Sugar: Balances cream cheese's tang and provides gentle sweetness, opt for fine granulated type.
Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth, use pure extract for most authentic taste.
Salt: Elevates and harmonizes all flavors, select fine sea salt for subtle enhancement.
For Pastry Layer:
Puff Pastry Sheets: Creates flaky, crisp foundation, ensure fresh and properly thawed before using.
For Topping Blend:
Sugar: Creates caramelized, golden crust with delightful crunch, use white granulated sugar.
Cinnamon: Infuses warm, comforting spice notes, choose fresh ground for most vibrant flavor.
Sea Salt: Provides subtle flavor contrast, select fine-grain for even distribution.
Butter: Helps create golden, crispy top layer, melt just before applying to pastry.
Tools Needed for Sopapilla Cheesecake
Stand Mixer or Handheld Mixer: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy cream cheese filling with perfect consistency.
9×13: Provides the perfect size and shape for this delicious sopapilla cheesecake.
Rolling Pin: Helps roll out puff pastry sheets evenly to fit the pan perfectly.
Work Surface: Clean, flat area for rolling out pastry dough.
Small Bowl: Used for mixing the topping sugar and cinnamon mixture.
Spatula or Scraper: Helps mix ingredients and scrape down mixer bowl sides.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
Sopapilla Cheesecake Instructions
Heavenly Layers
Oven Preparation Kitchen warmth awaits as you set the temperature to a cozy 350 degrees, creating the perfect environment for baking magic.
Creamy Filling Blending softness and sweetness, mix cream cheese with butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a silky smooth texture that promises deliciousness.
Pastry Foundation Gently unfold delicate puff pastry sheets, allowing them to become the gentle canvas for your cheesecake masterpiece.
Layering Technique Carefully spread the luxurious cream cheese mixture across the first pastry sheet, then crown it with another golden layer of pastry.
Sweet Finish Drizzle melted butter generously over the top, then dust with a sparkling blend of sugar and cinnamon that will create a crispy, caramelized topping.
Baking Moment Slide the pan into the warm oven, letting the heat transform your creation into a golden-brown delicacy that will make taste buds dance.
Patience Reward Allow the cheesecake to rest and cool, developing deeper flavors and a perfect texture that will make everyone swoon with delight.
Sopapilla Cheesecake Tips & Flavor Ideas
Experiment by adding orange zest, almond extract, or a splash of bourbon to create unique flavor profiles that complement the classic cinnamon-sugar topping.
Gently stretch puff pastry sheets to ensure complete coverage and prevent air pockets, which can cause uneven baking and create gaps in the dessert.
Prepare the entire dessert up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before putting it in the oven for best results.
Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with honey, or serve alongside fresh berries to add extra flair and complement the rich, creamy texture of the cheesecake.
Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly with the flaky pastry layers.
How to Serve Sopapilla Cheesecake
Sweet Companion Pairings: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the creamy texture and complement the warm cinnamon notes.
Beverage Harmony: Pair this dessert with a rich espresso, Mexican hot chocolate, or a smooth caramel latte to balance the sweetness and add depth to the flavor profile.
Garnish Elegance: Sprinkle some extra ground cinnamon, drizzle honey, or add chopped toasted pecans on top to create a beautiful presentation and introduce additional layers of taste and crunch.
Seasonal Twist: During holidays, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or serving with fresh berries to make the dessert feel more festive and special.
Storing Sopapilla Cheesecake Properly
Chilled Delight Storage: Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cold environment helps preserve the creamy texture and prevents flavor absorption from other foods.
Slice-and-Serve Strategy: Cut portions before storing to make quick grab-and-go dessert options. Place individual slices in airtight containers for convenient snacking throughout the week.
Freezer Friendly Approach: Freeze whole or sliced cheesecake for maximum 2 months. Wrap securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place inside a sealed container to prevent freezer burn and maintain original taste.
Room Temperature Tips: Let refrigerated cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the texture and enhance flavor profile. Avoid leaving at room temperature longer than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Sopapilla cheesecake blends Mexican pastry traditions with creamy dessert indulgence. Flaky layers of buttery dough cradle rich cream cheese, promising a delightful fusion you’ll savor to the last crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
2 (8 oz/226 g) packages cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (113 g/4 oz) unsalted butter, room temperature
6 tbsps (85 g/3 oz) unsalted butter, melted
1 package puff pastry, thawed
¾ cup (150 g/5.3 oz) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g/3.5 oz) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ tsp cinnamon
¾ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of fine sea salt
Pinch of fine sea salt
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13″ baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Cream Cheese Blend: Whip cream cheese, butter, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt using an electric mixer until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
Pastry Base: Gently unfurl the first puff pastry sheet over a lightly floured surface, stretching it to perfectly fit the baking dish’s dimensions. Carefully lay the pastry into the greased pan, ensuring complete bottom coverage.
Filling Application: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the pastry layer, ensuring uniform distribution to all edges.
Top Layer: Drape the second puff pastry sheet over the cream cheese filling, completely covering the initial layer.
Topping Preparation: In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt to create a sweet-spiced garnish.
Final Assembly: Lavishly brush melted butter over the top pastry layer, then generously sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage.
Baking Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the surface transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.
Cooling and Serving: Remove from the oven and allow the sopapilla cheesecake to cool completely for 1-2 hours, enabling layers to set and flavors to harmonize. Slice into generous portions and serve at room temperature for an optimal culinary experience.
Notes
Pastry Perfection: Use cold puff pastry sheets for maximum flakiness and ensure they are fully thawed before stretching to prevent tearing.
Cream Cheese Consistency: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to achieve a smoother, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
Topping Technique: Sprinkle sugar-cinnamon mixture generously and evenly, creating a caramelized, crispy top that adds delightful texture and sweetness.
Cooling Crucial: Allow the dessert to cool completely to room temperature, which helps the layers set and intensifies the rich, complex flavors.
Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.
Sophie Martin
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.