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Mom’s Famous Cheesecake Squares
My Wonderful Mother was a Great Cook and Baker
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!
Blank Recipe Books on Amazon
Mom's Easy and Delicious Cheesecake Squares
There are three very simple layers to this recipe. Let's get started!
1. The Crust
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. The Filling
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.
3. The Topping
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.
After Baking is Done
Cool for about an hour before placing in refrigerator.
Chill in refrigerator overnight or at least 4-5 hours before cutting.
After Refrigerating
Cut into squares.
Place Cheesecake Squares in paper cupcake holders for easy serving.
HAVE YOU DOCUMENTED YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES TO BE PASSED DOWN FOR GENERATIONS TO COME?
Scroll Over The Stars To Choose Your Rating Of This Recipe ~ 5 Being The Best!
Creative Options
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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Comments
- Author
Hi FA! You are welcome. I hope you try them. Thanks for stopping by.
These look terrific, and I look forward to trying them. Thank you for sharing your mother's recipe with us.
- Author
Hi HWM ~ I do think I finally got this to taste like my mom's for sure. Thanks for your encouragement, very much appreciated.
Sharyn
I too can hardly ever make a recipe exactly like the original... always trying new things is exciting! Great hub, keep it up!
- Author
Hi CC ~ did you make some yet? It really is good. I hope to make some for Christmas. Let me know if you do. Thanks for checking it out.
Sharyn
Wait...I just came back cuz like...I'm seriously, SERIOUSLY craving these now. OMG...mouth watering!
- Author
Hi Cyndi ~ damn, I have to make this now. I'm craving it. It's one of those things that I make for "special" occasions but I'm thinking Labor Day coming up is good enough reason. Thanks so much for your feedback!
Sharyn
MMMM. Talk about mouth-watering! What a wonderful treasure your mother left you! How awesome! I love that you provided some variations to this, too. Great job!
- Author
Hi Kelley ~ thank you for the votes and share. I wish I had some of this cheesecake right now :( Thanks for stopping by!
Sharyn
This looks delicious! Gave it 5 stars and shared on pinterest. Yum! Kelley
- Author
Hello WannaB ~ So our recipes are close friends? Cool! I will have to check yours out. Thank you so much for stopping by and for the follow as well!
Sharyn
I didn't see your recipe until I'd posted mine. I'm glad they didn't turn out to be the same -- just close friends. I'm not sure I'm ready to switch, but yours looks good, too, with a more traditional type crust.
- Author
Hi fester ~ great to meet you. Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts as well. Thank you so much for the compliments!
Sharyn
This is one of my favorite dessert cheesecake.Thank you for the pics it helps me a lot to do this recipe easily.Keep it up.Nice hub.
- Author
Hello GoodLady ~ It's so wonderful to meet you. I do always think of my Mom with this recipe. I appreciate you commenting that the pictures and directions are easy to follow. Thank you so much for your feedback and vote!
Sharyn
Wow, Delicious. Nice to have your Mom in your mind every time you make these! Happy association. Thanks for the pics and easy to follow recipe. Making a note of it for when my family come in the summer.
Look forward to knowing more about you and your hubs!
Voting up.
- Author
Howdy Gus! Thank you so much for the compliments. The recipe could definitely be modified to add different flavors. I appreciate your feedback!
Sharyn
- Author
Hello truthfornow ~ I'm glad to hear you like the recipe with all the pictures as well. And yes, this is definitely a recipe that reminds my entire family of my Mom. Thank you so much!
Sharyn
- Author
Hi Jeannie ~ thanks for stopping by. I do hope you try the cheesecake squares. I taste for them again too. Thanks for the votes and share!
Sharyn
Howdy Sharyn - Thanks for sharing what looks to be a good recipe from your Mom's kitchen. The recipe reads as though it will be great the way it is, but also, it is modifiable as to flavor ingredients. The photos were very good, too, for they explain the steps nicely.
Gus:-)))
This looks like a great recipe. Great way to remember your mom. Thanks for all the picture, makes the recipe easier to follow.
This looks so great. I am starving just looking at the photos. I will have to make these soon. Voted up and shared!
- Author
HawaiiHeart ~ you are welcome. I honestly don't think I know anyone who doesn't like cheesecake. Thanks for stopping by.
Sharyn
- Author
Alocsin ~ Cutting into squares is optional. No one has to know, lol. Thank you for your fun feedback and votes too.
Sharyn
- Author
Hello Dear Maria ~ The cheesecake did mean a lot to my family. Even one of my nephews remembered Grandma's and thought it was great. I'm sure your fudge and butter balls meant a lot to your family. Thank you so much for your loving feedback. I hope you enjoyed your Easter. I did :) Love,
Sharyn
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Hi Keri ~ Gosh, if you do try to alter the recipe for diet restrictions, I would love to hear if it works. Maybe you could write a hub about it. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your feedback.
Sharyn
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Hi Debbie ~ I'm glad to hear that you will try this recipe. Thank you for your feedback, votes and sharing too. I hope you and your family enjoy your Easter celebration.
Sharyn
- Author
Hello sen.sush23 ~ Since you prefer to bake your own cheesecake, this recipe would be a great option since it is quite simple. Thank you for your feedback and votes!
Sharyn
- Author
Hi Candie V ~ Cherries sound great. There really are many options for garnishments that would be wonderful as a topping. Thank you so much for stopping by.
Sharyn
Mmmmm....I LOVE cheesecake! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Yummy and the pictures are great. Though I wouldn't bother cutting it into little square since I would eat the whole thing in one sitting ;) Voting this Up and Useful.
Dear Sharon,
I love that you are making this recipe and sharing it again after 6 years... that is special and healing in itself. Mom left two magical recipes (fudge and butter balls) which I was able to make (kinda the same) the first Christmas after her death which meant alot to the family.
This recipe looks fabulous and I really want to try it, all the more special because of your Mom. Voted UP & UAI.
Happy Easter. They are smiling on us! Love, Maria
Hmmm. I haven't eaten cheesecake for years because of dietary restrictions, but I'm tempted to try this with wheat-free biscuits, soy "cheese" spread etc and see what happens. It would be a real treat if it worked well. Your step-by-step instructions make it very inviting to have a go!
We are all big fans of cheesecake in this house and these look the business!! We celebrate Easter here next week and will be celebrating with friends,these will make a tasty dessert after the barbecue, thank you.
Voted up and shared.
Hi Sharyn. I was looking for a nice cheese cake recipe for some time. I love cheese-cake but after a couple of bad experience from some confectionery, am really choosy about it. So baking my own seemed the only option. I will definitely give it a try and I also loved the additional ideas of the fruit toppings. That kind of tickles my taste buds. Voted up and interesting.
I shall top mine with fresh cherries! Nummmm! Thanks for sharing!!!
- Author
Hi B! NOPE, not fattening at all. Glad you took notice :) Thank you for your great feedback, I do hope my Mom is proud for many reasons.
Sharyn
Hi Sharyn, how cute is that and so NOT fattening...if one only eats one or two...RIGHT...I LOVE cheese cake, as does Lover Man. I can feel your Mom SMILING down and saying, that's my girl! Thanks for a Wonderful recipe.
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Hi Lesley ~ I am so glad you will try this recipe. Have fun & ENJOY YOUR WONDERFUL VISIT!
Sharyn
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Hello onegreenparachute ~ Thank you for such great feedback. No need to "steal" ideas, they are now yours! Have a great day!
Sharyn
Hi Sharyn, what a great idea and they sound delicious, I am going to make some when cloverleaf comes to visit in a couple of weeks!
Many thanks for a great recipe, best wishes Lesley
Fabulous recipe Sharyn - with easy to follow instructions. I love the pictures you included. I especially love the way you presented the squares on cupcake holders!! I'm going to steal that idea for our pot-luck dinners!
- Author
Hi Pam ~ It IS good and as I've said earlier in the comments, much easier than utilizing a spring form pan. I hope you enjoy. Thanks for stopping by!
Sharyn
I'll have to try this. My family and I love cheesecake and this looks like a good one.
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Hi Prasetio ~ no problem dear. You are aloud to daydream anytime you want :) I hope you giggled too. Thanks for stopping by again, you are the best!
Sharyn
Hi, Sharyn. I am wrong with chicken. Please forgive me. Maybe I am too much of daydreaming. So, I lost my concentration. But, thanks to remind me. God bless you!
Prasetio
- Author
Hi Prasetio ~ I'm not sure what you mean by "chicken" since there is none in this recipe. I hope you do not mind but it did make me giggle :) Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you are doing well!
