Name: Sopapilla Cheesecake With Honey Recipe
Prep time: 14 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 44 min
Ingredients: 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cans refrigerated crescent roll dough; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup honey (more to taste)

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Sopapilla Cheesecake with Honey is a delicious dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the light, flaky layers of sopapillas. This Mexican-American fusion dessert is simple to make but delivers impressive results, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or an indulgent treat at home.

In this blog post, we’ll walk through the entire process step-by-step, so you can create this dessert with confidence. Along the way, we’ll include clear instructions, ingredient measurements in US standard units, and helpful tips to make your cheesecake turn out perfectly every time.

What Makes Sopapilla Cheesecake Special?

This dessert stands out because of its contrasting textures and flavors. The crisp, buttery crescent dough, the creamy cheesecake filling, and the warm cinnamon-sugar topping come together to create a dessert that’s both familiar and unique. The final drizzle of honey adds a natural sweetness that enhances the flavors even more.

Ingredients (US Standard)

To make this Sopapilla Cheesecake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cheesecake Layer:

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

For the Sopapilla Layers:

2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough

For the Topping:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Honey Drizzle:

1/4 cup honey (more if desired)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a light coating of non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Greasing the dish ensures the crescent dough doesn’t stick during baking and makes it easier to remove the cheesecake once it has cooled.

2. Prepare the Base

Open one can of refrigerated crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it. Lay the dough flat in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press it evenly to cover the base, making sure to pinch the seams together so it forms one uniform sheet.

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

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

Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2–3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps, as a smooth filling helps the cheesecake bake evenly.

4. Layer the Cheesecake

Using a spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crescent dough base. Make sure the filling reaches the edges and that the surface is as level as possible to ensure even baking.

5. Add the Top Layer

Open the second can of crescent roll dough and unroll it. Carefully place it on top of the cheesecake layer, ensuring it covers the filling completely. Just like the base, pinch the seams together to form a smooth, even sheet.

6. Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the following:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves into the melted butter and the cinnamon is evenly distributed. Next, pour the mixture evenly over the top layer of crescent dough. Use a pastry brush if needed to spread the topping into the corners.

7. Bake the Cheesecake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough has puffed up slightly. The sugar and butter topping should create a slightly crisp, caramelized crust.

How to Check for Doneness:

Insert a knife into the center; the cream cheese layer should be set but still slightly soft, not liquid.
The top should be golden brown and feel firm when touched.

8. Cool and Serve

After removing the cheesecake from the oven, let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Cooling allows the layers to set properly and makes the cheesecake easier to slice.

Once cooled, drizzle honey evenly across the top. You can use more or less honey depending on your taste preference.

Serving Options:

Refrigerate for 2–3 hours if you prefer a firmer consistency.
Serve the cheesecake warm for a gooey, melty texture.

Tips for the Best Sopapilla Cheesecake

Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: This ensures a creamier texture and richer flavor.
Seal the Crescent Dough Seams Well: This step helps maintain the structural integrity of the cheesecake layers.
Add Extra Honey if Desired: For more sweetness, drizzle additional honey over each slice just before serving.
Let It Cool Completely if Serving Cold: Chilling the cheesecake helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Sopapilla Cheesecake With Honey

Sopapilla Cheesecake with Honey is a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages, toppings, and accompaniments. Here are some ideas to help you serve this dessert in the most delicious way possible:

Coffee

A strong, black coffee complements the rich, creamy texture and sweet honey drizzle of the cheesecake. The bitterness of the coffee balances the dessert’s sweetness perfectly. For an elevated pairing, try a cinnamon latte or Mexican coffee, which often includes a hint of cinnamon and sugar that mirrors the cheesecake’s flavors.

Hot Chocolate

Thick, creamy hot chocolate pairs exceptionally well with the warm cinnamon and honey notes in sopapilla cheesecake. Traditional Mexican hot chocolate, which includes a touch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper, adds a subtle kick that enhances the dessert’s comforting richness.

Tea

If you’re more of a tea drinker, opt for a bold black tea like English breakfast, which provides a clean, tannic contrast to the dessert’s sweetness. Spiced chai tea works particularly well, as its cinnamon, cardamom, and clove notes mirror the flavors of the cheesecake. For a caffeine-free option, try rooibos tea with a drizzle of honey.

Milk

A cold glass of milk is a timeless companion to a sweet dessert like sopapilla cheesecake. Whole milk provides the best contrast to the rich, creamy filling and the flaky pastry layers. For a lighter option, almond or oat milk can offer a nutty flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon.

Fresh Berries

Fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheesecake. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries all provide a tart, juicy burst of flavor that cuts through the sweetness. Arrange a medley of berries on the side or scatter them across the top before serving for a colorful presentation.

Conclusion

Sopapilla Cheesecake with Honey has always been one of my favorite desserts to make not just because it’s delicious, but because it brings people together. There’s something special about watching friends and family take that first bite, eyes lighting up at the perfect mix of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and sweet honey drizzle.

It’s a simple recipe with a big payoff, and whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a weekend potluck, or just a quiet night at home, I can promise you this: every bite is worth it. So give it a try, follow the steps, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this classic dessert.