Sweet Delights: Exploring Irresistible Cheese Dessert Recipes

When we think of cheese, we often envision savory dishes and cheeseboards, but cheese also plays a delightful role in sweet treats that can satisfy your sweet tooth in the most delectable way. In this article, we’ll embark on a culinary journey to discover some irresistible cheese-based dessert recipes that are sure to become your new favorites.

Photo by LUIZ CARLOS SANTI on Unsplash

1. Creamy Cheesecake with Berry Compote

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• Zest of one lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream.
5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust in the pan.
6. Bake for about 45–50 minutes until the edges are set, but the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional hour.
8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
9. In a separate bowl, mix fresh berries, powdered sugar, and lemon zest to create the compote.
10. Serve slices of cheesecake with a spoonful of berry compote on top.

2. Ricotta Stuffed Cannoli

Ingredients:

For the Cannoli Shells:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup white wine
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Ricotta Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp candied orange peel

Instructions:

For the Cannoli Shells:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the egg yolk and softened butter, and mix until crumbly.
3. Gradually add white wine and knead the dough until smooth.
4. Roll the dough out thinly and cut into circles.
5. Wrap each circle around a cannoli tube or a metal cone, sealing the edges with a bit of water.
6. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the cannoli shells until golden brown.
7. Remove and let them cool on paper towels.

For the Ricotta Filling:

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Stir in mini chocolate chips and candied orange peel.

To Assemble:

1. Pipe the ricotta filling into both ends of the cannoli shells.
2. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

3. Blueberry and Mascarpone Tart

Ingredients:

For the Tart Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tbsp ice water

For the Filling:

• 8 oz mascarpone cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions:

For the Tart Crust:

1. In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and ice water.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the food processor and pulse until the dough comes together.
5. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6. Roll out the dough and press it into a tart pan.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool.

For the Filling:

1. In a bowl, whisk mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Spread the mascarpone mixture over the cooled tart crust.
3. Top with fresh blueberries.
4. Chill before serving.

These cheese-based dessert recipes demonstrate the versatility of cheese in satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether you’re indulging in a creamy cheesecake, savoring a classic cannoli, or relishing a berry-infused tart, these delightful creations showcase how cheese can add a unique and delicious twist to your dessert repertoire. So, why wait? Try out these recipes and treat yourself to the delightful world of cheese desserts.