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A delicate balance of biscuit crumbs, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla pods, that’s all it takes to make everyone’s favorite dessert. As delicious as cheesecake is I’m sure we can agree that, sometimes, it does have a tendency to look a bit underwhelming.
This isn’t usually a problem, after all, it’s the taste that really counts. However, if you are serving up your favorite type of cheesecake at your next dinner party, you might be looking for a bit more of a show-stopping effect on your delectable dessert.
Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks to help jazz up your cheesecake. Arranging fruit or choosing a well-paired topping can create a much more visually appealing showpiece.
There are plenty of easy-to-follow recipes out there to create your own decorations and toppings, although if you are in a rush, you can also buy them pre-made.
Below, I have shared some of my favorite cheesecake toppings for you to try. Many of these toppings can be made in advance or on the day you wish to devour the sweet treat.
Easy cheesecake toppings
So you have spent most of your time in the kitchen preparing a delicious cheesecake and now you have run out of time to add the creative flair it’s missing. Don’t panic, here are a few quick and easy toppings you can try.
Chocolate shavings
These chocolate decorations are versatile and look great on any dessert. You can purchase a milk or dark chocolate bar and grate on top of the cheesecake until it is all covered. Of course, if you are struggling for time you can purchase a pack of chocolate sprinkles too.
Mixed fresh berries
This quick to prepare topping will enhance the look of your confectionary display. All you have to do is slice strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries according to your desired size and arrange them on top of the cake. Extra brownie points if you make (or buy a ready-made) raspberry coulis and drizzle over the berries for extra tartiness.
Peanut butter and raspberries
Peanut butter and raspberry is arguably one of my flavor combinations ever. The nuttiness of the spread paired with the fresh tangy taste of the pink berry is a match made in heaven. Spread the peanut butter on the cheesecake and neatly arrange the raspberries. Alternatively, you can make your own nut butter by blending the peanuts until the oils seep out, turning the mixture into a smooth butter.
Oreo biscuits
You can be as creative as you like when using Oreos for decoration. For example, crumble the biscuit over the top of the cheesecake, with extra berries or chocolate sauce if preferred. Also, you could purchase shop-bought whipped cream and spray on the edges of the cake, then place the Oreos around the dessert on the cream.
Meringue and sliced strawberries
Meringue is a delicate confection that requires patience and time. If you are too busy to prepare them, you can purchase meringue nests at the store. These are equally as tasty as homemade. To decorate the cheesecake, dice the strawberries and mix them with strawberry coulis. Next, layer the berry mix on top of the dessert and arrange crumbled meringue on top.
If you really want to impress your guests, place edible flowers on top of the cake for a beautiful effect.
Advanced Cheesecake Toppings
Although these toppings will take a little bit of extra work, they are certainly worth the trouble. You can prepare the toppings a few days in advance or on the same day the cheesecake is baked. Essentially, you will be preparing the cake a day before adding the flavored toppings so that it has time to set overnight. Here is a compilation of delicious toppings you can try:
Strawberry compote
This is the easiest to prepare and the best combination among all toppings for cheesecake. To prepare the compote, all you need is frozen or fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Then heat the ingredients gently until the sugar dissolves and begins to bubble with the berries. Once made, the only thing left to do is let it cool in the fridge overnight.
Chocolate ganache
The richness and smoothness of the chocolate and combination of cream infused together are purely indulgent. To make this mixture, boil double cream, pour over the chocolate, and then whisk together to emulsify. The beauty of this recipe is that you can add different flavorings such as orange blossom essence. It is advisable to pour the chocolate mixture on top of the cheesecake while still in the springform pan to create an extra layer on the top as it will set overnight.
Lemon curd and meringue
These flavors are a classic combination where the zesty lemon compliments the sweetness of the meringue. The lemon curd can be made a day in advance to allow it to set. All you need is eggs, butter, sugar, and lemons to make the curd. Also, the meringue is made with sugar and egg whites, whisked to stiff peaks, and baked at a low temperature. Finally, you can spread the lemon curd on the baked cake and crumble meringue pieces over the top.
Crushed caramelized nuts
If you have ever tasted caramelized nuts, you will know they are a great addition to any dessert. Enjoying a slice of cheesecake with the crunchy nuts is a truly delightful experience. To make the nutty caramel mix, you need nuts of your choice and sugar. Heat up and melt the sugar slowly in a pan. Once turned into amber color, add the nuts and mix until coated. Then place on a tray, cool down, and crush into small pieces.
Caramel drizzle
Caramel is one of the most popular toppings as it has a slightly bitter aroma but is elegantly sweet. All you need is sugar, water, butter, and cream to create the sauce. You can start by melting the sugar and water until an amber color is achieved. Then, take off the heat and add the butter and cream. Mix gently until incorporated and simmer for 10 minutes. Once cool, you can drizzle over the cheesecake and add raspberries for an eye-catching show stopper.
Which decorations will enhance the look of my cheesecake?
If you are celebrating a special occasion and would like to decorate your cheesecake to look like a typical birthday cake, then here are the best toppings you can try.
Chocolate covered strawberries
These chocolate strawberries will give a wow factor to your sweet creation. Melt the chocolate of your choice and dip the strawberries up to the stem. Then, place the fruit on a flat tray lined with baking paper and allow to set. You can get as creative as you like with this by adding decorative sprinkles on the dipped berries.
You can use white, milk, and dark chocolate buttons on top of the cheesecake. This decoration is excellent for kids and someone looking for a simple cake. However, you can add whipped cream and sliced banana arranged in a pattern on the dessert for extra toppings.
Whipped cream and berries
This combination never fails, especially if you are a lover of all things cream and berries. You can make whipped cream by whisking icing sugar and cream together until fluffy. Then, place the aerated cream in a piping bag with a star nozzle and decorate the cake. Once you have piped the cream, place the berries around the edges neatly.
Jammie dodger biscuits
If you relish drinking tea with Jammie dodger biscuits, then you can be enticed to try this on a cheesecake. You can crumble pieces of the biscuit on top of the cake and leave some of the Jammie dodger’s whole. Also, if you want to go the extra mile, you can pipe crème patisserie to enhance the look and flavor. It is a set custard made with vanilla, egg yolks, sugar, cornflour, and milk.
Forerro Rocher truffles
These truffles will look amazing on top of the cheesecake and add an indulgent nuttiness flavor. You can pipe chocolate cream on the cake to decorate and add the Forerro Rocher truffles on the top. Some of the truffles can be crushed and sprinkled on top of the dessert for extra crunch.
What’s your favorite topping?
Although traditional cheesecake toppings such as strawberry compote remain popular, exploring new flavors keeps it exciting. It is pretty easy to make cheesecake, and the toppings can either be bought or prepared at home. I think we should all embrace creative sides and have fun with topping combinations. Remember, the cheesecake filling can be made with any flavor to match the toppings and decorations for a mouth-watering cheesecake!
