Cheesecake Lollipops

  What could possibly be better than cheesecake? Well, I've got an answer for you... lollipops, cheesecake lollipops.

After putting the kids to bed, my hubby and I were watching The Best Thing I Ever Ate on Food Network a few weeks back. This episode featured David Burke's Gourmet Pops. He's the co-owner and chef of New York City's David Burke and Donatella. I was literally drooling over these beautiful pops. I am a sucker for all things cheesecake... really, I am... Oh Costco, how I love your ginormous affordable cheesecake... sigh. OK, I'm done... let's move on, shall we?

A little light bulb went off over my head... I can make these! With the girls Valentine party approaching I thought I would experiment. These would look adorable on a dessert buffet!

I adapted these little gems to suit a kid's party and just to make it easier on myself. Of course you could take the time to puree other ingredients (like goat cheese, smoked salmon, or Champagne) with the cheesecake and roll them into perfect balls, as well as decorating them beautifully. I was just looking to make a cute dessert for 11 and 6 year old girls... so, I simplified. I know, I know, Martha Stewart would be disappointed... but my kids weren't, and that's what counts.

Would you like to know how to make 'em? Yeah, I knew you would...


Cheesecake Lollipops
Inspired by David Burke's Gourmet Pops

What you'll need:

• Lollipop sticks
• Decorative sprinkles
• White chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips
• A scant teaspoon of shortening
• Pre-made New York Cheesecake
• Parchment paper

You can make your own cheesecake from scratch, or just buy it at the store. I opted for the latter. Hey, why stress myself out?

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the cheesecake out using an 18/10 sized ice cream scoop and place on the parchment lined sheet. Push a lollipop stick in the center, halfway down. Transfer the cheesecake lollipops to the freezer for about 10 minutes to set.

Finally, in a double boiler, melt about half of the bag of chocolate chips with a scant teaspoon of shortening. I find the shortening helps the chocolate drizzle better. You can always use candy melts in place of the chips and shortening. It does make life easier... and life is always better when easier... wouldn't you agree?

Take your lollipops out of the freezer and with a spoon, drizzle them with the melted chocolate. Gently shake the excess chocolate off and decorate with the sprinkles. Return lollipops to the parchment paper and place in the refrigerator to set. Remove 5 minutes before serving.

Printable Recipe here at Tasty Kitchen



Truly and Forever Yours,