Best Cheesecake Squares Recipes

PINEAPPLE CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Press into an ungreased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake at 325° for 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. , For filling, drain pineapple, reserving the juice; set pineapple and juice aside. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and flour. Add egg; beat on low just until combined. Add pineapple juice. Gradually add milk and vanilla. Sprinkle pineapple over crust. Slowly pour filling over pineapple. Sprinkle with cinnamon. , Bake at 325° for 1 hour or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Store in the refrigerator.

LIMONCELLO CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the bottom of a 9 by 9 by 2-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Finely grind the biscotti in a food processor. Add the melted butter and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and process until the crumbs are moistened. Press the crumb mixture over the bottom (not the sides) of the prepared pan. Bake until the crust is golden, about 15 minutes. Cool the crust completely on a cooling rack.
• Blend the ricotta in a clean food processor until smooth. Add the cream cheese and sugar and blend well, stopping the machine occasionally and scraping down the sides of the work bowl. Blend in the limoncello, vanilla, and remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon zest. Add the eggs one at a time, and pulse just until blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Pour the cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. Place the baking pan in a large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking pan. Bake until the cheesecake is golden and the center of the cake moves slightly when the pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour (the cake will become firm when it is cold).
• Transfer the cake to a rack; cool 1 hour. Refrigerate until the cheesecake is cold, at least 8 hours and up to 2 days. Cut the cake into squares and serve.
• *Limoncello liqueur can be found at most liquor stores and in the liquor department of some specialty markets. If limoncello liqueur is unavailable at stores near you, use the following recipe to make your own limoncello liqueur.
• Limoncello:
• Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from the lemons in long strips (reserve the lemons for another use). Using a small sharp knife, trim away the white pith from the lemon peels; discard the pith. Place the lemon peels in a 2-quart pitcher. Pour the vodka over the peels and cover with plastic wrap. Steep the lemon peels in the vodka for 4 days at room temperature.
• Stir the water and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Cool completely. Pour the sugar syrup over the vodka mixture. Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight.
• Strain the limoncello through a mesh strainer. Discard the peels. Transfer the limoncello to bottles. Seal the bottles and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours and up to 1 month.
• Makes: 7 cups
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Inactive Prep Time: 4 days and 4 hours

PINEAPPLE CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, confectioners' sugar, and almonds. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press crust mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13-inch pan. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Set crust aside, and leave the oven on.
• While the crust is baking, prepare the cream cheese layer. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend in 2/3 cup unsweetened pineapple juice. Pour over hot crust and bake until filling is set, about 20 minutes more. Allow to cool completely.
• Make the topping: In a saucepan, combine 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 cup reserved pineapple juice. Bring to a boil and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in crushed pineapple. Cool completely. When cool, fold in whipped cream. Spread topping over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate 4 hours before serving.

RHUBARB CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, mix flour, oats and brown sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture onto bottom of a greased 9-in. square baking pan., For filling, beat cream cheese, sugar, salt and spices until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; beat on low speed just until combined. Fold in rhubarb. Spread over crust. Sprinkle with topping., Bake until golden brown and filling is set, about 40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 1 hour. Refrigerate, covered, until cold, about 2 hours. Cut into squares.

LEMON CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• Make the crust: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. Crimp overhang under rim of pan.
• In a food processor, blend graham crackers with sugar until finely ground; add butter and pulse until moistened.
• Transfer crumb mixture to prepared pan, and pat in gently (wipe processor bowl clean, and reserve for making filling). Bake until beginning to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. While crust is baking, make filling.
• Make the filling: Place cream cheese in food processor; blend until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice; blend until smooth.
• Pour mixture onto hot crust in pan; smooth top. Return to oven, and bake until set (filling should jiggle only slightly when pan is gently shaken), 30 to 35 minutes.
• Cool completely in pan. Cover very loosely with plastic wrap; chill until firm, at least 2 hours (and up to 2 days). Use foil overhang to lift cheesecake out of pan. With metal spatula, lift cheesecake from foil; cut into 16 squares.

CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, ricotta and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the butter, cornstarch, flour and vanilla until smooth. Fold in sour cream. , Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 1 hour or until almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. , Chill several hours or overnight. Top each serving with fruit if desired.

CHEESECAKE BROWNIE SQUARES

Steps:

• Prepare brownie mix batter according to package directions. Spread 2 cups into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; set aside., In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, sugar, flour and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Spread evenly over brownie batter. Top with remaining brownie batter. Cut through batter with a knife to swirl., Bake at 350° for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (brownies may appear moist). Cool completely on a wire rack. Spread frosting over brownies.

SALTED CARAMEL CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-by-13-inch rectangular baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
• Place the graham crackers and pecans into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the mixture becomes crumbs. Add the butter and vanilla and pulse again until combined. Pour into the prepared pan and press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan. If they come up the sides, that's okay!
• For the filling: Beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating after each addition. Add the sour cream and mix again.
• Pour the mixture into the crust, smooth the top and bake for 50 minutes. Turn off the oven and open the door, leaving the cheesecake to sit in the oven with the door open for 15 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool for an hour.
• For the caramel topping: Add the brown sugar and butter to a pan, set over medium heat and cook, stirring, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Add the condensed milk, corn syrup and vanilla and bring to a boil, stirring continuously.
• Place a candy thermometer in the caramel mixture and continue to boil until the caramel reaches 225 degrees F. Turn off the heat and let the caramel cool for about 5 minutes before pouring over the cheesecake.
• Allow to set for 2 hours, then cut into squares with a sharp knife. Arrange on a plate and garnish each square with a pinch of sea salt.

BLACKBERRY CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• For the crust: Line a 9-by-13-inch rectangular baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
• Place the vanilla wafers and pecans into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the mixture becomes crumbs. Add the melted butter and pulse again until combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan. (If they come up the sides, that's okay!)
• For the filling: Beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla together in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add the sour cream and mix again.
• Pour the filling into the crust, smooth the top and bake for 50 minutes. Turn off the oven, open the oven door and allow the pan to sit in the open oven for 15 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.
• For the topping: Add the blackberries, sugar and 1/4 cup water to a saucepan or skillet. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the juices thicken slightly, 4 to 5 minutes.
• In a small bowl, make a slurry by stirring together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Add the slurry to the berries, return to the boil and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and cool the mixture.
• Pour the blackberries over the cheesecake and place the pan into the fridge to cool and set for at least 2 hours (several hours is better).
• When ready to serve, remove the cheesecake from the pan by lifting the edges of the foil. Slice into 15 pieces with a long serrated knife.

LEMON CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, oats and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well., Press dough into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Spread with jam., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and flour until smooth. Beat in lemon juice and zest. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Carefully spoon over jam. , Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack. Cover and store in the refrigerator.

PEANUT-BUTTER-AND-JELLY CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter.
• Finely grind crackers in a food processor. Add melted butter, peanuts, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; pulse until peanuts are chopped and texture of mixture resembles wet sand.Transfer to prepared baking dish; press firmly and evenly into bottom and three-quarters of the way up sides. Bake until set and slightly darkened, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
• Reduce oven to 325 degrees. In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and peanut butter on medium speed until smooth. Gradually beat in granulated sugar until lightand fluffy, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then vanilla until smooth. Pour filling into cooked crust; smooth top with asmall offset spatula. Bake until puffed and set along edges but still slightly wobbly in center, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely.
• Whisk jelly in a saucepan over medium until melted. Pour evenly over cake, then tilt dish to spread jelly to edges in a thin, even layer. Refrigerate until jelly is firmly set, about 4 hours.Cut cake into squares, wiping knife between cuts for clean edges, or cover and refrigerate up to 3 days.

