I am a total goner when it comes to cheesecake. I simply cannot resist it.
A few weeks ago, when our daughters didn’t have school one Friday, I told them to choose where we’d eat lunch after running my errands. Hatti quickly blurted out, “Can we go to The Cheesecake Factory, Mom? And order cheesecake for dessert?” It didn’t take Tessa long to catch on and start jumping up and down in agreeance.
And me? Well…I was all aboard that train, too.
The great thing about these White Chocolate Cheesecake Squares with Strawberry Glaze is that, for such a pretty and eye catching dessert, it’s pretty darn easy to put together. There are no special springform pans or water baths involved. And the strawberry glaze? It’s simply a couple big spoonfuls of strawberry jam. That I bought at the store!
The little hearts, admittedly, take a little patience. But they are fun. And the cuteness factor is huge. But, if you’re not up for that sort of thing, you could easily top each cheesecake square with a candy heart or a random drizzling of frosting. Or just leave them unadorned, all red and shiny and gorgeous.
And the even greater thing about these sweet cheesecake squares? It’s that they are perfectly size portioned. As much as I adore a mile-high slice, painstakingly chosen from the long glass case at The Cheesecake Factory, it really does take three or four people to comfortably consume its creamy richness.
These fun little squares, on the other hand, go down nice and easy, and with much less guilt. You might even be tempted to grab a second piece, like I’m never afraid to do. Go ahead. I’ll support you all the way.
Ingredients
- 1 c. graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 c. cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp. espresso powder
- 2 T. sugar
- big pinch of salt
- 4 T. unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz. white chocolate
- 16 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 c. seedless strawberry jam (I used Smuckers brand)
- 1 c. powdered sugar
- 4 tsp. milk
Preparation
Preheat oven to 325°.
Fold a 16'' long piece of foil to an 8'' x16'' strip and place in an 8'' square baking pan, leaving overhang on 2 sides. Repeat with another sheet of foil in opposite direction, lining pan completely. Spray bottom of foil lightly with nonstick spray and set aside.
In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, espresso powder, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir to completely combine. Press firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Place pan in freezer to chill.
In a small bowl, gently melt the white chocolate in the microwave, taking care to not let it scorch. Set aside to cool completely.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the eggs and sugar and beat on medium speed until just combined. Add the cooled white chocolate (you can place in the refrigerator for a bit if it's still warm) and vanilla, and beat again. Spread mixture evenly over the cooled crust and tap the pan gently on the counter to settle it in. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until cheesecake wobbles just slightly through the center, and the edges are just a bit golden. The edges will puff up when baking, and then settle back down once cooled. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
Briskly stir the jam until it is very smooth. Then spread evenly onto top of cheesecake. There will be a small raised edge of cheesecake filling around the pan sides, which will get cut off if you want to achieve the perfect red tops on the squares. Don't spread jam onto the raised cheesecake edges. Place pan in refrigerator to cool completely, 4 hours or overnight. Once set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan by pulling up on the foil lining. Cut off the raised edges (enjoy!) and then slice into squares, to desired size. I cut mine into 25 squares. To get clean cuts, dip knife into a warm glass of water and then wipe knife clean after each cut.
Stir together the powdered sugar and milk. You want it to be pretty thick. Place in pastry bag fitted with a small plain round tip. I used a Wilton #2 tip. Pipe a heart shape onto the center of each cheesecake square. Once this white frosting has been piped onto the jam, it can be coaxed with a toothpick to perfect the heart shape.
Store refrigerated. Can be prepared the day prior to serving.
Source
From a farmgirl's dabbles.
I’m linking up with:
- Cheryl at TidyMom for I’m Lovin’ It (How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances)
These are so sweet, Brenda! I love white chocolate. Perfect for Valentine’s day!
Cassie | Bake Your Day recently posted..Avocado Cheddar and Sun-Dried Tomato Quesadilla
These are SO pretty! There’s no way I could stop at just one square, though.
Tara @ Unsophisticook recently posted..Create Your Own Conversation Hearts
How adorable! I swear, you need to open a bakery! All of your bakery items are so pretty. Your place would be the highlight of any day!!!
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch recently posted..One Pan Chicken with Thyme Biscuits Recipe
You are way sweet, Robyn. You made a big smile break across my face. Thank you!
These look so yummy! And your photos are beautiful, Brenda.
Thanks, Mom. xo
These are so cute!! And definitely worth the effort to make the sweet little hearts.
These are so stinkin’ cute! I love the vivid red and those hearts are just adorable. And they look like they wouldn’t last long in my house!
