Copycat Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

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If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about the perfect sweet indulgence to brighten up your day, you’re in for a delightful discovery. Picture this: the creamy, rich texture of cheesecake combined with the sweet, tangy allure of fresh strawberries, all encapsulated within the irresistible format of a Klondike bar. Yes, you read that right! Today, I am pleased to introduce you to a masterpiece that has captured hearts and taste buds alike—the Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake recipe.

How to make Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake

Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake typically refers to a variety of Klondike ice cream bars that combine the flavors of strawberry and cheesecake. These dessert bars contain a creamy strawberry cheesecake-flavored center covered with a crispy, chocolatey coating.

Ingredients:

For the Cheesecake:

• 1 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup finely chopped strawberries

For the Strawberry Swirl:

• 1/2 cup strawberries, pureed
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• For the Coating:
• 24 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• Freeze-dried strawberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Cheesecake Base:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.

2. Making the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until well combined. Fold in the chopped strawberries gently.
2. Pour this cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

3. Creating the Strawberry Swirl:

1. Mix the pureed strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Spoon this mixture over the cheesecake filling. Using a knife or a toothpick, gently swirl the strawberry mixture into the cheesecake filling to create a marbled effect.
2. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly wobbly in the middle. Cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

4. Forming the Klondike Bars:

1. Once chilled and set, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares, depending on your desired size.
2. Freeze the squares for at least 2 hours or until very firm.

5. Coating the Bars:

1. Melt the white chocolate and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
2. Using forks, dip each frozen cheesecake square into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Tap off the excess chocolate. Place on a parchment-lined tray. If desired, sprinkle immediately with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for garnish.
3. Freeze until the chocolate sets, about 15 minutes.

Tips for Success:

• Quality Matters: Use high-quality cream cheese and chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
• Chilling Time is Crucial: Don’t rush the chilling process. The firmer the cheesecake, the easier it will be to coat with chocolate.
• Experiment with Toppings: While freeze-dried strawberries offer a beautiful and tasty garnish, feel free to experiment with other toppings such as crushed nuts, chocolate drizzle, or even little candies.
• Storage: Keep the finished bars in an airtight container in the freezer. They’re best enjoyed within a month, perfect for making ahead for parties or as a delightful treat to sweeten up your week.

What to serve with

Serving Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake isn’t just about presenting the dessert by itself; it’s about creating an entire experience that complements its creamy richness and balances its sweet, tangy flavors. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your serving game, making each bite of the cheesecake a part of a harmonious experience.

Beverage Pairings:

• Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee offers a contrasting bitterness that enhances the sweetness of the cheesecake. Opt for a lighter roast to avoid overpowering the dessert’s delicate flavors.
• Tea: A floral or fruity tea can complement the berry notes in the cheesecake. Think of a mild Earl Grey, chamomile, or a berry-infused herbal tea for a cozy pairing.
• Sparkling Wine or Champagne: The effervescence of a good sparkling wine or champagne cuts through the creaminess of the cheesecake, cleansing the palate and making each bite as enjoyable as the first.
• Dessert Wines: A sweet Moscato or a Riesling offers a sweet symphony that pairs wonderfully with the tanginess of the strawberry and the richness of the cheesecake.

Side Pairings:

• Fresh Fruit: While strawberries are an obvious choice, consider serving a mix of fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a burst of freshness and a colorful presentation.
• Fruit Compote or Coulis: A berry compote or a silky strawberry coulis can add an extra layer of flavor and a touch of elegance to your dessert plate.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side or a quenelle placed atop each bar can add a light, airy texture contrast to the dense Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake.
• Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves not only add a pop of color, but their refreshing flavor can elevate the overall taste experience.
• Nutty Accents: Scatter some toasted almond slices or chopped pistachios around the cheesecake bars for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with both the strawberry and the cheesecake.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a delicious Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake requires flexibility in the kitchen, especially when you’re missing an ingredient or catering to dietary preferences. Below are detailed substitutions for various ingredients in the Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake recipe, ensuring you can still create this delightful dessert without compromising taste or texture.

Graham Cracker Crumbs:

• Digestive Biscuits: These are an excellent alternative with a similar texture and taste. Simply grind them into crumbs as you would graham crackers.
• Oreo Cookie Crumbs (without filling): For a chocolaty base, Oreo crumbs (filling removed) can provide a unique twist and complement the strawberry flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: There are several gluten-free graham cracker alternatives on the market and other gluten-free cookies that can be crushed into crumbs.

Unsalted Butter:

• Salted Butter: If this is all you have on hand, it can be used in the crust. Just omit any additional salt that the recipe calls for in the crumb mixture.
• Coconut Oil (melted): For a dairy-free alternative, coconut oil is a viable substitute, adding a slight coconut flavor that pairs well with the strawberries.
• Margarine: In both the crust and the cheesecake, margarine can be used as a direct substitute for butter.

Sugar:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: In the crust, substituting sugar with honey or maple syrup can offer a deeper flavor. Use a slightly lesser amount, as these are sweeter than granulated sugar.
• Coconut Sugar: For a more caramel-like flavor in the cheesecake mixture, coconut sugar can replace white sugar in a 1:1 ratio.

Cream Cheese:

• Neufchâtel Cheese: This cheese is similar to cream cheese but lower in fat. It can be used as a direct substitute without affecting the texture.
• Mascarpone Cheese: For a richer, creamier texture, mascarpone can replace cream cheese, though it will make the cheesecake more decadent.
• Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: Many plant-based cream cheeses can be used in equal amounts for those avoiding dairy.

Eggs:

• Flaxseeds or Chia Seeds: A vegan option is to use a flax or chia egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed/chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg required. Let sit for 15 minutes to thicken before using.
• Applesauce: Another egg substitute is applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg called for in the recipe.

Sour Cream:

• Greek Yogurt: Can be used as a direct substitute for sour cream, offering a similar texture and a slight tanginess.
• Dairy-Free Sour Cream: For a vegan version, dairy-free sour creams are available and can be used in the same measurement.

White Chocolate:

• Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate: Depending on your preference for sweetness or bitterness, both can be melted and used as a coating, offering different flavor profiles.
• Vegan White Chocolate: There are vegan alternatives to white chocolate that melt beautifully and can coat the cheesecake squares effectively.

Coconut Oil:

• Vegetable Shortening: In the chocolate coating, vegetable shortening can be a substitute for coconut oil to achieve a smooth melting consistency.

Strawberries:

• Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen (and thawed) strawberries are a perfect substitute for both the cheesecake mix and the swirl.
• Raspberry or Mixed Berries: For a different fruit profile, raspberries or a mix of berries can offer a delightful variation to the traditional strawberry flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making this Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating a moment of pure joy and indulgence. Each bite harmoniously blends the creamy cheesecake, vibrant strawberry, and luscious white chocolate into a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone craving more. 

More Cheesecake Recipes:

• Copycat Reese’s Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
• Copycat Popeyes Oreo Cheesecake Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Cheesecake Truffles Recipe