Short Description
These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are a delightful no-bake treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh strawberries, all complemented by a satisfying crunch. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple dessert, these bite-sized delights are easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Mix-ins:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup crispy rice cereal
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until all the crumbs are evenly coated.
Step 2: Form the Crusts
Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of mini muffin cups or silicone molds. Ensure each cup is evenly filled and well-compacted to form a solid crust.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial to ensure there are no lumps and that the filling has a silky texture.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Using a chilled bowl and cold cream will help the cream whip up more quickly and hold its shape better.
Step 5: Combine and Fold
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped cream and result in a less airy filling.
Step 6: Add Mix-ins
Fold in the chopped fresh strawberries and crispy rice cereal. Distribute the mix-ins evenly throughout the cheesecake filling.
Step 7: Fill the Crusts
Spoon the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crusts, filling each cup to the top. Smooth the tops of the filling with a spatula or spoon.
Step 8: Chill
Refrigerate the cheesecake bites for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow them to set completely. This chilling time is essential for the bites to firm up and hold their shape.
Step 9: Unmold and Serve
Carefully unmold the cheesecake bites from the muffin cups or silicone molds. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Why you’ll love this recipe
These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, they require no baking, making them a convenient option for warm weather or when you want a quick dessert. The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and crunchy cereal provides a delightful textural contrast. They are also highly customizable; you can easily adapt the recipe with different fruits, toppings, or crusts. Finally, their bite-sized format makes them perfect for portion control and easy serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a refreshing dessert at parties or gatherings.
- Offer as part of a dessert platter alongside other bite-sized treats.
- Garnish with extra fresh strawberries or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Pair with a glass of chilled sparkling wine or a light dessert wine.
Tips:
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Chilling the bowl and beaters before whipping the cream will help it whip up faster.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Store the cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- For an extra touch, consider dipping the bottoms of the bites in melted chocolate before chilling.
- If you don’t have mini muffin cups, you can make this in a small baking dish as a cheesecake bar.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutrition Information: (per bite, estimated)
Calories: 120
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are a fantastic, easy-to-make dessert that delivers a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch in every bite. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a sweet indulgence, these cheesecake bites are sure to become a favorite.
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Absolutely! While graham cracker crusts are classic, you can experiment with other options like Oreo crumbs, vanilla wafer crumbs, or even a gluten-free cookie crumb crust.
Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: It’s best to use fresh strawberries as frozen strawberries can release excess moisture, potentially making the filling watery. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling.
Q3: How long can I store these cheesecake bites?
A: These cheesecake bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the texture may start to change.
Q4: Can I add other mix-ins to the filling?
A: Of course! Feel free to customize the filling with other mix-ins like blueberries, raspberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
Q5: What can I do if my whipped cream isn’t forming stiff peaks?
A: Make sure your heavy cream is very cold, and that your bowl and beaters are chilled. Also, avoid over-whipping, as this can cause the cream to turn grainy.