Kare @ Kitchen Treaty recently posted..Our Very Favorite Homemade Pizza Sauce
These are amazing, Brenda! Classy and cute at the same time (:
Caroline @ Pass the Cocoa recently posted..How to Make Homemade Nutella
Adore, adore, adore these!!! I bet yours a BETTER than the CF!
Amanda recently posted..Kung Pao Chicken {healthy asian favorites: steamy kitchen}
Oh my goodness, the tops are AMAZING! You are my hero today.
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective recently posted..How to Peel and Mince Garlic
I do love cheesecake, I could eat it everyday! These are so cute.
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen recently posted..Waffle Wednesday: Whole Grain Waffles
My oldest daughter would be all over going to the Cheese Cake Factory for lunch too! She loves cheesecake, I will have to make these for her!
Sheila recently posted..Smoky Cheese Broccoli Soup
How in the world did you get the cheesecake not to bleed all over the crust when you cut them? You are a magician? And I’m with you, Cheesecake Factory sizes are way to overwhelming for me too.
Heidi @foodiecrush recently posted..Rice Krispie Valentine Lollipops
The cheesecake cuts so nicely. And for these shots, I cleaned the knife between cuts. Great to hear from you, Heidi – thanks!
These are beyond adorable! And your little hearts are so uniformly perfect… you must have a very steady hand.
Cookin’ Canuck recently posted..Healthy Cornmeal Muffins Recipe with Berries & Lemon
Thanks, Dara. The really great thing about those hearts is the white frosting is easy to manipulate in the strawberry glaze…just use a toothpick to “pull” the lines to perfect the heart!
How adorable are these!
Suzan @ The Lazy Suzan recently posted..Simple Guacamole and Baked Lime Tortilla Chips for 2!
These are the CUTEST!
Shea @ Dixie Chik Cooks recently posted..Super Bowl Food – Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Perfect for Valentine’s. Love the adorable heart on top.
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes recently posted..Valentine Trifecta Cookies
Precious!
I agree that you would the perfect person to open a bakery and I could be your assistant. I love to bake (and could help with that part greatly), but you have such a knack with your excellent decorating talents!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you Brenda! I just love your posts! <3
You’re so sweet, Donna. Thank you!
So so cute! Now if only I was half a decent baker
Bree {Skinny Mommy} recently posted..Gorgeous! Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Peppers
These are gorgeous! I love anything with the word “cheesecake” in it. I just subscribed to your site — you have fabulous ideas.
Thank you! So nice to meet you, Angie!
No kidding that this is an eye-catching dessert. They are so pretty!
Would it be wrong of me to eat a dozen of these? No? Good!
Paula – bell’alimento recently posted..Weeknight Meat Sauce with Rigatoni
These are so cute! Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction recently posted..Pretzel Bites with Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Such pretty bars, Brenda!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) recently posted..double chocolate biscotti
These are darling! Posting them to my Valentine Pinterest Board!
Erika @ The Hopeless Housewife recently posted..Our Favorite Links for 2/4/2013
These are adorable Brenda!
The hearts absolutely make these squares! Great job.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel recently posted..Three Years
Oh, Brenda. These are SO cute. I’d love these for VD!
Sandy @ RE recently posted..How to Wipe Sharpie Markers Off of Wine Glasses
I seriously need to spread that glaze over everything, I love the shiny red color!
Sue/the view from great island recently posted..Chana Dal and Yellow Pepper Soup with Lemon Cream
I used to HATE cheesecake, but it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite desserts. Which is really bad. These look so good, and are SO cute for Valentine’s Day. Now you having me craving Cheesecake Factory…ugh! Better just make these instead…
Rachel @ Bakerita recently posted..Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
These little squares are so cute! And I love cheesecake with strawberry. Great dessert to bring in to office for co-workers (just not with a heart
).
Lokness @ The Missing Lokness recently posted..Molten Chocolate Cakes with Raspberry Filling
How beautiful, and perfect for Valentine’s day!
Angie recently posted..Chocolate Raspberry Cookies
Awww… these are sooooooooooo cute!!
Patricia @ ButterYum recently posted..Meyer Lemon and Vanilla Bean Jelly
Wow..this are so sweet! perfect for this coming valentines day, I would really like to bake this one for my hubby..
Kathrine recently posted..Stem Cell Therapy Renews Hope for Diabetic Patients
These are absolutely beautiful!
DessertForTwo recently posted..Chocolate Shortbread Sticks
Oh my gorgeous. These are just darling.
Shaina recently posted..Honey Sweet Potato Biscuits: ONE
Wow! These look absolutely amazing. I will definitely try these. I love all things cheesecake related.
Olga recently posted..Breaded Chicken Tenders
I love your white chocolate cheesecake squares recipe and it’s worth a try!