Delicious Cream Cheese Based Dessert Recipes

Delightful Dessert Recipes Featuring Cream Cheese

Cream cheese, a smooth, mild, and versatile dairy product often goes unnoticed when it comes to desserts. From the USA, this soft and white cheese has gained popularity in kitchens especially for its essential role in creating indulgent and flavorful desserts. With its creamy texture and distinctive tanginess, cream cheese adds depth to ingredients and transforms them into extraordinary treats. In this article, we will explore several mouthwatering dessert recipes that showcase the magic of cream cheese. These recipes are perfect for whipping up at home and turning your everyday baking into an art.

Recipe 1: The Timeless New York Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of graham crackers
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 4 cups of cream cheese
• 1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup of milk
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup of all purpose flour

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Combine the graham crackers with butter; press the mixture into a springform pan measuring about nine inches.
• In a bowl, blend the cream cheese with sugar until it becomes smooth, incorporate the milk, then gradually add the eggs one by one.
• Mix in the cream, vanilla and flour until the mixture becomes smooth. Pour this filling into the crust.
• Bake for an hour. Afterward turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door closed for about 5 to 6 hours to prevent any cracks from forming.
• Keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

Some tips:

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
• Be cautious not to overmix as it can introduce much air and lead to cracks.

Recipe 2: Cream Cheese Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2/3 cup softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to a temperature of around 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan measuring approximately 9 inches square.
• Melt together butter and chocolate chips using a microwave container. Then stir in sugar (one cup), eggs (two) and vanilla extract (around half a teaspoon).
• Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
• Evenly spread half of the batter in the pan.
• In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Spoon this mixture over the batter in the pan. Then add the remaining chocolate batter on top. Use a knife to create swirls.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Allow it to cool before slicing.

Some tips:

• Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth consistency.
• Be gentle when swirling to achieve a marbled effect without overly mixing the layers.

Recipe 3: Cream Cheese Frosting for Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.

2. Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to beat until smooth.

3. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

Tips:

• Ensure both butter and cream cheese are at the same temperature to avoid lumps in your frosting.
• If your frosting is too thin add sugar; if it is too thick, you can add a little milk.

Recipe 4: Cream Cheese Filled Strawberries

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of strawberries, with the stems removed
• 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Slice a portion off the bottom of each strawberry to create a base.
• Combine the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract until it becomes smooth.
• Use a piping bag. Spoon to fill each strawberry with the cream cheese mixture.

Tips:

• Opt for firmer strawberries as they make filling easier.
• Add a touch of lemon zest or almond extract to your cream cheese mixture for some flavor variation.

Recipe 5: Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread torn into pieces
• 1 cup of blueberries
• 8 ounces of cream cheese cut into cubes
• 12 eggs
• 2 cups of milk
• 1/3 cup of maple syrup

Instructions:

• Grease a baking dish measuring around 9x13 inches. Place half of the torn bread pieces in the dish.
• Scatter cubes of cream cheese and blueberries over the bread layer. Top, with the remaining bread pieces.
• In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and maple syrup thoroughly. Carefully pour this mixture over the bread ensuring it soaks in properly by pressing down on it.
• Wrap the dish with foil. Place it in the refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered dish for 30 minutes, then bake uncovered for around 25 to 30 minutes.

Some helpful tips:

• Allowing the bread to soak overnight, ensuring that it absorbs the egg mixture completely resulting in a casserole that's more tender.
• Feel free to personalize this recipe by incorporating fruits like raspberries or blackberries.

In conclusion

Each of these recipes demonstrates how cream cheese can transform simple ingredients into desserts that are both indulgent and comforting. Whether, you're a beginner baker or an experienced pro, these recipes are designed to inspire and bring joy. Remember, using high quality ingredients and enjoying the process of creating something with your hands are factors for success. Happy baking!