DIY Teacher Appreciation Cheesecake Bar + Printable Sign

If one thing's for certain, our community of PTO and PTA leaders are all about the treat bars. We've seen them do it all—from flavored water hydration stations and dirty soda bars to waffle bars and charcuterie. But you know what really takes (ahem) the cake? A DIY cheesecake bar that also features bold flavor pairings for those who dare to try 'em. Below, we round up everything you'll need—including bold flavor pairings and a free "Welcome to the Cheesecake Bar" teacher appreciation sign. 

Photo credit: Vana Rose Beekman, Greenon Knights PTO, Greenon K-12 PTO, Enon, Ohio

The way this fun teacher treat works is simple: your PTO sets up ready-to-go cheesecake slices (individually packaged or sliced cakes) in the teachers' lounge or on a treat trolley. To make it a true treat bar, set out a variety of toppings so that teachers and staff can make their slice of cheesecake as decadent (or vanilla) as they wish. Go basic or get a little bougie with unique school-themed flavor pairings, like "The Substitute" (jalapenos and a drizzle of honey), "Homeroom Breakfast" (bacon crumbles, maple syrup and black pepper), and "It's 3 O'clock Somewhere" (shredded coconut, lime zest and pinch of cayenne). Position it as a "Cheesecake Adventure Bar" for a fun teacher bonding experience! 

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Basic cheesecake bar supplies

• Mini cheesecakes (pre-sliced cake, or individually packaged slices "to go")—plain is best
• For those who may be lactose intolerant, Daiya has a line of dairy-free, plant-based frozen cheesecakes (also free of gluten, soy, and eggs)
• Slices of vanilla or chocolate cake for those who don't care for cheesecake
• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) and other fruit, like bananas 
• Pie filling (cherry, strawberry, apple, blueberry)
• Crushed Oreos
• Mini chocolate chips 
• Crushed pretzels 
• Chocolate sauce & caramel sauce (squeeze bottles work best)
• Nutella 
• Whipped cream
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Toasted or shredded coconut
• Chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, peanuts); check your school's nut policy 
• Serving platters or trays
• Bowls for toppings with spoons/tongs
• Small plates, napkins and forks
• Small cups for tasting adventurous combos
• Cheesecake bar sign (download our free editable template)
• Cooler or ice packs for perishable toppings

Try these fun flavor pairings for a cheesecake adventure bar  

Get ready to send your teachers on a culinary adventure with a cheesecake bar "for the bold"! Turn a basic teacher treat bar into a "cheesecake bar tasting" where teachers and staff can have fun sampling interesting flavor combos. Create a “Flavor Dare” sign inviting teachers to try something new!

Cheesecake Bar Menu Recipe Ideas: School Edition

• Homeroom Breakfast: Bacon crumbles + maple syrup + pinch of black pepper
• S'more Homework: Graham cracker crumbs + mini chocolate chips (or chocolate drizzle) + mini marshmallows
• The Recess Rebel: Hot honey + crushed potato chips + dark chocolate drizzle
• It's 3 O'clock Somewhere...: Shredded coconut + lime zest + pinch of cayenne
• The Substitute: Candied jalapeños + honey drizzle 
• Hall Pass: Mango + chili powder + lime zest
• Is It Salad or Is It Cheesecake?: Basil + balsamic glaze + strawberry slices + pecans
• Extra Credit Crunch: Pretzels + caramel drizzle + sea salt
• Early Dismissal: Pineapple + shredded coconut 
• Professional Development is a Picnic: Lemon zest + fresh thyme + honey
• Parent-Teacher Pick-Me-Up: Espresso powder + cocoa nibs
• The Bougie Teacher: Fig jam + crushed pistachios
• Recess Refresh: Lemon curd + blueberry topping
• Study Break Gone Wild: Crushed Oreos + peanut butter drizzle + mini pretzels
• An Apple for the Teacher: Apple pie filling + cinnamon sugar + graham crumbs
• Is It Friday Yet? Nutella + sliced strawberries + crushed hazelnuts
• Summer Break: Cookie butter + banana slices + cinnamon dust

We love how Greenon Knights PTO in Enon, Ohio, set up their cheesecake bar for teachers and staff!

Get even more awesome teacher appreciation ideas 👉