM! WONDERING IF I COULD CUT THE RECIPE IN HALF? HAVE YOU TRIED THAT?

    Reply

    • Hi Laura, you could try to make it in a smaller pan with one can of crescent rolls but I have not tried this. You would have to adjust the baking time as well.

      Reply

  62. Well, it is Christmas Day 2021. I am making these bars as one of our Christmas desserts! I can’t wait. My Grandma would us some lemon juice in hers to help cut a little of the sweetness. She rolled out each biscuit and filled it with the cream cheese filling and rolled them and put cinnamon and sugar on top. They were so yummy!
    I was 35 when I met my husband. I love him and we have been married for 20 years. I got married for the wrong reason though!! I was afraid I would never find anyone else and spend the rest of my like alone. Fortunately, it worked out, but it was a rough road. Oh, we met in a singles chat room online!!

    Reply

  63. 5 stars
    I made these for my adult children and their friends when they came out to camp on our newly acquired open range, off grid property in 2017. They loved them so much they called them “Pleasure Squares”, and ask me to bring them to every gathering. Thank you for creating such a fun memory for my family. We lost our home in a fire, and recently sold the property and moved 6 minutes from our daughter and her family. I continue to make the squares. 🙂

    Reply

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