Topped Cheesecake Squares |
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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes |
Ready In: 60 Minutes Servings: 9 |
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These tempting bites from our Test Kitchen are sure to steal top billing at any summer meal or social. Let family and friends choose from a warm drizzle of caramel and almonds, a dollop of fresh fruit and jam or a chocolate-dipped strawberry to top off their cheesecake. Each topping takes only three or four ingredients and mere minutes to microwave. Ingredients:
1-1/4 cups chocolate wafer crumbs |
1/4 cup butter, melted |
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened |
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided |
2 eggs, lightly beaten |
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided |
1/4 teaspoon almond extract |
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream |
chocolate strawberries: |
2 ounces dark chocolate candy bar |
3 fresh strawberries |
1 ounce white baking chocolate |
caramel topping: |
6 caramels |
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream |
whipped cream |
1 tablespoon sliced almonds, toasted |
berry topping: |
1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam |
6 fresh raspberries |
6 fresh blackberries |
6 fresh blueberries |
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine crumbs and butter. Press firmly onto the bottom of an 8-in. square baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and the almond extract.
3. Pour over crust. Bake at 325° for 45-55 minutes or until set. Cool for 5 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine sour cream with remaining sugar and vanilla. Spread over filling; bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.
5. In a microwave, melt candy bar; stir until smooth. Dip strawberries in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet; let stand until set. Melt white chocolate; stir until smooth. Drizzle over strawberries. Refrigerate until serving.
6. Just before serving, cut cheesecake into nine squares. Place chocolate strawberries on three cheesecake squares.
7. For caramel topping, in a small microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and cream. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds, stirring once. Spoon over three cheesecake squares. Top with a dollop of whipped cream; sprinkle with almonds.
8. For berry topping, in a small microwave-safe bowl, combine jam and berries. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds, stirring once. Spoon over remaining squares. Yield: 9 servings.
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