If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the indulgence of Snickers bars and the fresh sweetness of strawberries, look no further than the Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake. This dessert is a unique fusion that satisfies every sweet tooth, blending chocolate, caramel, and peanuts with a smooth cheesecake filling.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to make this delectable dessert from scratch, offering tips for variations, serving suggestions, and how to store it. For those who prefer an easy no-bake option, you can explore this collection of no-bake strawberry cheesecake recipes to make a lighter, quicker version.
Why Snickers and Strawberry Cheesecake Work Together
The combination of Snickers bars and strawberry cheesecake is a match made in heaven. The Snickers bar, with its crunchy peanuts, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, provides a bold contrast to the smooth, tangy cheesecake. Strawberry cheesecake, on the other hand, offers a refreshing, creamy base that balances the heaviness of the candy bar. Together, they create a dessert that’s not only indulgent but also surprising in the best way.
This dessert’s appeal lies in its ability to combine two beloved flavors into one showstopper. If you’re interested in similar ideas for fun desserts, check out this list of affordable no-bake desserts that are easy to whip up without an oven!
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Ingredients
To prepare a Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or your choice of cookie crust)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional)
- Filling:
- 3 cups cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Snickers bars (chopped)
- Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Equipment
- Springform pan (9-inch)
- Mixer (hand or stand)
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar (if using) in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form a solid crust.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Gently fold in the chopped Snickers bars to add texture and flavor.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and smooth out the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
- In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely before spreading it over the cheesecake.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly. Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter. Slice and serve chilled.
Variations of Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake
While the classic Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake recipe is delicious, there are many ways you can get creative with this dessert.
- Crust Variations: Try using Oreo crumbs, almond flour, or even pretzel crumbs for a salty twist.
- Different Candy Bars: Substitute Snickers with other candy bars like Twix, Reese’s, or Milky Way for different textures and flavors.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and topping, or use sugar-free Snickers.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
The Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake is rich and indulgent, so it pairs well with light beverages like iced tea or a refreshing fruit punch. If you prefer something stronger, a glass of chilled white wine or even a cup of coffee would complement the dessert perfectly. This cheesecake is great for any occasion, from birthdays and holidays to casual get-togethers.
Nutritional Breakdown
A slice of Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake can be a decadent treat, but it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. On average, a slice may contain:
- 400-500 calories
- 25-30 grams of fat
- 15-20 grams of carbohydrates
- 4-6 grams of protein
If you’re looking for lighter alternatives or more dietary-friendly options, there are variations of the dessert that use reduced-fat cream cheese or sugar substitutes.
Storage and Shelf Life
To keep your Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake fresh, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. If you’d like to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Quick and Easy Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake in Just 5 Steps
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs or your choice of cookie crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar optional
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 cups cream cheese softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Snickers bars chopped
- For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup melted butter, and 2 tbsp sugar (if desired). Mix until the crumbs are fully coated.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a solid crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the 3 cups softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until fully combined and thickened.
- Gently fold in 3 chopped Snickers bars, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture into the cooled crust and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping
- In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups fresh sliced strawberries, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Assemble the Cheesecake
- Once the strawberry topping has cooled, spread it evenly over the top of the cheesecake filling.
- Cover the cheesecake and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly.
- Serve and Enjoy
- After chilling, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Slice and serve the cheesecake cold, and enjoy the creamy, indulgent combination of Snickers and strawberry flavors!
Notes
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Crust Variations:
- You can use Oreos, digestive biscuits, or pretzel crumbs instead of graham cracker crumbs for a different flavor. If you’re using cookies with filling (like Oreos), be sure to remove the filling before crushing them.
- If you prefer a no-bake crust, you can use almond flour mixed with butter or coconut flakes for a gluten-free option.
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Make Ahead:
- This cheesecake is perfect for preparing ahead of time! You can make it a day or two before serving. Just be sure to store it covered in the fridge to keep it fresh.
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Substitute Ingredients:
- For a lighter version, you can swap out full-fat cream cheese for reduced-fat cream cheese or use Greek yogurt for part of the cream cheese.
- Use sugar substitutes or stevia to reduce sugar if you're looking for a lower-calorie version.
- Whipped topping can replace heavy cream if you prefer a lighter texture.
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Customizing the Filling:
- If you’re not a fan of Snickers, you can try other candy bars such as Twix, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or even Milky Way for a similar texture and flavor.
- For added texture, you can add chopped nuts (like peanuts or almonds) to the filling along with the Snickers pieces.
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Freezing Option:
- This cheesecake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just make sure to wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To thaw, place it in the fridge for several hours or overnight before serving.
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Strawberry Topping:
- If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries. Simply thaw and drain excess water before cooking.
- You can also add strawberry jam or puree for a more intense strawberry flavor in the topping.
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Serving Suggestions:
- For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce on top, or garnish with whipped cream and extra chopped Snickers.
- This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a glass of sweet white wine or iced coffee.
FAQs
What is Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake?
Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake is a dessert that combines the creamy, tangy filling of strawberry cheesecake with the indulgence of chopped Snickers bars and a fresh strawberry topping.
Can I make this dessert without baking?
Yes! You can make a no-bake version of Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake by preparing the crust and filling, then chilling it to set instead of baking.
How can I make the cheesecake less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, simply cut back on the sugar in both the filling and topping or use a sugar substitute.
Can I use a different candy bar instead of Snickers?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any of your favorite candy bars, such as Twix, Reese’s, or KitKat for a different flavor profile.
How long can I store the cheesecake in the refrigerator?
Your Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.