Nutella Cheesecake

I was able to be in my happy place this weekend (the kitchen)-one of the pluses of snow. I haven’t had much of an opportunity to bake lately so I used a neighbor’s birthday as an excuse. I came across this recipe and couldn’t wait to try it! I had to improvise the crust since I didn’t have any Oreos to crush; I ended up using a combination of animal cookies, graham crackers and cocoa powder with butter. I also didn’t have enough heavy whipping cream so I added sweetened condensed milk for the topping and garnished with strawberries. This recipe definitely didn’t disappoint. Adding to the repeat list in the future. [And the cool thing is that Nutella happens to be one of the neighbor’s favorites!]

https://www.bakedbyanintrovert.com/nutella-cheesecake/

Marble Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin season! I made these last week for a trip the hubby made to see a friend. I was told the bars disappeared very quickly. This one was not heavy with pumpkin and was more of a cheesecake flavor--yum! It was easy to make and looked great too. Definitely adding to my "re-make" list.

https://tamingofthespoon.com/marbled-pumpkin-cheesecake-bars/

Bailey's Brownie Bottom Cheesecake

I recently had neighbors over for dinner and couldn't wait to make this one. Brownie bottom, Baileys in the cheesecake, ganache and whipped cream--yum! Not sure what the issue was, but I couldn't get the whipped cream consistency I needed; it kept curdling. Other than that, it was a wonderfully delicious cheesecake. So glad that I had to share. ;)

https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/2018/06/06/baileys-brownie-cheesecake/

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cheesecake

Finally found some time to share a few amazing desserts that I've tried in the last few weeks. This one was a request from a neighbor for her mother's birthday. "Something chocolately and gluten-free". Challenge accepted! It was a very easy substitution with gluten-free "oreos" as the crust, and you can't go wrong with ganache?!  One caveat--a normal cheesecake usually has 24 ounces of cream cheese. Knowing this, I followed the recipe and put the extra in a small pie pan. The hubby was excited there was some for him.

http://flippindelicious.com/2015/02/gluten-free-death-by-chocolate-cheesecake.html

Loaded Butterscotch Cheesecake

I've really been having fun with cheesecakes lately. There are so many varieties. It's fun to have so many willing neighbors as guinea pigs too. I attended a party this weekend and had the pleasure to make this one. It's very rich and decadent--loaded is an understatement. If you like butterscotch, you'll really enjoy this one!

https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/2015/04/15/loaded-butterscotch-cheesecake/

Banana Cream Cheesecake

Ok, I'm in love with banana extract. I pretty much like banana anything--especially banana laffy taffy. Now I just need to learn how to make my own taffy and I'm set. I came across this recipe on Facebook and KNEW I HAD to try it. But....out of fear of eating the whole thing by myself, I decided to recruit guinea pigs. Thankfully I have many willing neighbors (and spouse). So this blog is a thank you to all the compliments on this dessert and a BIG thank you to Lindsay for posting this recipe online. There are many steps to this recipe but as long as you have a good springform pan and a Kitchenaid mixer (with whip and paddle), it's easy! [Rather than piping the whipped cream and slicing bananas, I delivered slices of cheesecake with an intact banana and put the whipped cream in jelly jars on the side.] I think next week, I'm going to try Red Velvet Truffles.....

https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/2018/05/31/banana-cream-cheesecake/

Blueberry Cheesecake Crumb Cake

I’m grateful to have neighbors that are willing to try my adventures in baking. It’s not only my therapy but my way of letting them know I’m thinking about them. This one is probably one of my future favorites. The mascarpone cheese and fresh blueberries make it a very special treat. One caveat, due to the high elevation, I had to cook it for 90 minutes. I also might add a little lemon juice next time to balance the sweetness.

https://omgchocolatedesserts.com/blueberry-cheesecake-crumb-cake/

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

I had a surplus of apples and decided to go for decadence for once (ok more than once, lol). I didn't end up adding the caramel (ran out of time), but I must say, the hubby and I will not be losing weight this week. Absolutely scrumptious and not really that much effort. It is best to make it overnight and eat it the next day. But, it does make a 13x9 pan's worth...however, it doesn't seem to be a problem for us.

I love the title of her website; I can totally relate :)

https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/09/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars.html

Cheesecake Marbled Brownies

I've made something similar in the past, but I was attracted to the methodology and tips I  this recipe.  It was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Best fresh and warm out of the oven and far better than the last one I tried. A new favorite.

https://smittenkitchen.com/2009/09/cheesecake-swirled-brownies/

Butterscotch-Toffee Cheesecake Bars

Staying with the butterscotch theme, I added the hubby's 2nd favorite--Heath! Taste of Home posted this on Facebook the other day and I knew I had to make it. It was almost too easy to fix AND eat. ;)  By the way, my secret to anything that requires cream cheese is to let it get to room temperature--in this case, I pulled it out the night before and prepared it this morning so that I could chill it in plenty of time before lunch. Be prepared--you will have to fight yourself (almost physically) to stop eating them :)

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/butterscotch-toffee-cheesecake-bars?trkid=FBPAGE_TOH_20161020_Dessert_Fall_Romance_DetailPage