Santa Hat Crispy-Treat Cheesecake Squares

Ingredients:

Cheesecake Squares:                                                                                                                          Frosting:

• Cooking Spray                                                                                                                                     - 2Tbsp Unsalted Butter at room temperature
• 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter                                                                                                                      - 2 Tbsp Cream Cheese at room temperature
• 5 oz Mini Marshmallows (about 1 cup)                                                                                              - 1/2 cup confectioner's Sugar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract                                                                                                                    - 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Kosher Salt
• 4 cups Crispy Rice Cereal
• 1 1/4oz package unflavored Powdered gelatin  
• 2 8oz packages Cream Cheese at room temperature
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1 cup Confectioner's Sugar
• 1 Tbsp fresh Lemon juice
• 25 medium Strawberries

Directions: 

1 Line a 9-inch square pan with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides. Lightly coat the foil and a wooden spoon with cooking spray.

2 For the cheesecake squares: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the marshmallows, honey, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt, and stir with the wooden spoon until the marshmallows have completely melted, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the rice cereal and stir until the mixture is fully combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press into an even layer while warm. Let sit at room temperature until firm, about 20 minutes.

3 Combine the gelatin with 2 tablespoons water in a small microwave-safe bowl, and set aside to soften, about 5 minutes. Beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed with an electric mixer until completely smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the sour cream, sugar, lemon juice, remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt, and beat on medium-high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.

4 Microwave the gelatin in 10-second increments, stirring as needed, until it dissolves, 30 to 50 seconds. Pour the gelatin into the cream cheese mixture, and beat on medium-high speed until incorporated, about 30 seconds.

5 Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crispy treat layer, and spread out evenly with an offset spatula or butter knife. Wrap the pan loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until the cheesecake layer is set, about 2 hours or up to overnight. 

6 For the frosting: Whisk together the butter and cream cheese by hand in a medium bowl. Add the sugar and vanilla and whisk until smooth and creamy. 

7 Cut the cheesecake bites into twenty-five 1 3/4-inch squares. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag or resealable plastic bag. Cut a 1/4-inch hole in the corner of the piping bag. Pipe a circle of frosting on the top of each square, about the diameter of the base of a strawberry. Place a strawberry cut side-down on top of each frosting circle, pushing down gently so that the frosting comes up around the bottom of the strawberry and resembles the base of a Santa hat. Pipe a ball of frosting on the tip of each strawberry for a pom-pom.

This recipe was originally featured on Food Network, so if you’d like more details or variations, be sure to check them out.

From all of us at The Pulse Team, goodbye for now and Happy Holidays!