LEMON CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• For the crust: Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch cake pan with the baking spray and line with parchment paper, allowing at least 2 inches of overhang on the two long sides. Lightly coat the parchment with the baking spray.
• Combine the cookie crumbs, sugar, lemon zest and salt in a food processor or gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Add the melted butter and pulse until evenly moistened. Press the mixture about 1 inch up the sides of the prepared cake pan, then press to cover the bottom evenly. Bake until the edges just become golden and the crust is fragrant, 8 to 9 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare the filling.
• For the filling: Beat the cream cheese in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed.
• Use your fingers to rub together the sugar, lemon zest and salt in a small bowl until the mixture is fragrant. Gradually add the sugar mixture to the cream cheese on low speed, then raise the speed to medium and beat until smooth, about 30 seconds. Scrape the bowl, then beat for another few seconds to combine.
• Mix in the lemon juice and vanilla on low speed until combined. Mix in half of the beaten eggs and until combined, about 30 seconds. Scrape the bowl and paddle well and then mix in the remaining half of the beaten eggs on low speed just until combined.
• Pour the batter over the freshly baked warm crust and spread smooth. Place the lemon curd in a resealable plastic bag and snip a corner. Pipe lines of the lemon curd across the batter (alternately, spoon small dollops of curd across the batter.) Use a toothpick to swirl the curd and batter together slightly.
• Place the baking pan in a slightly larger baking pan or roasting pan. Place in the center of the oven. Very carefully pour about 1 inch of steaming hot water into the larger pan to create a water bath. Gently slide the oven rack back in place and close the door. Lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees F and bake until the center barely jiggles, 42 to 45 minutes. The temperature at the center of the cheesecake should be about 150 degrees F.
• Once baked, turn off the oven, prop open the door and allow the cheesecake to cool down inside the oven for 45 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• To serve, use the parchment overhang to pull the cheesecake out of the pan. Peel down the sides of the parchment and cut into 24 bars. Serve immediately or store tightly covered for up to 3 days.

GIADA'S LIMONCELLO CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the bottom of a 9 by 9 by 2-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Finely grind the biscotti in a food processor. Add the melted butter and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and process until the crumbs are moistened.
• Press the crumb mixture over the bottom (not the sides) of the prepared pan.
• Bake until the crust is golden, about 15 minutes. Cool the crust completely on a cooling rack.
• Blend the ricotta in a clean food processor until smooth. Add the cream cheese and sugar and blend well, stopping the machine occasionally and scraping down the sides of the work bowl.
• Blend in the limoncello, vanilla, and remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon zest. Add the eggs one at a time, and pulse just until blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Pour the cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. Place the baking pan in a large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking pan.
• Bake until the cheesecake is golden and the center of the cake moves slightly when the pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour (the cake will become firm when it is cold).
• Transfer the cake to a rack; cool 1 hour. Refrigerate until the cheesecake is cold, at least 8 hours and up to 2 days. Cut the cake into squares and serve.

CHOCOLATE-COCONUT CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan. Line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides. Butter parchment.
• Stir together graham cracker crumbs and 2 cups coconut.
• Place chocolates and 3 tablespoons sugar in a heatproof bowl, and set over a pan of simmering water. Heat, stirring, until melted. Add butter, and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat, and let cool slightly. Whisk in 1 egg.
• Stir chocolate mixture into coconut mixture. Press evenly into prepared pan. Bake until set, 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool in pan.
• Using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat cream cheese and remaining cup sugar on high speed until very smooth and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to medium, and add egg yolks and remaining 2 eggs, 1 at a time, until well combined. Scrape sides of bowl. Beat on medium-high speed until completely smooth, about 3 minutes.
• Pass mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, and stir until smooth. Pour over cooled crust. Sprinkle remaining cup coconut evenly over the top.
• Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until top layer is just set and coconut is golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Refrigerate, loosely covered, overnight.
• Run a sharp knife around edges of pan, and use parchment to lift out cheesecake. Run a knife under hot water, and dry well. Use it to cut cheesecake into 1-inch squares, wiping knife clean between cuts.

