Checkerboard Terrace Delight (Print)

A layered treat featuring contrasting textures and flavors arranged in a charming checkerboard pattern.

# What You Need:

→ Crunchy Layer

01 - 2.8 oz crisp shortbread cookies or graham crackers, crushed
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

→ Soft Layer

03 - 2.8 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar
05 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Sweet Layer

06 - 3.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
07 - 1/4 cup heavy cream

→ Salty Layer

08 - 2.8 oz salted caramel sauce
09 - Flaky sea salt, for garnish

→ Assembly

10 - 16 small raspberries, optional garnish

# Directions:

01 - Combine crushed cookies with melted butter and press evenly into an 8x8 inch parchment-lined baking dish. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
02 - Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
03 - Heat heavy cream until just simmering, pour over chopped dark chocolate, let rest for 2 minutes, then stir until glossy. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - Use prepared salted caramel sauce or prepare homemade caramel in advance as desired.
05 - Remove crunchy base from fridge. Using a ruler and sharp knife, lightly score the surface into a 4x4 grid creating 16 equal squares.
06 - Fill 4 squares each with soft cream cheese mixture, chocolate ganache, salted caramel sauce (sprinkled with flaky sea salt), and leave 4 squares with crunchy base topped optionally with raspberries. Arrange so no two similar textures touch, forming a checkerboard pattern.
07 - Refrigerate assembled dish for 30 minutes to allow layers to firm.
08 - Carefully cut along scored lines to create 16 individual squares. Serve slightly chilled.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Four wildly different textures in one dessert means everyone finds something they adore.
  • It looks intricate but comes together without any tricky technique or special skill.
  • The checkerboard arrangement makes even a casual dinner feel intentional and memorable.
02 -
  • If your cream cheese layer breaks or looks grainy, you likely started with cold cheese—always let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes first.
  • The checkerboard only works if you actually plan which square gets what; write it down or use a photo as a guide so you don't accidentally put two soft layers next to each other.
  • Chill longer than 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm—a slightly warmer filling will slide apart when you cut.
03 -
  • A hot knife, wiped clean between cuts, is the difference between neat squares and a crumbly mess.
  • If you want the checkerboard to really shine, serve it on a contrasting plate where the different colors and textures are immediately visible.
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