New York City is a melting pot of cultures and flavors, and its influence extends to the world of desserts. This June, ditch the ordinary and celebrate summer with these delightful New York-inspired vanilla treats that are perfect for beating the heat!
- Big Apple Vanilla Cheesecake Bars
New York-style cheesecake is legendary, and these bars offer a delicious twist perfect for sharing. The creamy vanilla filling sits atop a buttery graham cracker crust, making for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is slightly set.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.
2. Coney Island Vanilla Ice Cream Sundaes
Who doesn't love a classic ice cream sundae? This recipe takes inspiration from New York's iconic Coney Island, featuring vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, maraschino cherries, and whipped cream – a simple yet satisfying treat for a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Hot fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Maraschino cherries
- Whipped cream
- Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, sprinkles, chopped nuts
Instructions:
- In a serving dish, place two scoops of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle generously with hot fudge sauce.
- Top with maraschino cherries and whipped cream.
- Add any additional desired toppings, such as chopped peanuts, sprinkles, or chopped nuts.
3. Broadway Vanilla Milkshake
New York City is synonymous with Broadway shows, so why not create a dessert inspired by the bright lights and excitement? This creamy vanilla milkshake is a refreshing way to cool down after a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream, cold milk, and vanilla extract.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the milkshake into a tall glass.
- Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for an extra flourish.
Bonus Tip:
For a truly New York experience, explore the city's vibrant farmers' markets and online stores like nyvanilla.com (home of gourmet vanilla beans for baking and extract) and find locally-sourced vanilla beans to elevate these recipes to the next level.
