Having leftover cheesecake filling can be a delicious problem to have. Whether you made too much while baking a cheesecake or had filling leftover after assembling cheesecake bites or mini tarts, that tasty cream cheese mixture doesn’t have to go to waste. There are several great ways to use up extra cheesecake filling, both in recipes that call for it specifically or by getting creative and incorporating it into other desserts.
Storing Leftover Cheesecake Filling
First things first – how should you properly store any extra cheesecake filling you have? The filling contains cream cheese, eggs, sugar and flavors like vanilla or lemon, so it’s important to store it safely.
Here are some tips for storing leftover cheesecake filling:
- Place the filling in an airtight container, smoothing the top evenly. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Label the container with the contents and date.
- Don’t freeze cheesecake filling by itself – it will become watery when thawed.
Stored properly in the refrigerator, leftover cheesecake filling should retain its texture and flavor for several days. This gives you an opportunity to get creative with it!
Uses for Extra Cheesecake Filling
Here are some delicious ways to use up leftover cheesecake filling:
Bake Mini Cheesecakes
It takes just a fraction of the filling to bake up individual mini cheesecakes. Portion the filling into mini tins lined with either graham cracker crumbs or vanilla wafers for a crust. Bake at 350°F until just set, about 13-15 minutes. Cool completely before topping with fruit sauce, chocolate ganache or whipped cream.
Make Cheesecake Dip
Transform cheesecake filling into a luscious fruit dip. Simply combine 2 cups filling with 1/4 cup milk or cream, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve with fresh strawberries, apple and pear slices for dipping.
Fill Crepes
For an elegant dessert, fill crepes with a dollop of cheesecake filling. Fold the crepes into quarters after topping with the filling and a dash of cinnamon. Drizzle with a compote of berries before serving.
Top Cupcakes or Muffins
Cupcakes and muffins make the perfect little cake for topping with cheesecake filling. Simply pipe or scoop a spoonful of the filling on each cupcake or muffin top. Garnish with chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips or fruit preserves.
Make Cheesecake Parfaits
Layer leftover cheesecake filling in parfait glasses or jars with crushed cookies, chocolate shavings, diced fruit and whipped cream for an easy no-bake dessert.
Add to Milkshakes
Here’s a delicious and decadent way to use up extra cheesecake filling – incorporate it into milkshakes! Blend a few spoonfuls of the filling into your favorite milkshake recipe for added richness and cheesecake flavor.
Fill Profiteroles
Choux pastry puffs filled with cheesecake filling make for an elegant dessert. Pipe the filling into baked and cooled profiteroles, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving.
Top Waffles or Pancakes
Take breakfast to a whole new level of deliciousness by topping your waffles or pancakes with leftover cheesecake filling. The creamy, sweet filling pairs perfectly with a crispy, warm waffle fresh off the iron.
Create Cheesecake Breakfast Bowls
Make a quick and protein-packed breakfast (or dessert!) by layering cheesecake filling with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit like berries and bananas in a bowl. Top with granola and drizzle with honey.
Fill Pastry Shells
Use ready-made phyllo dough shells, tartlet shells or puff pastry shells and fill with cheesecake filling to make easy mini desserts. Topped with chocolate ganache or caramel sauce, they’re sure to be delicious.
Make Cheesecake Pops
For a fun and trendy dessert on a stick, freeze cheesecake filling in popsicle molds topped with lollipop sticks. Once frozen solid, dip into melted chocolate or candy coating. Decorate with sprinkles or chopped nuts before the chocolate sets.
Get Creative with Add-Ins!
Plain cheesecake filling is delicious, but you can also mix in a variety of add-ins to use up the extra filling in new ways. Try mixing in:
- Fresh fruit – berries, mashed bananas, chopped pineapple, etc.
- Cookies – chocolate chip, Oreo, graham crackers, etc. – crushed into crumbs
- Citrus zest – lemon, lime or orange
- Chopped chocolate – chocolate chips, shaved baking chocolate, etc.
- Nut butters – peanut butter, almond butter, etc.
- Pie fillings – cherry, blueberry, strawberry, etc.
- Jams, marmalades or preserves
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped nuts – pecans, walnuts, etc.
- Spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, etc.
Let your imagination run wild when it comes to ways to incorporate extra ingredients into the plain cheesecake filling. The possibilities are endless for delicious flavors!
Expert Tips for Using Leftover Cheesecake Filling
When brainstorming ways to use extra cheesecake filling, keep these expert tips in mind:
Don’t overbake it
Cheesecake filling incorporates eggs and cream cheese. Overbaking will dry it out or make it rubbery. When baking mini cheesecakes or incorporating into recipes, err on the side of underbaked.
Avoid freezing just the filling
On its own, cheesecake filling becomes watery when thawed after freezing. Only freeze incorporated into recipes or with crumb crusts.
Prevent curdling
Too much heat too quickly can cause cheesecake filling to curdle and separate. Gently heat while stirring over low heat if a recipe calls to cook the filling.
Chill thoroughly
Always chill cheesecake filling for several hours in the refrigerator before using in no-bake recipes. This helps it set up and thicken properly.
Store properly
Press plastic wrap directly on the surface of leftover filling before sealing the container. This prevents “cheesecake skin” from forming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does leftover cheesecake filling last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, cheesecake filling will keep for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze extra cheesecake filling?
It’s not recommended to freeze plain cheesecake filling, as the texture becomes grainy once thawed. Only freeze cheesecake filling baked into cheesecakes or incorporated into other recipes.
What’s the best way to use a small amount of leftover filling?
Just a spoonful or two of leftover filling is perfect for topping a mug cake, stirring into oatmeal or blending into milkshakes.
How do you make cheesecake filling taste better the next day?
Rest overnight in the fridge to allow flavors to develop. Then beat again just before using to make it perfectly smooth and creamy.
Can you substitute cream cheese for cheesecake filling in recipes?
You can, but keep in mind cheesecake filling also contains eggs, sugar and flavorings. Adjust recipes accordingly if substituting plain cream cheese.
Creative Ways to Use up Leftover Ingredients in Cheesecake Filling
Cheesecake filling contains several ingredients you may have extras of after baking a cheesecake or making filling for other recipes. Here are some creative ways to use up those leftovers:
Cream Cheese
| Ingredient | Creative Uses for Leftovers |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese |
|
Eggs
| Ingredient | Creative Uses for Leftovers |
|---|---|
| Eggs |
|
Sugar
| Ingredient | Creative Uses for Leftovers |
|---|---|
| Sugar |
|
Graham Crackers or Cookie Crumbs
| Ingredient | Creative Uses for Leftovers |
|---|---|
| Graham Crackers or Cookie Crumbs |
|
Conclusion
With so many delicious options, there’s no need for leftover cheesecake filling to go to waste! From baking mini cheesecakes to topping waffles, whipping up fruit dip, or stirring into milkshakes, you can easily use up extra filling in both sweet and savory ways. A little creativity in the kitchen goes a long way. Just be sure to store the filling properly and use it within 3-5 days for the best results. Now get ready to enjoy the leftovers!