New York Cheesecake Fudge Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for rich, creamy desserts, you’re absolutely going to adore this New York Cheesecake Fudge. Imagine the luscious, velvety texture of cheesecake combined with the sweet, buttery charm of classic fudge—all jazzed up with crunchy chunks of golden graham cracker crust. This treat masterfully captures the essence of a traditional New York cheesecake in every bite, making it a perfect indulgence to share with friends or treat yourself to a luxurious dessert experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key, but don’t worry—this recipe calls for simple, familiar items that effortlessly come together to create a fudge everyone will rave about. Each component adds something special: from the buttery graham cracker crust to the creamy richness of the cream cheese baking chips, every ingredient plays a role in building these luscious layers.

• Graham crackers: Provide the essential base with a sweet, crunchy texture that mimics cheesecake crust perfectly.
• Sugar: Sweetens the fudge and helps achieve the ideal consistency when combined with butter and cream.
• Cornstarch: Enhances the texture by creating a slight firmness in the crumb mixture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enriches overall flavor depth in both the crust and fudge.
• Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy base for both crust and fudge, ensuring smoothness and decadent taste.
• Mini marshmallows: Melt into the fudge, creating that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture you love.
• Heavy cream: Lends richness and silkiness, making the fudge irresistibly creamy.
• Cream cheese baking chips: Essential for that authentic cheesecake flavor and creamy consistency.
• Regular cream cheese: Boosts the tang and creaminess you expect in cheesecake desserts.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
• Cream cheese emulsion: Intensifies the cheesecake notes, giving this fudge its signature taste.
• Cream of tartar: Stabilizes the fudge, ensuring it sets perfectly with a smooth finish.

How to Make New York Cheesecake Fudge

Step 1: Making the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and lining a small rimmed baking sheet with non-stick foil. In your food processor, blend the graham crackers, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until you have fine crumbs. Then add the softened butter and pulse just until the mixture holds together when pressed. Press this evenly onto your prepared pan, ensuring the thickness is consistent across the edges and center. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and fragrant. Once cooled, break it into small chunks that will add a delightful crunch later.

Step 2: Preparing the Fudge Base

Line a 13”x9” pan with non-stick foil to get ready for the fudge. In a large, heavy saucepan, combine sugar, mini marshmallows, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Using a candy thermometer or spatula thermometer, cook the mixture while stirring frequently until it reaches exactly 240° F. This precision is key for that perfect fudge texture.

Step 3: Mixing in the Cheesecake Flavors

Remove your mixture from heat immediately once it hits the target temperature. Stir in the cream cheese baking chips, softened cream cheese, vanilla, cream cheese emulsion, and cream of tartar. Using an electric hand mixer on high speed, whip this until it transforms into a smooth, creamy masterpiece filled with cheesecake goodness.

Step 4: Assembling the New York Cheesecake Fudge

Pour half of your luscious fudge into the prepared pan. Next, sprinkle the graham cracker chunks evenly over this layer—this is where the magic happens, adding texture that echoes that classic cheesecake crust. Then pour the remaining fudge on top carefully, making sure to cover all the chunks. Sprinkle the reserved fine crumbs across the surface, gently pressing them in so they stick beautifully. Give the pan a few gentle drops onto the counter to work out any air pockets, ensuring even texture throughout.

Step 5: Cooling and Setting

Let your New York Cheesecake Fudge cool completely at room temperature before chilling it in the refrigerator. This step helps the fudge set perfectly and makes slicing into neat squares a breeze. Patience here pays off with a clean, elegant finish every time.

How to Serve New York Cheesecake Fudge

Garnishes

For a charming presentation, consider topping your fudge squares with a sprinkle of finely crushed graham crackers or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh berries like raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream also add a lovely pop of color and complement the richness wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea—let those warm, comforting beverages balance the sweetness. Alternatively, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert plate that feels like a slice of cheesecake dreamland.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Arrange fudge squares on a decorative platter layered with parchment paper, or wrap individual pieces in colorful wax paper tied with twine for gifting. For parties, create a fudge tasting board with assortments of toppings and flavored creams to customize each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover New York Cheesecake Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its creamy texture and rich flavor for up to a week, perfect for sneaking a sweet treat whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze the fudge squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a sealed container. Frozen fudge lasts for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain its perfect texture.

Reheating

This fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is usually unnecessary. If you prefer it softer, simply let the fudge sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to gently soften, avoiding any microwave reheating that could alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of cream cheese baking chips?

While regular cream cheese adds great flavor, the baking chips are specially formulated to melt smoothly in fudge, delivering that iconic creamy texture. Using both together, as in this recipe, achieves the best balance.

Is there a substitute for graham crackers in the crust?

You can try digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers for a similar texture and sweetness, but graham crackers bring the classic cheesecake vibe that makes this fudge truly special.

Do I need a candy thermometer to make this fudge?

A candy thermometer ensures your sugar mixture reaches the perfect temperature, resulting in ideal fudge consistency. If you don’t have one, careful attention during cooking and using a spatula thermometer can work, but precision is key for success.

How long does the New York Cheesecake Fudge take to set?

After cooling at room temperature, allowing at least 2-3 hours in the refrigerator ensures the fudge sets completely, making cutting much easier and cleaner.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or toasted nuts can give extra texture and flavor, but be mindful to fold them into the fudge gently so the creamy consistency stays intact.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about homemade New York Cheesecake Fudge that just can’t be beat. It’s creamy, sweet, and perfectly textured, brilliantly capturing the beloved cheesecake experience in fudge form. Whether you’re gifting it, sharing it, or savoring it solo, this recipe is a must-try that will soon become a cherished favorite in your dessert arsenal. Dive in and enjoy every luscious, rich bite!

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