Easy Cheesecake Recipes
Use a microwave or slow-cooker as an alternative to baked cheesecake
If you don't have the time, yet long for the rich, creamy taste of cheesecake, here are some methods that make a quick weeknight cheesecake a possibility.
Ah, Cheesecake. Making Cheesecake can be an ominous task, and though we think it’s always worth the effort, there are shortcuts to making cheesecake. Ever heard of microwave cheesecake? How about slow-cooker cheesecake? If you haven’t, you’re about to learn some great ways (including the traditional cheesecake method) for baking a cheesecake.
Following is a recipe for a traditional Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with an Oreo crust. This dessert is out of this world, and perfect to bring to a party or serve your guests this holiday season.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe
For this recipe you will need one 9-inch Springform (cheesecake) pan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup finely crushed creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 (8 oz.) packages. cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon flour
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (180 degrees C). Combine crumbs and butter; pat firmly on bottom of 9-inch springform pan.
- In large mixer bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Add condensed milk and beat until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Stir in ¾ of the chocolate chips and flour.
- Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining chips evenly over top. Bake 1 hour or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool to room temperature. Chill. Remove side of Springform pan. Garnish with additional chips, chopped up peppermint candies, or fresh mint leaves as desired.
This shortcut cheesecake recipe is great for a weeknight treat or low-stress dessert.
Microwave Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
Directions:
- Mix crumbs, sugar and butter. Press on side and bottom of 9″glass pie plate. Microwave on high for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs until well blended. Add cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Stir in sour cream. Microwave on low power for 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Pour into baked crumb crust. Microwave an additional 2 minutes on low (30% power) setting. Rotate and repeat until center is set and bounces back when touched. Chill 1 hour before serving. Serve with canned cherries or fresh berries, as desired.
Crock Pot Cheesecake Recipe
This recipe requires a 7-inch Springform (cheesecake) pan, or one that will fit inside your crock pot or slow-cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon flour
Directions:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and butter and press into springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs well. Add cheese and sugar and continue to blend until fluffy. Add cream, vanilla and flour and beat an additional 2 minutes. Pour mixture on top of crust.
- Line crock pot or slow cooker with double layer of foil. Insert springform pan. Cover and cook on high setting for 3 hours.
- Turn off heat and leave cheesecake in crock-pot for another hour or until cool enough to remove. Transfer to rack to cool completely. Chill 1 hour before serving. Serve with canned cherries or fresh berries, as desired.
