Decadent Chocolate Candy Cheesecake Squares
Indulge in these Decadent Chocolate Candy Cheesecake Squares, where a buttery, nutty crust meets a rich cream cheese filling, infused with the delightful crunch of chocolate candies. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply a sweet treat at home. With a mix of crushed walnuts and a sprinkle of chocolatey Smarties or M&Ms, these squares are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Cut into satisfying portions, they not only taste amazing but also look impressive on any dessert table. Share the love of baking and treat your friends and family to this easy yet scrumptious dessert!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
margarine
1/3 cup (softened)
brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened (nuked for 15 seconds if needed))
granulated sugar
1/4 cup
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
egg
1
Smarties or M&M's plain chocolate candy
3/4 cup (chopped (for topping and reserve))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened margarine and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Gradually add the sifted flour and chopped walnuts, mixing until combined.
4
Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture and press the rest firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch square pan to form the crust.
5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
6
In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well blended.
7
Add the egg and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
8
Sprinkle half of the chopped Smarties or M&Ms evenly over the cooled crust.
9
Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly.
10
Combine the reserved 1/2 cup of crumb mixture with the remaining chopped candy, then sprinkle this mixture over the top of the cream cheese layer.
11
Bake the entire dish for an additional 20 minutes. The cheesecake should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.
12
Allow the cheesecake squares to cool completely in the pan at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Candy Cheesecake Squares?
They are a rich dessert featuring a buttery, nutty crust made with walnuts, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a topping of crunchy chocolate candies like Smarties or M&Ms.
How many servings does this cheesecake square recipe make?
This recipe yields 16 satisfying servings.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
You should preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size pan is needed for these squares?
An 8-inch square pan is recommended for this recipe.
How long should I bake the crust initially?
The crust should be baked for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
What type of chocolate candy can be used?
You can use 3/4 cup of chopped Smarties or plain M&Ms chocolate candy.
How much cream cheese is required for the filling?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce package of cream cheese.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, it should be softened. You can microwave it for 15 seconds if needed to reach the right consistency.
What ingredients are used for the crust?
The crust is made from softened margarine, packed brown sugar, sifted all-purpose flour, and chopped walnuts.
How much flour is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
What is the purpose of the walnuts in the crust?
The chopped walnuts provide a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture to the buttery base.
How do I prepare the margarine and brown sugar mixture?
Beat the 1/3 cup of softened margarine and 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar together for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
What should I do with the reserved 1/2 cup of crumb mixture?
Combine the reserved 1/2 cup of crumbs with the remaining chopped candy and sprinkle it over the cream cheese layer before the final bake.
How many eggs are needed for the cheesecake filling?
Only one egg is required for the cream cheese mixture.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the filling for flavor.
How much granulated sugar goes into the filling?
You will need 1/4 cup of granulated sugar for the cream cheese layer.
Where do the chopped candies go in the layering process?
Half are sprinkled over the pre-baked crust, and the other half are mixed into the top crumb layer.
How long is the final baking time after adding the filling?
Bake the entire dish for an additional 20 minutes after adding the topping.
How do I know when the cheesecake squares are done baking?
The cheesecake should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven.
How long should the bars cool before cutting?
They should cool completely at room temperature and then be refrigerated for at least 2 hours.
Can I overmix the egg in the filling?
You should be careful not to overmix; mix the egg only until it is just combined.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as cheesecake, bars, cookies, dessert, chocolate, simple recipe, crowd-pleaser, and sweet treats.
Is the flour sifted before measurement?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of sifted flour, implying it should be sifted for a lighter texture.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
While the recipe specifies margarine, butter can typically be used as a substitute in similar ratios for baking crusts.
How should the crust be placed in the pan?
After setting aside 1/2 cup for the topping, press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
What speed should I use on my electric mixer for the filling?
Use medium speed to beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Is this a good recipe for parties?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is described as buttery and nutty due to the combination of margarine, brown sugar, and chopped walnuts.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients required to make these cheesecake squares.
Should the brownies be refrigerated after they are cut?
Since they contain cream cheese, it is best to keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness.