Description
These Fourth of July Cheesecake Pops are a delightful no-bake treat perfect for celebrating Independence Day. Creamy cheesecake filling on a stick, coated in chocolate and decorated patriotically with red, white, and blue candy melts.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening
For Decorating:
- Red candy melts
- White candy melts
- Blue candy melts
- Patriotic sprinkles (optional)
- Wooden popsicle sticks
Instructions
- MAKE THE CHEESECAKE FILLING: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- COMBINE INGREDIENTS: Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the cream cheese and beat again until fully smooth and creamy.
- WHIP THE CREAM: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form using a hand mixer on medium speed.
- FOLD IN THE WHIPPED CREAM: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- FREEZE THE MIXTURE: Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Spread the cheesecake mixture into an even 1-inch thick layer and freeze for 4 to 5 hours, or until completely firm.
- CUT OUT THE STARS: Remove the frozen cheesecake slab from the pan using the parchment handles. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to punch out stars, dipping the cutter into warm water between cuts for clean edges.
- INSERT THE STICKS: Gently insert a wooden popsicle stick into the bottom of each star and place them back in the freezer for another 30 to 60 minutes to firm up again.
- PREPARE THE CHOCOLATE COATING: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 to 30 seconds until smooth. Let the chocolate cool slightly so it is warm but not hot.
- COAT THE STARS: Dip each frozen cheesecake star into the melted chocolate, turning to coat completely. Set coated pops onto a parchment-lined tray. The chocolate will harden quickly due to the cold filling.
- DECORATE THE POPS: Melt the red, white, and blue candy melts separately according to package directions. Drizzle the melted candy melts over the chocolate-coated stars in crisscrossing patterns. Add patriotic sprinkles while the drizzle is still wet, if desired.
- CHILL AND SERVE: Chill the finished cheesecake pops in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling.
- Use cold heavy cream to achieve soft peaks for folding into the cheesecake mixture.
- Allow enough time for the pops to freeze and firm up between steps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop
- Calories: 358
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 255mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 47mg