Indulge in a delightful fusion of classic sopapilla flavors and creamy cheesecake with this copycat recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert combines a rich, velvety cheesecake base with a crispy, cinnamon-sugar tortilla topping.
This recipe may require a trip to the supermarket for a few key ingredients. Ensure you have plenty of cream cheese, as this dessert uses a generous amount to achieve its luscious texture. Graham crackers for the crust and tortillas for the topping might not be pantry staples, so add those to your shopping list as well.
Ingredients for Copycat Chipotle Sopapilla Cheesecake
Graham crackers: These are used to create the base crust of the cheesecake, providing a crunchy and slightly sweet foundation.
Butter: Melted butter helps bind the graham cracker crumbs together for the crust and adds richness.
Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cheesecake and the crunch of the tortilla topping.
Cream cheese: The main component of the cheesecake filling, giving it a smooth and creamy texture.
White sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake mixture and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Milk: Adds a bit of liquid to the cheesecake batter, making it smooth and velvety.
Eggs: Help to set the cheesecake as it bakes, ensuring a firm yet creamy texture.
Sour cream: Adds a tangy flavor and additional creaminess to the cheesecake filling.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake with a hint of vanilla.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cheesecake filling, helping it to hold its shape.
Tortillas: These are used for the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar topping, mimicking the texture of sopapillas.
Sugar: Used with cinnamon to coat the tortilla strips, adding sweetness and crunch.
Butter: Melted butter is used to coat the tortilla strips, helping the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere and adding richness.
One reader, Alys Boyles says:
This copycat Chipotle sopapilla cheesecake recipe is a delightful treat! The creamy cheesecake paired with the sweet, crispy tortilla topping is simply irresistible. Perfect for any dessert lover, it’s a must-try for sure!
Key Techniques for Mastering Sopapilla Cheesecake
How to mix graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and melted butter: Combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. How to push into an even layer: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to create an even crust layer. How to beat until smooth: Use a stand mixer to blend cream cheese and sugar until the mixture is free of lumps and smooth in texture. How to add eggs one at a time: Crack and add each egg individually to the mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure even incorporation. How to wrap the bottom of the pan with foil: Cover the exterior bottom and sides of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from the water bath from seeping in. How to make a water bath: Place the foil-wrapped springform pan into a larger pan with 2-inch walls or higher, then pour 1 inch of hot water into the larger pan to create a water bath. How to toss tortilla strips with melted butter: Mix tortilla strips with melted butter until they are evenly coated. How to toss with cinnamon sugar: Combine 2 teaspoons of cinnamon with ¼ cup of sugar, then toss the buttered tortilla strips in the mixture until they are well coated.
How To Make Copycat Chipotle Sopapilla Cheesecake
Rich, soft cheesecake with crunchy sopapilla toppings makes this copycat Chipotle dessert worth a try. This sopapilla cheesecake is an unforgettable treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 15graham crackers,crushed
- 2tbspbutter,melted
- 2¼tspcinnamon,divided
- 32ozcream cheese
- 1½cupswhite sugar
- ¾cupmilk
- 4eggs
- 1cupsour cream
- 4tspvanilla extract
- ¼cupall-purpose flour
- 2burrito sized tortillas,cut into ¼ inch strips
- 4tbspbutter,unsalted and melted
- ¼cupsugar
- 2tspCinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Spray a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray.
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Mix graham cracker crumbs, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and melted butter. Push into an even layer in the bottom of the springform pan.
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In your stand mixer, add the cream cheese and sugar. Beat until smooth. Add in the milk, and the eggs one at a time. Add in the sour cream, vanilla, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and flour and beat until smooth.
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Add the mixture to the springform pan.
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Wrap the bottom of the pan with some foil and put it into a water bath. To make a water bath find a pan with 2-inch walls or higher and add 1inch of hot water. Add the cheesecake pan that has the outside wrapped with foil to that pan.
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Bake for 45 minutes.
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Toss your tortilla strips with the melted butter.
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Add the 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to the sugar and toss with the tortilla strips.
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Open the door to the oven and quickly top your cheesecake with the sugary tortillas.
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Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
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Let it sit in the oven for another hour or so with the door cracked open.
Nutrition
- Calories: 441.66kcal
- Fat: 29.47g
- Saturated Fat: 16.11g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.58g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.08g
- Carbohydrates: 38.93g
- Fiber: 1.05g
- Sugar: 28.13g
- Protein: 6.69g
- Cholesterol: 122.43mg
- Sodium: 296.49mg
- Calcium: 111.68mg
- Potassium: 164.67mg
- Iron: 1.13mg
- Vitamin A: 291.81µg
- Vitamin C: 0.16mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Copycat Chipotle Sopapilla Cheesecake
To ensure a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, make sure all your cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps to avoid lumps and creates a more even texture. Additionally, when adding the eggs, incorporate them one at a time and mix just until combined to prevent overbeating, which can introduce air bubbles and cause cracks in the cheesecake.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Cheesecake Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to save time during the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Quickly crush graham crackers and mix with butter using a food processor to speed up the crust preparation.
Room temperature dairy: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother cheesecake batter.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven as soon as you begin preparing the ingredients to save waiting time later.
Use pre-made crust: Opt for a store-bought graham cracker crust to skip the crust-making step entirely.
Substitute Ingredients For Copycat Chipotle Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe
graham crackers - Substitute with digestive biscuits: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a great alternative for the crust.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in place of butter for a similar fat content and consistency.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, spicy flavor that can complement the other ingredients similarly to cinnamon.
cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone: Mascarpone has a rich and creamy texture that works well in cheesecake recipes.
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can be used in the same quantity.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan alternative made from ground flaxseed and water, providing a similar binding effect.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a good substitute.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: Gluten-free flour can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions without significantly altering the texture.
burrito sized tortillas - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry can provide a flaky, buttery alternative to tortillas in this recipe.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative with a similar fat content.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
cinnamon - Substitute with allspice: Allspice can provide a similar warm, spicy flavor as cinnamon.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Sopapilla Cheesecake
Use a sleek, white plate: Choose a large, white plate to allow the cheesecake to stand out and provide ample space for artistic presentation.
Create a graham cracker crumble base: Sprinkle a thin layer of graham cracker crumbs mixed with a touch of cinnamon around the perimeter of the plate to echo the crust and add texture.
Slice the cheesecake elegantly: Cut the cheesecake into a perfect triangle slice, ensuring clean edges. Use a hot knife for precision.
Position the cheesecake slice: Place the slice slightly off-center on the plate to create a dynamic visual effect.
Add a dollop of whipped cream: Pipe a small, elegant swirl of whipped cream next to the cheesecake slice for added richness and visual appeal.
Top with cinnamon-sugar tortilla strips: Artfully arrange the cinnamon-sugar tortilla strips on top of the cheesecake slice, allowing some to cascade down the sides for a dramatic effect.
Drizzle with honey: Lightly drizzle honey over the cheesecake and tortilla strips to add a touch of sweetness and shine.
Garnish with fresh mint: Place a small sprig of fresh mint next to the cheesecake slice to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the entire plate with powdered sugar for a delicate, snowy effect that enhances the dessert's visual appeal.
Serve with a side of berry compote: Add a small ramekin of berry compote on the side to provide a tart contrast to the rich cheesecake and cinnamon-sugar tortilla strips.
Essential Tools for Making Copycat Chipotle Sopapilla Cheesecake
Oven: Used to bake the cheesecake and tortilla strips at the specified temperature.
9-inch springform pan: Essential for baking the cheesecake and allows for easy removal of the finished product.
Baking spray: Used to coat the springform pan to prevent the cheesecake from sticking.
Stand mixer: Utilized to mix the cream cheese, sugar, milk, eggs, sour cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and flour until smooth.
Mixing bowl: Needed for combining the graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Measuring spoons: Required for accurately measuring ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sugar.
Measuring cups: Used to measure larger quantities of ingredients such as milk, sugar, and sour cream.
Spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Aluminum foil: Used to wrap the bottom of the springform pan to prevent water from the water bath from seeping in.
Large pan with 2-inch walls: Needed to create a water bath for the cheesecake.
