Topped Cheesecake Squares

SERVINGS: 9
TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min. + chilling

Ingredients:

 

* 1-1/4 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
* 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
* 2 eggs, lightly beaten
* 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
* 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
* CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRIES:
* 2 ounces dark chocolate candy bar
* 3 fresh strawberries
* 1 square (1 ounce) white baking chocolate
* CARAMEL TOPPING:
* 6 caramels
* 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
* Whipped cream
* 1 tablespoon sliced almonds, toasted
* BERRY TOPPING:
* 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
* 6 fresh raspberries
* 6 fresh blackberries
* 6 fresh blueberries

 

Directions:
In a bowl, combine crumbs and butter. Press firmly onto the bottom of an 8-in. square baking dish. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and the almond extract.

 

Pour over crust. Bake at 325° for 45-55 minutes or until set.

 

Cool for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the sour cream, and remaining sugar and vanilla. Spread over filling; bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.

 

In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt candy bar at 50% power; stir until smooth. Dip bottoms of strawberries in chocolate and place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet to set. Microwave white chocolate, uncovered, at 50% power until melted; stir until smooth. Drizzle over strawberries. Refrigerate until serving.

 

Just before serving, cut cheesecake into nine squares. Place chocolate strawberries on three cheesecake squares.

 

For caramel topping, in a small microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and cream. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds, stirring once. Spoon over three cheesecake squares. Top with a dollop of whipped cream; sprinkle with almonds.

 

For berry topping, in a small microwave-safe bowl, combine jam and berries. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds, stirring once. Spoon over remaining squares. Yield: 9 servings.

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