Decadent Cheesecake Squares: A Nostalgic Delight
These cheesecake squares hold a special place in my heart, not just for their delectable taste but also for the memories they evoke. I vividly remember the week in my “Newspaper In Classroom” class back in high school when this recipe secured me an “A” from my teacherโwhose grading methods were, letโs say, a bit unconventional. Nevertheless, the joy of creating this dessert and receiving praise made the experience unforgettable. Perfectly balanced between creamy and crumbly, these cheesecake squares are ideal for satisfying any sweet tooth, and they’re remarkably easy to prepare.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | 8 |
| Category | Dessert, Cheesecake |
| Rating | 5 stars |
| Reviews Count | 4 |
| Calories per Serving | 348.9 |
| Keywords | Dessert, < 60 Mins, Oven |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/3 cup | Brown sugar |
| 1/2 cup | Walnuts, chopped |
| 1 cup | All-purpose flour |
| 1/3 cup | Butter, melted |
| 8 oz | Cream cheese, softened |
| 1/4 cup | Sugar |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1/2 tsp | Fresh lemon rind, grated |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh lemon juice |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Content per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 23.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 76.8 mg |
| Sodium | 150.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugars | 15.7 g |
| Protein | 5.7 g |
Instructions
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Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 300ยฐF (approximately 150ยฐC). Take an 8×8 inch baking pan and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray; set it aside to ensure your cheesecake squares do not stick.
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Make the Crust: In a food processor, combine the brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and all-purpose flour. Pulse the mixture until it is well-blended. Then, pour in the melted butter and blend again until the mixture takes on a crumbly texture. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can achieve this by using a pastry blender to mix the ingredients together.
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Reserve and Press: Set aside 3/4 cup of this crumbly mixture for the topping later. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a solid crust.
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Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for approximately 10-12 minutes, just until it begins to turn lightly golden.
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Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: While the crust is baking, grab a medium mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once combined, add the egg, grated lemon rind, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until everything is well incorporated and the filling is luscious and free of lumps.
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Assemble: Once the crust is ready, remove it from the oven and pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
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Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top of the cheesecake filling, creating a delightful crunch that will complement the smooth creaminess below.
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Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. The cheesecake should appear set and slightly puffed, and the top will have a light golden hue.
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Cool and Serve: Once done, allow the cheesecake squares to cool in the pan at room temperature. After cooling, place them in the refrigerator for at least an hour to firm up further. When ready to serve, cut into squares and enjoy!
These cheesecake squares, with their creamy filling and buttery crust, are perfect for any gathering or as a simple indulgence at home. Whether reliving cherished memories or creating new ones, each bite is bound to bring a smile to your face. Enjoy this delightful dessert, and let it become a staple in your recipe collection, just as it has in mine!
