Description
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are an easy-to-make, bite-sized dessert that combines creamy, smooth cheesecake with a crunchy and fruity strawberry topping. These delightful no-bake treats feature mini graham cracker crusts filled with a luscious cheesecake batter and topped with a strawberry and graham cracker crumble, perfect for parties, gatherings, or a sweet snack anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Bites:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 12 mini graham cracker crusts (store-bought or homemade)
Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into small pieces
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake bites.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
- Add the Egg: Incorporate the egg into the mixture and beat until just combined to maintain a creamy texture.
- Add Sour Cream, Heavy Cream, Flour, and Salt: Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, all-purpose flour, and salt until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.
- Fill the Crusts: Place the mini graham cracker crusts into a muffin tin. Spoon the cheesecake batter evenly into each crust, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for baking expansion.
- Bake: Bake the cheesecake bites for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are set and the edges turn lightly golden. After baking, let them cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed freeze-dried strawberries, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated to create the crunchy topping.
- Assemble the Cheesecake Bites: Once the cheesecake bites have completely cooled, sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping generously over each bite. Press the topping gently to help it adhere properly.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake bites for at least 2 hours. This chilling step allows flavors to meld and helps the bites firm up for easy serving.
- Serve: Serve the Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites chilled. Enjoy this sweet, creamy, and crunchy treat perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- You can make your own mini graham cracker crusts by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and pressing them into mini muffin tins.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once the egg is added to maintain a smooth texture.
- Freeze-dried strawberries provide a concentrated strawberry flavor and crunch; if unavailable, you can substitute with finely chopped fresh strawberries but the topping texture will differ.
- Ensure the cheesecake bites are fully cooled before adding the topping to prevent it from melting or becoming soggy.
- Chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours is essential for the best texture and flavor combination.
- These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