FROZEN RASPBERRY SWIRL CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Thoroughly grease a 7x11x2 inch baking pan, and set aside.
• Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until well blended. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Bake the graham cracker crust in preheated oven until golden, about 8 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks on high speed until thick and lemon colored. Add the softened cream cheese, sugar, and salt. Beginning on low speed and increasing to high, beat until smooth.
• Place the egg whites in a large bowl, and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the cream cheese mixture.
• Place the heavy cream in a bowl, and beat until stiff. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
• Place the raspberries in a blender. Cover, and blend on low speed until berries soften. Swirl half the berries into the cream cheese mixture. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
• Spoon the remaining raspberries on top of the cream cheese mixture. Use a knife to swirl the berries into the cream cheese, making a red and white swirl pattern.
• Cover the pan tightly with foil or freezer wrap. Place in freezer for at least 3 hours. When ready to serve, let stand 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

LEMON RICOTTA CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the eggs, ricotta cheese, sugar and lemon zest; set aside. , In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, lemon juice and eggs; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Carefully spoon ricotta mixture on top of cake batter. , Bake at 350° for 60-65 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate overnight. Dust with confectioners' sugar; cut into squares. Refrigerate leftovers.

CHOCOLATE COVERED PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line (with foil) and grease (either non-stick spray or butter) a 9x13 pan (I use a glass casserole dish from Pyrex).
• 2. For chocolate crust:
• 3. Mix together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. With beater, beat in the butter and egg. Spread with spatula in bottom of 9x13 pan.
• 4. Sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips (might be less... I just sprinkle until evenly coated) onto crust.
• 5. For Cheesecake Batter:
• 6. Place the bowl and beater for whipping the whipping cream in the freezer for about 5 minutes until frosted. Whip the whipping cream until stiff (whipped cream doesn't fall off the beater.) Set aside.
• 7. Cream together the cream cheese, peanut butter, and sugar. Scrape bowl occasionally to ensure it's evenly mixed. Add, vanilla extract and whipped cream and blend together. Add eggs one at a time until incorporated.
• 8. Pour batter onto crust. Take butter knife and swirl just through batter (not all the way to the bottom) to ensure no air bubbles in batter.
• 9. Bake at 350F for 25 minutes.
• 10. Turn off oven, LEAVING THE DOOR CLOSED!!!!! Leave cheesecake in oven for 35 minutes longer.
• 11. Take out cheesecake and cool completely. (In a pinch I throw it in the freezer after cooling on the counter for 15 minutes)
• 12. For chocolate ganache:
• 13. Heat 1 cup heavy cream over medium heat until warm- almost hot.
• 14. Pull from heat and add semi- sweet chocolate chips. DO NOT STIR!!!
• 15. After the cream has cooled, transfer mixture to mixing bowl. (the chocolate will have melted) Beat on high until smooth and creamy. To make frosting instead of ganache (like pictured) add in 1 stick butter. before beating until smooth)
• 16. Spread over cooled cheesecake. (I do this step after removing the cheesecake from the pan- which is why I line the pan with foil).
• 17. Cut into bars and serve.

CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• Line a 9-in. square baking pan with foil and grease the foil. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, pecans and butter. Press into prepared pan; set aside. , In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and sour cream until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust. Bake at 325° for 35-40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack. Freeze overnight., In a microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. , Using foil, lift cheesecake out of pan. Gently peel off foil; cut cheesecake into 1-1/4-in. squares. Work with a few pieces at a time for dipping; keep remaining squares refrigerated until ready to dip., Using a toothpick, completely dip squares, 1 at a time, into melted chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Spoon additional chocolate over the tops if necessary to coat. (Reheat chocolate if needed to finish dipping.) Let stand for 20 minutes or until set. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

NUTTY CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, walnuts, brown sugar and salt; cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set half aside; press remaining crumb mixture onto the bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. , In a large bowl, beat filling ingredients until smooth; pour over crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. , Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Store in the refrigerator.

EASY BISQUICK CHEESECAKE SQUARES (CRUSTLESS)

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar.
• Add eggs, yogurt, vanilla,Bisquick, and lemon juice.
• Mix just until smooth.
• Pour into a greased 9-inch square baking dish.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until center is nearly set.
• Place on a wire rack while preparing topping.
• In a bowl, combine sour cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
• Carefully spread over cheesecake.
• Bake for 4 minutes (topping will not brown or set).
• cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
• Refrigerate until completely cooled.
• Garnish with fresh fruit if desired.