Description

If you’re looking for a bite-sized dessert that’s creamy, crunchy, and bursting with sweet strawberry flavor, these Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are just the treat! Perfect for parties, gatherings, or an indulgent snack, these little bites combine the richness of cheesecake with a delightful strawberry crunch topping. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious recipe step by step.

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1/2 cup strawberry puree or strawberry jam

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or golden Oreos
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

1 cup crushed golden Oreos or vanilla wafer cookies
1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
3 tbsp melted butter

For Dipping (Optional):

1 1/2 cups white chocolate or candy melts, melted

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a mini muffin tin or an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers or golden Oreos with melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the mini muffin cups or the baking pan to create the crust. Set aside.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree or jam until fully combined. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust. If using a mini muffin tin, fill each cup about 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes for mini bites or 35-40 minutes for a larger pan. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly. Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed golden Oreos, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter until combined. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.

Assemble the Cheesecake Bites:
Once the cheesecake is chilled, remove the bites from the muffin tin or cut the larger cheesecake into bite-sized squares. Roll or sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the top of each bite, pressing lightly to adhere.

Optional: Dip in White Chocolate
For an extra indulgent touch, dip each cheesecake bite into melted white chocolate. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy
Your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are ready to serve! With their creamy cheesecake base, sweet strawberry crunch topping, and optional white chocolate coating, these bites are sure to impress. Whether for a party or a sweet treat at home, these bites are the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Notes

Serving Tips:

Chill Before Serving: Always serve these bites chilled to maintain their creamy texture and ensure the crunch topping stays fresh.
Plating Ideas: Arrange the bites on a platter lined with parchment paper or on a tiered dessert stand for a beautiful presentation.
Add Fresh Garnishes: For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh strawberry slices, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate before serving.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store the cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them separated with layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing: To freeze, place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Avoid Pre-Coating with Topping for Storage: If you’re storing these for later, wait to apply the strawberry crunch topping until just before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.