Nutty Buddy White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

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This Nutty Buddy White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake recipe has quickly become one of my favorite creations, blending layers of flavor and texture into a dessert that will make your taste buds sing. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply treating yourself on a cozy weekend, it’s the kind of dessert that earns you oohs, ahhs, and a few requests for seconds (and maybe thirds).

How to make Nutty Buddy White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

Nutty Buddy White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is a limited-edition snack from Little Debbie, inspired by the brand’s classic Nutty Buddy wafers.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 8 Nutty Buddy Bars (or substitute with another wafer-style treat)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup white chocolate chips, melted

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Place the Nutty Buddy bars in a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can crush them with a rolling pin inside a sealed plastic bag.
3. Mix the crushed Nutty Buddy crumbs with the melted butter (and optional sugar) until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Press the mixture evenly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to compact it tightly.
5. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until well incorporated.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next.
4. Stir in the sour cream and melted white chocolate chips until the filling is smooth and luscious.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
3. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for about an hour to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracks.
4. Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

1. In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Let the topping cool completely, then spoon it over the chilled cheesecake.

Tips for Perfect Cheesecake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter free of lumps.
• Don’t Over-Mix: Over-mixing the batter can incorporate too much air, which might cause cracks on the surface of the cheesecake.
• Water Bath Alternative: If you fear cracks, you can place a tray of warm water on the lower oven rack to add moisture to the oven without directly submerging the cheesecake.
• Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the cooling and chilling steps—this allows the flavors to fully develop, and the texture will firm up beautifully.
• Creative Additions: Feel free to add swirls of Nutella or a sprinkle of crushed Nutty Buddy bars on top for an extra layer of indulgence.

What to serve with

Pairing the Nutty Buddy White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake with complementary flavors, drinks, and side dishes can elevate your dessert game and enhance the overall dining experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Medley

The rich and creamy cheesecake benefits from the addition of light and refreshing fruits on the table.

• Serve a fresh fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and kiwi.
• Alternatively, offer individual bowls of fruits like sliced oranges, mangoes, or blackberries to complement the strawberry topping.

2. Mini Dessert Samplers

Create a dessert spread by pairing the cheesecake with smaller sweet treats.

• Mini Brownies: Fudgy chocolate bites balance the tangy strawberry notes and complement the white chocolate.
• Macarons: Include strawberry or vanilla macarons for a bite-sized, elegant addition.
• Shortbread Cookies: Buttery cookies provide a simple and delightful accompaniment without overpowering the cheesecake.

3. Dip-and-Share Plate

• Add a sharing platter with toasted Nutty Buddy crumbs or chocolate wafers for dipping.
• Serve melted white chocolate, strawberry sauce, or caramel sauce alongside the cheesecake for guests to drizzle or dip.
• Add marshmallows or pretzel sticks for dipping fun.

Ingredients Substitutes

Substitutions can help you adjust the recipe for a Nutty Buddy White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake without compromising on taste and texture.

Crust Substitutes

The Nutty Buddy crust provides crunchiness and a nostalgic chocolate flavor, but there are plenty of alternatives for the base.

Option 1: Wafer Cookies or Other Chocolate-Flavored Bars

If Nutty Buddy bars are unavailable, look for other wafer-style snacks or chocolate-flavored bars:

• Kit-Kat Bars: Similar in texture to Nutty Buddy bars, they work perfectly for the crust.
• Chocolate Wafers: Buy plain chocolate wafer cookies and crush them with butter to form a crumbly crust.
• Oreos: Remove the filling (or keep it in for added richness) and crush the cookies into fine crumbs. Blend with butter for a chocolatey crust substitute.

Option 2: Graham Crackers

If you prefer a more traditional cheesecake crust or need a nut-free option:

• Use graham crackers (plain or chocolate varieties). Crush them and mix with melted butter and sugar for a crumb base.
• For a slightly richer option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies.

