Sopapilla cheesecake is a delicious dessert that combines the flaky goodness of sopapillas with the rich and creamy taste of cheesecake. It makes for an indulgent treat that is perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to enjoy something out of the ordinary.
The Crust
The crust of sopapilla cheesecake is made from sopapillas. Sopapillas are a puffy fried dough that are common in Tex-Mex and Southwestern American cuisine. They have a flavor and texture similar to a savory funnel cake.
To make the crust, sopapillas are split open and pressed into the bottom of a springform pan to create a crispy, flaky base layer. The sopapillas should be freshly fried for optimal flavor and texture.
Sopapilla Ingredients
A basic sopapilla recipe calls for only a few simple ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Sugar
- Milk or water
- Vegetable oil for frying
The sopapillas are made by mixing together the dry ingredients, then adding the milk or water to form a dough. The dough is rolled out, cut into rectangles, and fried in hot oil until puffy and golden.
Shaping the Crust
To form the cheesecake crust, the sopapillas should be torn or cut into pieces once fried. The pieces are then pressed into a coating along the bottom and partially up the sides of a springform pan. The crust should be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick throughout.
The Cheesecake Filling
The filling of the sopapilla cheesecake is composed of typical New York-style cheesecake ingredients:
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Heavy cream or sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- Flour or cornstarch
The cream cheese provides the rich, tangy base of the cheesecake. Sugar sweetens the filling. Eggs help give structure and a creamy texture. Heavy cream or sour cream adds moisture and a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness. Vanilla provides warmth and flavor. A small amount of flour or cornstarch helps prevent cracking and creates a stable cheesecake.
Cheesecake Filling Ratios
A good rule of thumb for sopapilla cheesecake filling ratios is:
| Ingredient | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 2 packages (20 oz) |
| Sugar | 1 1/4 cups |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Heavy cream or sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla | 2 tsp |
| Flour or cornstarch | 2 Tbsp |
After mixing all the ingredients together until smooth, the cheesecake batter is poured over the prepared crust and baked. The baking time is usually around one hour at 300°F.
Toppings
One of the great things about sopapilla cheesecake is how versatile it is for tasty toppings. Here are some popular options:
Fruit Toppings
The sweetness of the cheesecake pairs excellently with the bright acidity of fruit. Popular fruits for topping sopapilla cheesecake include:
- Cherries
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Peaches
- Mangos
The fruit can be arranged raw on top of the cheesecake once cooled. For a more unified presentation, the fruits can be pureed together into a sauce and poured over each slice.
Caramel or Chocolate Drizzle
For even more decadence, sopapilla cheesecake can be topped with drizzles of caramel, chocolate sauce, or dulce de leche. The sweet, rich toppings pair perfectly with the flaky crust and tangy cream cheese filling.
Whipped Cream
Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a nice contrasting texture against the dense cheesecake. It also adds a subtle sweetness and some extra creamy richness with each bite.
Nuts
Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or pistachios can provide crunch and flavor to balance the other components. Toasted nuts pair especially well.
Cinnamon Sugar
A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over the top of the cheesecake echoes the sopapilla inspiration. The touch of cinnamon brings warmth while the sugar adds an extra hint of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some tips for serving sopapilla cheesecake:
- Allow the cheesecake to fully chill overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving. This helps it set up properly.
- Run a knife under hot water and wipe dry between slices for neat, clean cuts.
- Top each slice with desired toppings just before serving for best presentation.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Leftovers will keep well-wrapped in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Sopapilla cheesecake also freezes well for longer term storage.
Pairings
Sopapilla cheesecake pairs wonderfully with:
- Coffee – The slight bitterness contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cheesecake.
- Tea – Herbal teas like chamomile, mint, or rooibos complement the dessert.
- Milk – A cold glass of milk helps balance and cut through the richness.
- Mexican hot chocolate – The warmth and spice matches perfectly.
Occasions
This special cheesecake is perfect for celebrations like:
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Graduations
- Weddings
- Baby showers
- Cinco de Mayo
- Mother’s Day
- Christmas
- Thanksgiving
It also works for everyday indulgences and special weekend treats.
Conclusion
Sopapilla cheesecake is the ideal fusion of flaky sopapillas and creamy cheesecake. With a crispy fried dough crust and rich cheesecake filling, it provides the best of both worlds in one spectacular dessert. The cheesecake can be topped with a variety of fruits, nuts, sauces, or whipped cream to customize each serving. Enjoy this special sweet treat for celebrations, or anytime a decadent dessert craving strikes.