Butterfinger Cheesecake

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Introduction:

Craving a heavenly dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy bars? Look no further than this delectable Butterfinger Cheesecake recipe. With layers of creamy cheesecake filling studded with chunks of Butterfinger, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and fluffy whipped cream, this dessert is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

  • Oreo Crumbs (2 1/4 cups)
  • Salted Butter, melted (4 tbsp)
  • Cream Cheese, room temperature (24 oz)
  • Sugar (1 cup)
  • All-Purpose Flour (3 tbsp)
  • Sour Cream, room temperature (3/4 cup)
  • Peanut Butter (1/2 cup)
  • Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
  • Large Eggs, room temperature (4)
  • Chopped Butterfingers (1 1/2 cups)
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (6 oz)
  • Heavy Whipping Cream (for ganache, 1/2 cup)
  • Heavy Whipping Cream (for whipped cream, 3/4 cup)
  • Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup)
  • Peanut Butter (2 tbsp)
  • Vanilla Extract (1/4 tsp)
  • Chopped Butterfingers (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Crust: Mix Oreo crumbs and melted butter, then press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes to set the crust. Prepare the pan for a water bath by wrapping it in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, peanut butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gently fold in the chopped Butterfingers. Pour the filling over the baked crust.
  3. Bake the Cheesecake: Place the springform pan in a larger baking pan and fill the larger pan with hot water to create a water bath. Bake the cheesecake at 300°F for 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely.
  4. Prepare the Ganache: In a heatproof bowl, pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Spread the ganache over the cooled cheesecake, creating a decadent chocolate layer.
  5. Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Decorate the cheesecake with dollops of whipped cream and sprinkle with additional chopped Butterfingers for garnish.

Serving and Storage tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Allow the cheesecake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheesecake to set properly.
  2. When ready to serve, run a knife around the edges of the springform pan to loosen the cheesecake before removing the sides of the pan.
  3. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice the cheesecake into clean, smooth slices.
  4. Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped Butterfingers for an extra indulgent touch.
  5. Serve chilled and enjoy with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the perfect dessert experience.

Storage Tips:

  1. Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. To prevent the cheesecake from drying out, cover the top of the cheesecake with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
  3. For longer storage, the cheesecake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placed in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
  4. Thaw frozen cheesecake slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain the texture and flavor of the cheesecake.
  5. Enjoy leftover slices straight from the refrigerator or allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.

variations you can try for your Butterfinger Cheesecake recipe:

  1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake: Swap the Oreo crust for a chocolate graham cracker crust and add extra peanut butter to the cheesecake filling for a richer flavor.
  2. Mini Butterfinger Cheesecake Bites: Instead of making a large cheesecake, portion the batter into muffin tins lined with cupcake liners for individual-sized servings. Top each mini cheesecake with a piece of Butterfinger for a delightful bite-sized treat.
  3. Nutella Butterfinger Cheesecake: Incorporate Nutella into the cheesecake filling for a decadent twist. Swirl Nutella into the batter before baking or create layers of Nutella and cheesecake filling for a marbled effect.
  4. Butterfinger Cookie Cheesecake: Add crushed Butterfinger cookies to the Oreo crust mixture for an extra crunchy and flavorful base. Simply replace a portion of the Oreo crumbs with crushed Butterfinger cookies in the crust recipe.
  5. Salted Caramel Butterfinger Cheesecake: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the cheesecake before serving for a sweet and salty flavor contrast. You can also sprinkle sea salt flakes over the whipped cream topping for added depth of flavor.
  6. Berry Butterfinger Cheesecake: Add fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, to the cheesecake filling for a fruity twist. Simply fold the berries into the batter before pouring it into the crust.
  7. Toffee Butterfinger Cheesecake: Incorporate toffee bits into the cheesecake filling for added texture and flavor. Mix the toffee bits into the batter or sprinkle them over the top of the cheesecake before baking.
  8. White Chocolate Butterfinger Cheesecake: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the ganache with white chocolate chips for a creamy and indulgent topping. You can also add white chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for extra sweetness.
  9. Coffee Butterfinger Cheesecake: Infuse the cheesecake filling with coffee flavor by adding instant espresso powder or brewed coffee to the batter. The coffee enhances the richness of the chocolate and complements the peanut butter flavor.
  10. Almond Butterfinger Cheesecake: Swap the peanut butter in the cheesecake filling for almond butter for a nutty twist. Garnish the cheesecake with chopped almonds for added crunch and flavor.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use a different type of candy bar instead of Butterfinger? Yes, you can substitute Butterfinger with any other candy bar of your choice, such as Snickers, Kit Kat, or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, for a unique flavor twist.
  2. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cheesecake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, for optimal freshness, it’s best to add the whipped cream topping and garnish with Butterfinger pieces just before serving.
  3. Can I freeze Butterfinger Cheesecake? Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 1 month. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  4. How do I prevent cracks from forming on the cheesecake? To prevent cracks, make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Avoid overmixing the batter, and bake the cheesecake in a water bath to ensure even baking and moisture retention.
  5. Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making it from scratch? Yes, you can use store-bought whipped cream as a time-saving alternative. Simply thaw the whipped cream according to the package instructions and use it to top the cheesecake.
  6. What can I use instead of peanut butter in the cheesecake filling? If you have a peanut allergy or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a similar creamy texture.
  7. Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free? Yes, you can make this cheesecake gluten-free by using gluten-free Oreo-style cookies for the crust and ensuring that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  8. How can I customize the ganache topping? You can customize the ganache topping by adding a splash of flavored extract, such as vanilla, almond, or hazelnut, for extra flavor. You can also stir in chopped nuts or sprinkles for added texture and visual appeal.
  9. Can I use a different type of crust for this cheesecake? Yes, you can use a different type of crust, such as a graham cracker crust or a chocolate cookie crust, for a variation in flavor and texture. Adjust the baking time accordingly based on the type of crust used.
  10. What can I do with leftover cheesecake? Leftover cheesecake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy it as a delicious dessert, or crumble it up to make cheesecake parfaits, milkshakes, or truffles for a creative twist.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the luxurious flavors and textures of this Butterfinger Cheesecake, where creamy cheesecake meets crunchy candy bars and velvety chocolate ganache. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this decadent dessert is sure to impress. Enjoy each heavenly bite of this irresistible treat!

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