Sharyn
I love this cake. Chicken is my favorite and you are brilliant by combining this with cheese. Thanks for writing and share with us. I can't wait to share this with my mom. Good job, Sharyn. Rated up and useful!
Prasetio
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Hi Poison ~ thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I do hope that you try this great recipe! Take care,
Sharyn
Yum, I'll definitely have to try this.
- Author
Hello Cookware Bliss ~ I love your hub name. I will have to check out your cheesecake hub as well. Thanks so much for your feedback.
Sharyn
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Sadie ~ I hope you do try this recipe. Have you seen my hub about Cool Whip & Cream Cheese: A Magic Combo. From your comment, I can tell that you will love that hub. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Sharyn
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Hi Jessi ~ great to see you. I'm glad to hear you will be trying the recipe. I hope you enjoy!!!
Sharyn
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Hi Leann ~ thank you so much for stopping by!
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jaybos ~ I love the idea of creating your own personal cookbook (typed & professional). I want to do that too! I am thrilled to know that you may include this recipe. Thanks so much for your feedback!
Sharyn
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Hi Stephanie ~ This is a great alternative because it is so much easier than messing with a spring form pan. I love your idea of putting together an "official" family recipe book. I have often thought of doing that. Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a wonderful comment.
Sharyn
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Hi Tammy ~ I am so glad you stopped by. I love any kind of cheesecake too. Please let me know what you think if you do make them. Thanks for your comments!
Sharyn
I'm a huge fan of cheese cake, even have my own hub about cheese cake. I voted up and plan on posting this to pintrest. Thanks for SHARING!
These look delicious! Cream cheese in anything gets my attention! I will have to try these out. Thank you!
This is such a great Hub! I love cheesecake, and so does my family. I will be trying this soon, thats for sure!
These are so cute. Thanks for sharing
Wow....my mouth was watering just from reading the title.
I've been toying with the idea of using Apple iAuthor to make my personal cookbook with all of my favorite recipes. I might just have to add this one to it (if I ever get around to making it)!
This recipe looks like a great alternative to a regular cheesecake. I like the individual servings, and the chopped nuts on top gives it a pretty decorative look.
How lovely that you have your mother's handwritten recipe book! One year I collected my favorite recipes and those of my family into a printed cookbook. It was a great hit, and we all refer to it often.
I love any kind of cheesecake. These look outstanding! I will certainly try these. Thanks for writing this!
- Author
Ha Kelly, "movin' on up" . . . thanks for the fun!
This might make the top 25 honey! LOL
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Hi Michael (CloudExplorer) ~ Are you serious about using almonds instead of the dairy products? That would be great. I would love to hear if it works. Thank you so much for your kind comments and for sharing this hub as well.
Sharyn
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Hi Eddy ~ Great to see you. I'm glad you added this to your favorite recipes list. Thanks so much! Hope all is well with you!
Sharyn
- Author
Kelly ~ Are you saying this is on your top 100 yummy foods list? ha :)
You always say you are not a very good baker but this recipe is easy. And a photo album, that is a GREAT idea for storing your recipes. I love it! Thanks for your feedback.
Sharyn
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Hi Dr. BJ ~ Thanks, I do try to make the recipe hubs "user friendly." I love the idea of a blank recipe book and am SO glad I gave one to my Mom. It is something that we all cherish. Thanks so much for your feedback.
Sharyn
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Susan H ~ This recipe is SO much easier than trying to make cheesecake with a spring form pan. You should try it. But letting your daughter make it and share is a great idea. Thanks for your feedback and shares too.
Sharyn
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Hi Tina ~ The squares actually should look a little neater. I was impatient and cut them a little too early so the cuts were not "clean." It still tasted great though. I too love cheesecake in every "form and taste." It would be difficult to give me something "cheesecake like" that I would not love. Thank you for your compliments and votes/share too.
Sharyn
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Hi Brenda ~ Your comment is so awesome. Thank you so much. I, too, am thrilled I gave my mom the blank recipe book and that she really took it to heart and filled it out. It's extremely special to have at this time. Please let me know if you do make the recipe and how it comes out. Take care,
Sharyn
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Hi Moonlake ~ they are really good. But seriously, some of those cheesecakes at places like Sam's Club are really good but expensive. You should try this homemade one. Thanks for your comments.
