Get ready to experience a mouthwatering fusion of Mexican-inspired dessert magic that combines the crispy, sweet charm of sopapillas with the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake! These Chocolate Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are not just a dessert – they're a culinary adventure that will transport you to flavor paradise with every single bite. Imagine layers of buttery crescent dough, velvety cream cheese, and a tantalizing chocolate-cinnamon sugar topping that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans crescent roll dough
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Beat the cream cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, using an electric mixer.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and carefully press it into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, ensuring it covers the entire surface and pinches the seams together to create a solid base.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of crescent roll dough, using a spatula to create a uniform layer.
- In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar to create a chocolate sugar mixture.
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and lay it on top of the cream cheese layer, again pinching the seams to create a continuous layer.
- Melt the butter and pour it evenly over the top layer of dough.
- Sprinkle the chocolate sugar mixture and cinnamon sugar over the buttered surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, cut into 12 equal bars and serve. Can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Seal Those Seams: When laying down the crescent roll dough, take extra care to pinch the seams together. This creates a solid, uniform base and prevents filling from leaking.
- Even Distribution is Key: Use a spatula to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, ensuring each bar gets the perfect cream cheese-to-dough ratio.
- Butter Technique: When pouring melted butter over the top layer, try to distribute it as evenly as possible for a golden, crispy finish.
- Cooling Matters: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner, more attractive slices.
- Storage Tip: These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.
- Serving Suggestion: While delicious at room temperature, try serving these bars slightly warm for an extra gooey, indulgent experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg