Fourth of July Star Cheesecake (Print Version)
Star-shaped cheesecake bites dipped in red, white, and blue chocolate; chilled pops for Fourth of July.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cheesecake Base
01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 2/3 cup powdered sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
→ Coating and Decoration
05 - 7 ounces white chocolate or candy melts
06 - Red food coloring
07 - Blue food coloring
08 - Red, white, and blue sprinkles
→ Assembly
09 - 16 lollipop sticks
# How to Cook:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
02 - Stir graham cracker crumbs into the cream cheese mixture until just incorporated.
03 - Spread the cheesecake mixture to 1/2 inch thickness on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour or until firm.
04 - Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out stars from the chilled cheesecake mixture and transfer to a clean parchment-lined tray.
05 - Gently insert a lollipop stick into each star. Place pops back in the freezer for 30 minutes until thoroughly firm.
06 - Melt white chocolate or candy melts according to package directions. Divide melted chocolate among three bowls for coloring: tint one red, one blue, and leave one white.
07 - Dip each frozen star into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Immediately decorate with red, white, and blue sprinkles as desired.
08 - Place the coated pops onto parchment paper and allow to set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- People will think you spent hours when these are as easy as mixing, cutting, and dipping.
- The creamy, cool center surprises everyone after the first crunchy chocolate bite.
02 -
- If the mixture gets too soft while cutting stars, pop it back in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Chilling the pops before dipping prevents the chocolate from sliding off and pooling.
03 -
- Chill your cookie cutter before stamping the stars for extra-smooth edges.
- Color your chocolate in small batches—bright hues go a long way and keep things fun.