Topped Cheesecake Squares Recipe

Photo by: Taste of Home

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.

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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

In a small bowl, combine crumbs and butter. Press firmly onto the bottom of an 8-in. square baking dish.

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.

Pour over crust. Bake at 325° for 45-55 minutes or until set. Cool for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the sour cream, and 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.

In a microwave, melt candy bar; stir until smooth. Dip bottoms of strawberries in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet to set.

Microwave white chocolate, at 70% power for 30 seconds; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over strawberries. Refrigerate until serving.

Just before serving, cut cheesecake into nine squares. Place chocolate strawberries on three cheesecake squares.

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.

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.

Topped Cheesecake Squares published in Simple & Delicious July/August 2006, p11