Mom’s Famous Cheesecake Squares

There are many meals and desserts that were Mom's specialties. One dessert that she used to make often was her Cheesecake Squares. Everyone loves this recipe. If Mom was making this for a special occasion, she would literally have to hide it in the refrigerator downstairs so there would be some left for the guests before the family devoured it.

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Many years ago, I bought my Mom a BLANK RECIPE COOKBOOK. She took pride in writing down her favorite recipes to pass along to her three daughters and grandchildren as well. My mother is no longer with us today. Yet my sisters and I are thrilled to have her handwritten cookbook with all of Mom's favorite recipes. Page 1 of Mom's personal recipes is her Cheesecake Squares.

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This is the first time I have made my Mom's Famous Cheesecake Squares, and I am happy to say that they taste just like hers! I miss you Mom!

There are three very simple layers to this recipe. Let's get started!

1 1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs

6 tablespoons melted margarine

1/4 cup sugar

Directions: Combine all three ingredients by hand with a spoon and press in to a 9 X 13 pan.

2 -8 oz. packages of softened cream cheese

2 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions: Blend all four ingredients in a mixer or with a hand mixer until smooth.

Spread evenly over crust layer.

Bake first two layers at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Remove from oven.

Let cool for at least 5 minutes.

1 1/2 pints sour cream

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions: Blend first three ingredients in a mixer or with a hand mixer until smooth.

Spread evenly over cheese layer.

Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired.

Place back in oven at 350 degrees for another 15 minutes.

Cool for about an hour before placing in refrigerator.

Chill in refrigerator overnight or at least 4-5 hours before cutting.

Cut into squares.

Place Cheesecake Squares in paper cupcake holders for easy serving.

It appears that I can never just leave a recipe alone. I am always tweaking and making creative changes. As you will see in my other recipe hubs, I like providing my readers with options.

Now, I did not change anything in my Mom's Famous Cheesecake Squares recipe.

But, I can't help but think of creative options you may want to try. So here are a few extra thoughts:

• Instead of using crushed graham crackers, try using crushed pretzels.
• Add flavoring to the "filling" or "topping" layer such as orange, lemon, or strawberry extract. If you do this, you may want to eliminate the vanilla flavoring in the original recipe.

• How about topping the cheesecake with fresh fruit such as pineapple, strawberries, blueberries or kiwi?

• I bet this cheesecake would be great if garnished with mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings!

BE CREATIVE ~ MAKE THIS RECIPE YOUR OWN ~ AND ENJOY!

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