Delight in creamy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Sugar Crust, a dessert that combines a luscious cheesecake center with a crispy, sweet cinnamon sugar crust that’s simply irresistible. This treat perfectly balances textures and flavors, making it a must-try for any dessert lover seeking both comfort and indulgence in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and crispy combo: The smooth cheesecake filling contrasts beautifully with the crunchy cinnamon sugar crust.
Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Perfectly portioned: Bars are great for sharing or enjoying as a solo treat with minimal mess.
Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike for its sweet and comforting flavors.
Customizable flavors: Easy to tweak with add-ins or toppings to suit your personal taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that combine to create a rich and flavorful dessert. Each element plays a vital role, from the creamy cheesecake base to the sugary, cinnamon-spiced crust that adds crunch and warmth.

Cream cheese: Ensures a rich and smooth cheesecake texture.
All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft crust base.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and filling perfectly.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, fragrant spice to the sugary crust topping.
Butter: Provides moisture and richness to the crust for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Eggs: Bind ingredients in the cheesecake filling for structure and creaminess.
Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a sweet aroma.
Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and extra creaminess to the cheesecake layer.

Variations for Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Feel free to customize these bars to suit your cravings or dietary preferences. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable and easy to modify without losing the delicious essence of the original.

Fruit topping: Add fresh berries or peach slices on top before baking for a fruity twist.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar crust for added texture.
Chocolate drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle over bars once cooled for an extra decadent touch.
Dairy-free option: Substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives to make them vegan-friendly.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar crust for a deeper spice flavor.

Irresistible Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Sugar Crust

How to Make Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Step 1: Prepare the crust mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will form both the base and the top crisp layer.

Step 2: Make the cheesecake filling

Beat softened cream cheese with eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. This mixture should be free of lumps, ensuring a luscious filling for your bars.

Step 3: Assemble the bars

Press about two-thirds of the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased baking pan. Pour the cheesecake filling over this layer, then crumble the remaining crust mixture evenly on top.

Step 4: Bake until golden

Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 5: Cool and slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This step helps the cheesecake layer to firm up perfectly for clean slices.

Pro Tips for Making Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Room temperature cream cheese: Soften the cream cheese fully to avoid lumps in your cheesecake filling.
Don’t overbake: Remove bars as soon as the center is almost set to prevent cracked cheesecake.
Even crust layers: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly for consistent texture and baking.
Use fresh cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon will give the crust a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
Cool completely: Let bars cool fully in the pan before slicing to maintain neat edges and ease of serving.

How to Serve Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Garnishes

Enhance the bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of whipped cream to add extra sweetness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich cheesecake.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and a sprinkle of crushed nuts, or present in individual mini jars layered with berry compote for a stunning dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and delicious.

Freezing

Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm bars slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or serve cold with a touch of whipped cream for a delightful texture variation.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Sugar Crust?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind the bars may be less creamy and slightly less rich in flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?

Yes, these bars store well and actually taste better after chilling a few hours, making them great for prepping in advance.

What’s the best way to prevent cracks in the cheesecake layer?

Mix the filling gently and avoid overbaking by removing the bars as soon as the center is almost set but still jiggly.

Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger baking pan, adjusting the baking time slightly and checking for doneness.

Final Thoughts

If you love desserts that combine creamy richness with a sweet, crunchy crust, Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Sugar Crust are a fantastic find. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they bring joy with every bite and are bound to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Give them a try and watch your friends and family ask for the recipe again and again!

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Sugar Crust

Author: David
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Sugar Crust offer a perfect harmony of luscious cheesecake filling and a crispy, sweet cinnamon sugar crust. This easy-to-make dessert uses simple pantry ingredients and delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it ideal for sharing or enjoying as a comforting solo treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Cheesecake Filling

16 oz cream cheese, softened
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

Prepare the crust mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cut in the cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will form both the base and the top crisp layer.
Make the cheesecake filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Ensure the mixture is free of lumps for a luscious filling.
Assemble the bars: Press about two-thirds of the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased baking pan. Pour the cheesecake filling over this crust layer, then crumble the remaining crust mixture evenly on top.
Bake until golden: Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to ensure clean slices and a firm cheesecake layer.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
Remove bars from the oven as soon as the center is almost set to prevent cracking.
Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly for consistent texture.
Use freshly ground cinnamon for brighter, more aromatic flavor.
Cool bars fully before slicing to maintain neat edges.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American