Name: Sopapilla Cheesecake (Churro Cheesecake)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 8-ounce cans (450 g) refrigerated crescent roll sheets, divided; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar, divided; 24 ounces (680 g) cream cheese, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract; ¼ cup (56 g) salted butter, melted

Indulge in the delightful blend of creamy cheesecake goodness with the irresistible flavors of traditional sopaipillas in this Sopapilla Cheesecake, also known as Churro Cheesecake! This dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining flaky layers, sweet cream cheese filling, and a buttery cinnamon sugar topping.

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Perfect for any gathering or a simple weeknight treat, this recipe will bring the taste of indulgence right into your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Sopapilla Cheesecake combines the best elements of dessert: the flakiness of crescent roll dough, the rich creamy texture of cheesecake, and the sweet spice of cinnamon sugar.

Whether you’re serving it at a potluck, a birthday party, or just for a family dinner, this cheesecake will impress everyone with its decadent flavor and beautiful presentation.

It’s easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients, making it a fantastic go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike!

Ingredients

2 8-ounce cans (450 g) refrigerated crescent roll sheets, divided (seamless dough sheets are ideal)
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar, divided
24 ounces (680 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
¼ cup (56 g) salted butter, melted

How To Make Sopapilla Cheesecake (Churro Cheesecake)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter is essential for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Layer

Unroll one can of the crescent roll sheets and lay them evenly in the bottom of your greased baking dish, pressing the seams together to create a single cohesive layer.

This will serve as the base of your cheesecake.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy.

Gradually add in 1 cup (200 g) of the granulated sugar and mix until well blended.

Once smooth, add the vanilla extract and mix again until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Spread the Filling

Pour and evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll layer in the baking dish, smoothing it out to ensure an even layer.

Step 5: Add the Top Layer

Unroll the second can of crescent roll sheets and place it over the cream cheese filling.

Make sure to seal the seams by gently pressing them together.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¼ cup (50 g) of granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon.

Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top layer of the crescent rolls.

Drizzle the melted butter over the entire top layer, ensuring every bit is covered with rich flavor.

Step 7: Bake the Cheesecake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the crescent rolls are cooked through.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

You can serve it warm or refrigerate it for later.

This cheesecake is delightful on its own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra decadence.

Expert Tips

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
If using crescent rolls, be careful while stretching them as the seams might pop open; just press them back together.
If you can find seamless crescent roll dough, it will make your life easier and give you a cleaner appearance.
For a little extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts to the cream cheese mixture or sprinkling them on top before baking.

Variations and Customizations

For a chocolate twist, add ½ cup (85 g) of chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture before spreading it in the pan.
Swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin spice to create a fall-inspired version of this dessert.
Add a layer of fruit preserves (such as raspberry or strawberry) between the cream cheese layer and the top layer for delicious fruity flavor.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crescent dough sheets, as many brands offer gluten-free alternatives.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Sopapilla Cheesecake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds, or enjoy it cold as a refreshing dessert.

It also freezes beautifully, so if you want to prepare it ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes, you can use puff pastry or any other similar dough if you prefer.

Make sure to adjust the baking time according to the product you choose.

Can I make Sopapilla Cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

How can I tell if my cheesecake is done?

The cheesecake is done when the top is a lovely golden brown, and the dough is cooked through.

You can also check by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Is Sopapilla Cheesecake gluten-free?

The traditional recipe is not gluten-free, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free alternatives for the crescent roll dough.

Conclusion

Sopapilla Cheesecake (Churro Cheesecake) is an irresistible dessert that perfectly combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon.

It is easy to prepare and truly a crowd-pleaser, allowing you to enjoy a taste of something special without needing too much effort in the kitchen.

Whether you choose to customize it with different flavors or serve it as is, this dessert is destined to become a favorite in your home.

So gather your ingredients and get ready to delight your family and friends with this luscious treat!

Sopapilla Cheesecake (Churro Cheesecake)

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Ingredients

Scale

2 8-ounce cans (450 g) refrigerated crescent roll sheets, divided
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar, divided
24 ounces (680 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
¼ cup (56 g) salted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Unroll one can of crescent roll sheets and lay it in the bottom of the baking dish, pressing the seams together.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar and mix well.
Add vanilla extract and blend until fully incorporated.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer.
Unroll the second can of crescent roll sheets and place it over the cream cheese layer, pressing seams together.
In a bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar with ground cinnamon, then sprinkle over the top layer.
Drizzle melted butter over the entire top layer.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or chilled!

Notes

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth filling without lumps. If using crescent rolls, press the seams together carefully for a seamless crust. Consider adding fruit preserves or chocolate chips for a fun variation!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired