Topped Cheesecake Squares

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min. + chilling

Makes

9 servings

Updated: Sep. 24, 2022
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 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 cup 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.