Dive into a playful dessert that brings out the inner child in everyone with this Cookie Monster Cheesecake. Combining a chocolate chip cookie blondie base and a vibrant blue cookies and cream cheesecake, this delightful creation is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Blondie:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
Cookies and Cream Cheesecake:
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- Blue gel food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 15 regular Oreo cookies, crushed
Chocolate Ganache:
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
Prepare the Blondie Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt the butter with salt and brown sugar, then mix in the egg and vanilla.
- Stir in the flour and fold in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture into a baking pan and bake until golden brown.
Assemble the Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat the cream cheese with cornstarch, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Add the whipping cream, blue gel food coloring, and vanilla extract.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, then fold in the crushed Oreos.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked blondie base.
Baking and Cooling:
- Bake the cheesecake in a water bath at 300°F (150°C) until set.
- Cool the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open, then chill it in the refrigerator overnight.
Adding the Ganache:
- Microwave the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the ganache over the chilled cheesecake and decorate with additional cookie pieces if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Use gel food coloring to achieve a vivid blue hue for the cheesecake layer.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to prevent cracking.
- Chill the cheesecake overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Chef’s Advice
For a perfectly smooth cheesecake, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth before adding other ingredients. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a creamy texture. Additionally, baking the cheesecake in a water bath helps it cook evenly and prevents the top from cracking.
The Magic of Blue Cheesecake
The vibrant blue color of this cheesecake is not just for fun; it adds a whimsical touch that makes the dessert visually appealing. Kids and adults alike will be delighted by the playful appearance, which is reminiscent of the beloved Cookie Monster.
The Perfect Base
The chocolate chip cookie blondie base provides a chewy and flavorful foundation for the cheesecake. Its rich, buttery taste complements the creamy cheesecake layer, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors in every bite.
Decadent Chocolate Ganache
The finishing touch of chocolate ganache adds a layer of decadence to this dessert. The smooth, rich ganache pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake and chewy blondie, making each bite a luxurious experience.
A Showstopper Dessert
This Cookie Monster Cheesecake is sure to be the star of any dessert table. Its unique appearance and delicious combination of flavors make it a standout treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Conclusion
The Delicious Cookie Monster Cheesecake is a delightful and playful dessert that combines the best of both worlds: a chewy chocolate chip cookie blondie base and a creamy, colorful cookies and cream cheesecake. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is as fun to make as it is to eat. Enjoy creating and sharing this whimsical treat with friends and family!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie for the base?
A: Yes, you can use any type of cookie dough for the base, but the chocolate chip cookie blondie pairs especially well with the cheesecake layer.
Q: How can I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
A: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing and bake the cheesecake in a water bath to maintain even heat distribution.
Q: Can I make this cheesecake without food coloring?
A: Absolutely! The blue color is for fun, but the cheesecake will be just as delicious without it.
Q: How long will the cheesecake last in the refrigerator?
A: The cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.