Easy Cheesecake Squares

Everyone needs a good cheesecake recipe.  I've tried many recipes but found that 4 blocks of cream cheese and springform pans are fine when you need dessert for 12 people but really, how often does that occur?  I have the easiest baked cheesecake recipe.  It's light and fluffy and not overly sweet.  You can have it either as a chocolate or vanilla filling.  You can make the crust with chocolate Oreo crumbs or regular graham wafers.  You can serve whatever toppings you want or happen to have on hand at the time.  The beauty of this recipe is it can be made ahead and refrigerated for days or frozen for months ahead of time.  Just pull out when you need it.

Easy Cheesecake Squares

Easy Cheesecake Squares

                     

Crust

1½ c. graham wafer crumbs or oreo chocolate crumbs

⅓ c. butter, melted

Cheesecake

1 bar (8 oz) cream cheese

1 c. sour cream

1 tablespoon cornstarch

½ c. white sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

Chocolate Cheesecake version : add ⅓ c. cocoa (either regular or Dutch
                                                    Process) and increase sugar to ¾ c.

Topping of your choice:  strawberries, blueberries, jam, chocolate ganache (as shown), crumbled Oreos, lemon curd are a few suggestions

1. In an 8 inch square pan, line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. For crust:  Melt butter in medium bowl.  Add crumbs and stir to combine.  Pour into prepared pan and press evenly over the bottom.
3. For cheesecake:  In mix master or food processor, blend cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.  Add rest of ingredients and blend again until well combined.
4. Pour onto crust and spread evenly.  Lift the pan up a few inches with both hands and drop onto counter (Assuming its not glass!  If it is use a towel under it).  Do this again.  This helps remove any large bubbles from the batter.
5. Bake at 325℉ for 35 to 40 minutes.  Test with a toothpick.  If it comes out clean, it's done then remove from oven.  If there is wet dough attached, leave in the oven a few minutes longer and test again.  Let cool and put into refrigerator for at least 1 hour.  You can do this ahead and leave it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
6. Slice and add your choice of toppings.