Sunday, May 27, 2012

Strawberry and White Chocolate Cream Cheese Dessert Squares




From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite... I had hoped to make a blueberry dessert to serve following dinner tonight, but the berries in the market were exorbitantly expensive, so I changed plans and strawberries became the order of the day. Last year, I found a recipe on the Betty Crocker website for dessert squares that were made with strawberries and a vanilla flavored cream cheese. It was an easy recipe that uses one of their cookie mixes and vanilla baking chips to make the beautiful dessert squares that you can see here. I've used their idea to formulate a version that is more to my family's liking. I make an almond flavored shortbread to serve as a base for the dessert and I've swapped white chocolate for the vanilla chips used in the original recipe. Both versions of the dessert are delicious when ripe and fully flavored berries are used to top the squares. Most of the strawberries that come to market these days look wonderful. Unfortunately, a goodly percentage of them taste like cardboard. If you want a dessert that will elict more than a ho-hum response from your family and friends, make sure the berries you use will make your effort worthwhile. There are some limitations to this dessert that you should be aware of. It does not transport well and the squares do not keep well. I suggest not making these more than 4 hours before you plan to serve them. The cornstarch can break down and the topping will become watery if they sit much longer than that. If you keep them refrigerated and eat them during their prime, you will be delighted. The squares are delicious and easy to make. I know those of you who try them will be pleased. Here's the recipe.

Strawberry and White Chocolate Cream Cheese Dessert Squares...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite inspired by Betty Crocker

Ingredients:
Crust
1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Cream Cheese Filling
1 cup white chocolate baking chips (6 oz)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Strawberry Topping
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup water
Optional: 10 to 12 drops red food coloring

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2) To make crust: Combine butter, sugar and almond extract in bowl of an electric mixer fitter with a paddle attachment. Cream until mixture is light and fluffy. Combine flour and salt and, with mixer on low, add to butter until just mixed. Dump dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill for 10 to 15 minutes. Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack.
3) To make filling: In small microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips uncovered on High 45 to 60 seconds or until chips are melted and can be stirred smooth. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese and vanilla extract with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Stir in melted chips until blended. Spread mixture over crust. Refrigerate while making topping.
4) To make topping: Crush 1 cup of strawberries in a small bowl. In 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Stir in crushed strawberries and 1/3 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Stir in food color if using. Cool 10 minutes. Gently stir in remaining 3 cups strawberries. Spoon topping over filling. Refrigerate 1 hour or until set; serve within 4 hours. Store covered in refrigerator. Yield: 20 squares.










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31 comments :

Katarina said...

This looks delicious and cheesecake is something I love!

Lynn said...

Looks like a beautiful dessert Mary! We have a way to go before blueberry season here too. Happy Memorial Day Weekend:@)

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

In my town, the strawberries have been extremely good this year. Every batch - I should certainly give your squares a try.

Diane said...

This just hits the spot, yum yum. Diane

Baking Addict said...

Looks delicious! I love the little squares - definitely a dessert to have at home :)

SImple and Serene Living said...

This sounds like a great Memorial Day treat, Mary. :)

Isabel Salvador said...

wonderfulll,beuatifull...bjs

Ana Regalado said...

You're right that most strawberries nowadays taste blah ! Even in this side of the world :D It may look red and juicy but it's tasteless *sigh* But I still have some stash of that cardboard in our freezer ! lol

This piece of deliciousness will surely wow the recipients :D Love the strawberry and white choco combo so as your shortbread crust ! Drool !

Victoria at Flavors of the Sun said...

These look wonderful and wonderfully simple to make. A double bonus. Thanks!

June said...

They look fabulous Mary, and particularly with those gorgeous Oregon strawberries. Are they ready for picking yet?

Ginny Hartzler said...

This is beautiful and would make the perfect Fourth Of July dessert.

Dee said...

Oh yum! My mum used to make us something like this when I was little. Brings back memories :)

France@beyondthepeel said...

White chocolate cheese...filling. One could find sooo many ways to use this in dessert. Sounds delish!

Lenia said...

I am drooling!!!They seem irresistible!Kisses,dear Mary!

Aldy said...

Gorgeous cheesecake, Mary! Have a wonderful week ahead :)

Hugs <3

Baking Diary said...

This looks delicious, no matter that it doesn't transport well, should survive the "journey" from kitchen to dining table huh? lol!

nina said...

Looks delicious....best fruit for the summer:)

Lynda said...

These bars look fantastic Mary. I've bookmarked to try soon!

Spencer said...

Looks great! I might have to try and recreate the recipe.

Rambling Tart said...

This looks so homey and delicious - a perfect springy dessert. :-) I love berries and white chocolate together. :-)

Chiara said...

looks delicious Mary, I love it!Have a good week, blessings...

Priya Suresh said...

Mindblowing cheesecake,can die for it.

Kim said...

Love these squares with the strawberry toping!!!!!

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

I have heard that the color red stimulates the appetite - that's certainly the case with your beautiful, eye-catching photo! Our beautiful strawberries have just "returned" to the farm, so this is a must-make recipe!

tender b. said...

I can't keep up with all these desserts. I need like individual portion sizes. I love what you do with combining fruit and sweet.

Unknown said...

If there is ever something that could pull me away from chocolate, it would be strawberries and cream cheese!! This dessert looks amazing.. I think I might have to take a trip to the store today!

Joanne said...

I love how you turned this not-so-from-scratch dessert into something truly homemade! Lovely!

The Harried Cook said...

Cheesecake + white chocolate + Strawberries? Can it get any better? Yum! thank you for sharing this treat, Mary!

Unknown said...

How beautiful dessert Mary thanks for sharing it!

Kit @ i-lostinausten said...

What a lovely cheesecake with strawberries! Just love it! :)

Veronica Miller said...

It looks lovely and I love the combo of white chocolate with cream cheese and strawberries! I've heard of a strawberry squares recipe that looks like this but has a pretzel crust, which might be a nice salty contrast.

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