Knife: Used to cut the tortillas into strips.
Basting brush: Useful for coating the tortilla strips with melted butter.
Cooling rack: Allows the cheesecake to cool gradually after baking.
Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling hot pans and dishes.
Timer: Important for keeping track of baking and cooling times.
Food processor: Optional but useful for crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Sopapilla Cheesecake
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for the copycat Chipotle sopapilla cheesecake recipe:
- Let the cheesecake cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This will take about 2-3 hours.
- To store in the fridge: cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The tortilla topping may lose some of its crispiness over time.
- To freeze the whole cheesecake: remove the outer ring of the springform pan. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place in a large freezer bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- To freeze individual slices: place the cooled cheesecake slices on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw individual slices in the fridge for a couple hours or at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving.
- For best results, freeze the cheesecake without the cinnamon sugar tortilla topping. Add the topping just before serving for maximum crunchiness. You can prepare the tortilla strips ahead of time and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
How To Reheat Leftover Sopapilla Cheesecake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cheesecake on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheesecake is heated through. This method helps to maintain the texture and flavor of the sopapilla topping.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place a single slice of the cheesecake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check the temperature and repeat the process if necessary. Be careful not to overheat the cheesecake, as it may cause the filling to become rubbery.
For a crispy sopapilla topping, you can reheat the cheesecake in the oven and then place it under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on the cheesecake to ensure that the topping doesn't burn.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the cheesecake while maintaining the crispiness of the sopapilla topping. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of cheesecake in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheesecake is warmed through and the topping is crispy.
For a more indulgent treat, you can serve the reheated cheesecake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This combination of warm cheesecake and cool, creamy toppings creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Interesting Trivia About Sopapilla Cheesecake
A unique aspect of this copycat Chipotle sopapilla cheesecake recipe is the use of burrito-sized tortillas as a topping, which adds a delightful crunchy texture and a hint of cinnamon-sugar flavor to the creamy cheesecake.
Budget-Friendly: Making Sopapilla Cheesecake at Home
The copycat Chipotle sopapilla cheesecake recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. With ingredients like cream cheese, sugar, and tortillas, the total cost is approximately $20-$25 USD. Given the rich flavors and the unique twist of adding sugary tortilla strips, it offers a delightful dessert experience. Overall Verdict: 7/10.
Is This Cheesecake Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This copycat Chipotle sopapilla cheesecake recipe is undeniably delicious, but it's not the healthiest dessert option out there. The main culprits are the high amounts of cream cheese, sugar, and butter, which contribute to the dish's high calorie, fat, and sugar content. Additionally, the use of refined flour in the tortillas and all-purpose flour in the filling offers little nutritional value.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of cream cheese and replace some of it with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and lower fat content
- Cut back on the sugar in both the filling and the tortilla topping, or opt for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Use whole wheat tortillas or swap them out for a healthier alternative like phyllo dough
- Replace some of the butter with coconut oil, which contains healthier fats
- Incorporate more cinnamon into the recipe, as it has anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels
- Serve smaller portions and pair the cheesecake with fresh fruit to add fiber and nutrients
By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the indulgent flavors of this sopapilla cheesecake while reducing its overall calorie, fat, and sugar content. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to treating yourself to desserts like this one.
Editor's Opinion on This Copycat Chipotle Dessert
This recipe ingeniously combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the delightful crunch of cinnamon-sugar tortillas, creating a unique fusion dessert. The water bath technique ensures a smooth, crack-free cheesecake, while the addition of the crispy tortilla topping adds an unexpected texture contrast. The use of graham cracker crust provides a familiar base, grounding the innovative elements. However, the timing and layering of the tortilla strips might require precision to avoid sogginess. Overall, it's a creative twist on traditional cheesecake that promises to impress with its blend of flavors and textures.
Enhance Your Copycat Chipotle Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Entrée Suggestions to Complement the Cheesecake
Why trust this Copycat Chipotle Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the delightful crunch of cinnamon-sugar tortillas. The use of a water bath ensures a perfectly smooth and crack-free cheesecake. The addition of sour cream and vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile, making it irresistible. Trust this recipe for its detailed instructions and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
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