Sopapilla Cheesecake Pie Recipe

Crescent roll dough: This pre-made dough is used to create the flaky layers of the pie.

Cream cheese: Provides the rich, creamy base for the cheesecake layer.

White sugar: Adds sweetness to the cream cheese mixture and the topping.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese mixture.

Butter: Melted and poured over the top layer of dough for added richness.

Ground cinnamon: Mixed with sugar to create a sweet, spiced topping.

When working with crescent roll dough, ensure that it is well-chilled before you begin. This makes it easier to handle and prevents it from becoming too sticky. When pressing the dough into the baking dish, use your fingertips to gently stretch and press it evenly across the bottom. For the top layer, carefully unroll the dough and lay it flat over the cream cheese mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface. If the dough tears, simply pinch it back together. This will help achieve a uniform, golden-brown crust.

• crescent roll dough - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry provides a similar flaky texture and can be used as a direct replacement.

• crescent roll dough - Substitute with phyllo dough: Phyllo dough offers a lighter, crispier texture and can be layered to achieve a similar effect.

• cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone cheese: Mascarpone has a similar creamy texture but is slightly sweeter, making it a good alternative.

• cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used for a tangier, lower-fat option while maintaining creaminess.

• white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar provides a similar sweetness with a slight caramel flavor and is less processed.

• white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor that can enhance the dish.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor.

• melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• melted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct replacement for butter in most baking recipes.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices, adding a more complex flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other ingredients.

• Once your sopapilla cheesecake pie has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its freshness.
• Store the covered pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help keep the cream cheese filling firm and the crescent roll dough layers soft.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the pie. First, cut it into individual squares to make it easier to thaw and serve later.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of how long it has been stored. The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When you’re ready to enjoy a piece, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can also let it sit at room temperature for about 1-2 hours.
• To reheat, place the thawed square in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until warmed through. This will help revive the buttery and cinnamon-sugar topping.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sopapilla cheesecake pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the flaky texture of the crescent roll dough and the creamy consistency of the cheesecake filling.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place a slice of the sopapilla cheesecake pie on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe cover to avoid drying out. Heat on medium power for about 30-45 seconds. Check the temperature and continue heating in 15-second intervals if needed. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the crescent roll dough soggy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the sopapilla cheesecake pie in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces are not touching. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid over-browning. This method can help retain the crispiness of the crescent roll dough while warming the cheesecake filling evenly.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the sopapilla cheesecake pie slices in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method can help maintain the texture of the crescent roll dough while gently warming the cheesecake filling.

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the cheesecake pie until the dough is puffed and golden brown.

• 9x13 inch baking dish: Use this to layer the crescent roll dough and cream cheese mixture.

• Mixing bowl: Blend the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

• Hand mixer: Helps to blend the cream cheese mixture evenly and smoothly.

• Spatula: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough in the baking dish.

• Measuring cups: Measure out the sugar, butter, and other ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Measure the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon precisely.

• Microwave-safe bowl: Melt the butter before pouring it over the top layer of dough.

• Pastry brush: Optional, but useful for spreading the melted butter evenly over the dough.

• Knife: Cut the cooled cheesecake pie into squares for serving.

Prepare the filling: Blend the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in advance and store in the fridge.

Use pre-made dough: Opt for crescent roll dough to save time on making the crust from scratch.

Melt butter quickly: Use a microwave to melt the butter in short bursts to avoid burning.

Pre-mix cinnamon sugar: Combine the cinnamon and sugar ahead of time and store in a sealed container.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.