Sharyn
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Hey Pooh ~ I know, that cooling and waiting thing kinda sucks. I could understand using the microwave for Sara Lee, ha. This recipe is pretty simple. You just have to time it right so you put it in the fridge, go to bed, and then have it for breakfast! Thanks for your fun comments.
Sharyn
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Hi Jacy ~ My Mom's love is definitely in this cheesecake. Very special! Thanks for your comments.
Sharyn
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Organicpixie ~ I'm glad to hear you will be trying this recipe. I hope you enjoy. Thanks for the votes!
Sharyn
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rjsadowski ~ I agree, who doesn't love cheesecake? I'm sure there are some people. But that's okay, more for us. Thanks for stopping by.
Sharyn
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Hi Cindy ~ Yes, and that is exactly what I did. Took two cheesecakes to a party on Sunday. It's all gone! It was a hit! Thanks for your comments.
Sharyn
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MissOlive ~ Thank you for such a great comment. I always hope this type of hub is easy and makes sense with all the pictures. Moms are SO special ~ Having her hand written recipe book is an awesome gift. Thanks for stopping by.
Sharyn
I love this cool recipe, and your creative ideas on how to enhance it, or to make the whole cheese cake thingy become much more fun of an experience, I don't eat dairy products much but maybe my wife can figure out a way to use almonds as a substitute.
I'll suggest for her to take a look at your hub here, and you never know what she can come up with in terms of a healthier alternative. If she does I'll inform you of how she did it all with a recipe of her own.
Lovely hub, nicely written & very well presented, voted up and getting pinned as well, oh and shared across all my other networks. Awesome job!
A brilliant hub and thank you for sharing.
I bookmark in with 'my favourite recipes.'
Take care and enjoy your day.
Eddy.
Looks so yummy! Ummm mmm mmm mmm! LOL
I really wish I could push a button and have one now!
I'm not a very good baker but I have to try this one. I use a photo album for my recipes that are favs! It's such a mess though:) lol
With your easy to understand instructions, Sharon, even I could make these cheesecake squares. You were clever to give your Mom a blank recipe book so all her famous recipes would be preserved in one place. That's a great idea.
I love cheesecake, whether it is in squares or big pieces from a round cheesecake. I have never made a REAL cheesecake, so I am going to have to try this. My daughter loves to make cheesecake, so I will share this recipe with her. DELICIOUS!!! Great Hub! :-)
This looks so yummy and I love cheesecake in every form and taste! I really like the square shape of the cakes since it looks both beautiful and practical with the paper cupcake holders. Thanks for sharing the recipe from your mom and for the easy to follow steps with great pictures!
I will definitely bookmark this and try it! Voted up, useful, shared!
Tina
Sharyn, this is a wonderful recipe. It is simple and easy. I promise to make these with my boy very soon. I love that you gave your mom a blank recipe book. You were a great daughter and I know you miss your mom very much. Thanks for the recipe and sharing your mother's love.
Sounds so good. We just had little cheese cake squares we got from Sam's Club but nothing like homemade. Good hub.
This looks so yummy and I'd love to try it ... except for the whole cooling and waiting thing. I have been know to put a frozen Sara Lee New York cheese cake n the microwave on defrost for a few seconds at a time until its soft enough to cut and eat. When I want cheese cake, I want it NOW!!!! LOL, seriously, after I eat one, I'll try the recipe when I full.
This recipe is good because your Mom's love is in it. Who doesn't love cheese cake? : ) I'm salivating!
Mmmmm these look yummy. Will be trying them when I next have a gathering. Voted Up.
Your recipe sounds delicious. Who doesn't love cheesecake?
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Ha Susan ~ funny you say that. I am getting ready to go to a birthday party for my great nephew who is seven. I have two trays of Mom's Famous Cheesecake for all to enjoy at the party this afternoon. We haven't had this in over six years! Thanks for your great comment!
Sharyn
These look so yummy. They look like they would be great to serve at a special gathering. Great recipe!
Sharyn - these look great! The recipe seems really easy to follow and you did a great job of explaining everything. Really good pictures and VERY tempting - YUM! Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe - moms are great! I'm glad to hear you have her recipes - makes this all the more special. :)
Looks delicious. These would be a great treat to take to a family get together or a wedding or baby shower.
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