Option 3: Gluten-Free Cookies

For gluten-free diets:

• Substitute graham crackers or Nutty Buddy bars with gluten-free cookie crumbs or gluten-free chocolate wafers.
• Check specialty stores for pre-packaged gluten-free chocolate crust mixes.

Cheesecake Filling Substitutes

The rich and creamy filling is the star of this cheesecake, so substituting key ingredients requires care to maintain the texture and flavor.

Cream Cheese Alternatives

• Neufchâtel Cheese: A lower-fat version of cream cheese, it will deliver similar creaminess and tanginess.
• Greek Yogurt (Full-Fat): Substitute half or all of the cream cheese with thick Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter cheesecake. Strain yogurt to remove excess liquid for a firmer result.
• Mascarpone Cheese: This Italian cheese is milder and higher in fat, resulting in a softer, richer cheesecake with a slightly less tangy flavor.
• Silken Tofu (Dairy-Free Option): Blend silken tofu with sweeteners and vanilla for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly alternative. This works well when combined with a stabilizer like cornstarch.

Sugar Substitutes

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace granulated sugar with liquid sweeteners for a natural alternative. Use slightly less to prevent over-sweetness (e.g., use ⅓ cup honey instead of ½ cup sugar).
• Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like richness to the filling while still sweetening the cheesecake.
• Sugar-Free Sweeteners: For a low-carb option, use erythritol or stevia. Check for appropriate conversions on packaging (as they’re often sweeter than sugar).

Vanilla Extract Alternatives

• Vanilla Bean Paste: Provides an even richer vanilla flavor along with visible specks of vanilla.
• Almond Extract: Adds a slightly nutty flavor that complements the crust. Use sparingly—almond extract is more potent than vanilla.
• Coconut Extract: Pairs beautifully with the strawberry topping for an exotic twist.

Egg Substitutes

For egg-free or vegan binders:

• Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg needed. Let it it sit until it becomes gel-like, then add it to the filling.
• Chia Seeds: Follow the same ratio as flaxseed to create a binding substitute.
• Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas acts as an egg substitute. Whip it until slightly foamy before incorporating it into the filling.

White Chocolate Substitutes

• Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate: For a richer or sweeter filling, substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate. Be aware: this will result in a more decadent and chocolate-forward flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder combined with extra sugar to mimic chocolate notes. Add a bit of melted butter to incorporate richness.
• Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free substitute, use thick coconut cream combined with sugar for creaminess and sweetness.

Sour Cream Substitutes

• Greek Yogurt: Swap sour cream for full-fat Greek yogurt; it mirrors the tanginess and creaminess.
• Buttermilk: A thinner alternative but similarly tangy. Reduce the quantity slightly to prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
• Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews until smooth to create a creamy filler substitute for dairy-free versions. Add lemon juice for tanginess akin to sour cream.

Strawberry Topping Substitutes

The vibrant strawberry topping complements the cheesecake beautifully, but there are plenty of ways to change it up!

Fresh Strawberries Alternatives

• Other Fresh Fruits: Use raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a slight tartness. Mangoes or peaches can provide a sweeter twist.
• Frozen Fruits: If fresh fruits are unavailable, frozen fruits like strawberries, mixed berries, or diced peaches work great. Ensure you cook them down for a topping.

Strawberry Sauce Alternatives

• Raspberry Coulis: A tangy raspberry sauce pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.
• Caramel Sauce: For those who prefer a sweeter alternative, drizzle salted caramel over the cheesecake.
• Chocolate Ganache: Replace the fruit topping entirely with a rich, melted dark chocolate ganache for a decadent touch.

Cornstarch Substitutes

If you’re thickening your fruit topping:

• Tapioca Starch: Works well in thickening fruit sauces and retains a glossy finish.
• Arrowroot Powder: Another effective thickener, especially for fruit-based sauces.

Final Thoughts

While the Nutty Buddy White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is an indulgent dessert on its own, the right pairings can enhance its richness and create a memorable experience. 

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