Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the filling won't be quite as rich and creamy. I don't recommend using fat-free cream cheese as it changes both the texture and flavor significantly. If you're looking to lighten it up, using low-fat cream cheese and reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup is your best option.

My crescent roll dough keeps breaking apart when I unroll it. What should I do?

This typically happens when the dough is too cold. Let your crescent roll tubes sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before unrolling. If it still tears, don't worry! Just piece it together in the pan and press the seams with your fingertips – once baked, no one will notice.

Can I make this without honey?

While honey provides the authentic sopapilla flavor, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar if preferred. Alternatively, you could make a simple sugar glaze with powdered sugar and a little milk for a different but still delicious finish.

Why did my pie puff up dramatically during baking then collapse?

This is perfectly normal! The crescent dough naturally puffs during baking and will settle as it cools. The important part is making sure your pie is baked through – look for that golden brown color on top as your indicator.

New Mexican Sopapilla Pie Recipe

Name: New Mexican Sopapilla Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: New Mexican
Ingredients: 2 (8 oz) tubes refrigerated crescent rolls; 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping); 1/2 cup butter, room temperature; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/3 cup honey

This New Mexican Sopapilla Pie transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible dessert that perfectly balances creamy, sweet, and crispy textures. With a velvety cream cheese filling nestled between flaky crescent layers and topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust, this dessert brings the beloved flavors of traditional sopapillas to your table in pie form – and it’s astonishingly simple to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressively Simple: Don’t let the beautiful layers fool you – this dessert uses store-bought crescent rolls and requires minimal effort for maximum impact.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Since it needs to chill before serving, it’s perfect for preparing earlier in the day before dinner guests arrive.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy filling, flaky pastry, and sweet honey drizzle appeals to nearly everyone – I’ve never had leftovers when serving this!
No Special Equipment: All you need is a baking dish and a mixing bowl – no fancy tools required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Refrigerated crescent rolls: The secret shortcut that creates flaky, golden layers without any fuss. They form both the bottom and top crusts.
Cream cheese: The star of the filling that provides that luscious, tangy-sweet center. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the smoothest results.
Granulated sugar: Used in both the filling and topping to add sweetness. The sugar in the topping creates a delightful crispy texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the cream cheese filling and that classic warm essence.
Butter: Creates that irresistible crumbly topping. Room temperature butter blends perfectly with the sugar and cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon: Provides that warm, aromatic flavor that makes this dessert feel so comforting.
Honey: The crowning glory! Drizzled over the hot crust, it adds authentic sopapilla flavor and a beautiful shine.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Flavor Twists

Citrus Kick: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese filling for a bright, fresh flavor.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer before adding the top crust.
Nutty Delight: Mix ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar topping.

Seasonal Adaptations

Fall Harvest: Replace half the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the filling.
Summer Berry: Spread a thin layer of strawberry or raspberry preserves over the cream cheese layer.

How to Make New Mexican Sopapilla Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Unroll the first tube of crescent roll dough into the prepared dish, carefully pinching the seams together to create a solid base crust.

Step 2: Create the Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese for 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the perfect texture, so don’t rush it! Add 3/4 cup of sugar and the vanilla extract, then mix until everything is thoroughly combined and silky smooth.

Step 3: Layer the Pie

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom dough layer, taking care to spread it all the way to the edges. Then, gently unroll the second tube of crescent dough and place it on top of the cream cheese layer. Lightly press the seams together again to create a sealed top crust.

Step 4: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, use a fork to combine the room temperature butter, remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top layer of dough, covering the entire surface.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top turns a beautiful golden color. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible cinnamon aroma! Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle honey generously over the hot surface. Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Make absolutely sure your cream cheese is at room temperature – cold cream cheese will leave lumps in your filling.
Even Coverage: When spreading the cream cheese layer, use an offset spatula if you have one – it makes creating an even layer much easier.
Seam Strategy: When pinching the seams of the crescent dough, slightly overlap the edges rather than just pressing them together for a more secure seal.
Honey Application: Warm your honey slightly in the microwave (about 10 seconds) before drizzling for easier, more even distribution.
Clean Cuts: For the neatest slices, chill the pie completely, then use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts.

How to Serve

This Sopapilla Pie shines as a dessert but can wear many hats at your table:

As a Dessert:

Serve chilled slices with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries on the side for a beautiful presentation.

Brunch Star:

Pair smaller slices with strong coffee for an indulgent weekend brunch treat.

Holiday Table:

Add a festive touch by garnishing with cinnamon sticks and star anise during the holiday season.

A la Mode:

For the ultimate indulgence, serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of warm honey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover sopapilla pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop beautifully after a day, making this an excellent make-ahead dessert.

Freezing

You can freeze fully baked and cooled sopapilla pie for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. The texture of the crust may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.

Reheating

For the best texture contrast, enjoy cold from the refrigerator. If you prefer it warmer, let slices come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. For frozen slices, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the filling won’t be quite as rich and creamy. I don’t recommend using fat-free cream cheese as it changes both the texture and flavor significantly. If you’re looking to lighten it up, using low-fat cream cheese and reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup is your best option.
My crescent roll dough keeps breaking apart when I unroll it. What should I do?

This typically happens when the dough is too cold. Let your crescent roll tubes sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before unrolling. If it still tears, don’t worry! Just piece it together in the pan and press the seams with your fingertips – once baked, no one will notice.
Can I make this without honey?

While honey provides the authentic sopapilla flavor, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar if preferred. Alternatively, you could make a simple sugar glaze with powdered sugar and a little milk for a different but still delicious finish.
Why did my pie puff up dramatically during baking then collapse?

This is perfectly normal! The crescent dough naturally puffs during baking and will settle as it cools. The important part is making sure your pie is baked through – look for that golden brown color on top as your indicator.

Final Thoughts

This New Mexican Sopapilla Pie brings together the best of two worlds: the beloved flavors of traditional sopapillas and the convenience of a modern dessert. It’s become my go-to recipe when I need something impressive yet practical – the kind of dessert that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually comes together in minutes. Give it a try for your next gathering, and I promise you’ll be sharing the recipe before the night is over!