Description
These Crispy Cotton Candy Cheesecake Bombs are a whimsical and delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fun, carnival-like flavor of cotton candy. Encased in a crispy, golden-fried dough and coated with a sugary cotton candy crust, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, celebrations, or any time you want to add a touch of magic to your dessert menu.
Ingredients:
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cotton candy extract or flavoring
- ¼ cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count, or similar)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
For Frying:
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- Candy thermometer (optional but recommended)
For Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cotton candy flavoring (optional)
- Pink and blue food coloring (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cotton candy pieces
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream or drizzle of white chocolate (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until completely smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and beat again until fluffy. Pour in the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring, continuing to mix until fully combined.
Next, fold in the whipped topping and heavy cream using a spatula. The mixture should be silky, light, and slightly airy — similar to a mousse consistency.
Once combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to firm it up slightly. This step makes shaping easier later.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough While the cheesecake mixture chills, prepare your dough. Separate the biscuit dough pieces and lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Roll each biscuit flat until about ⅛ inch thick. You’ll want enough space to wrap around the cheesecake filling completely.
If you’re using homemade dough, ensure it’s soft but not sticky.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake Bombs Remove the chilled cheesecake filling from the fridge. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out 1-2 tablespoons of filling for each bomb. Roll the filling gently into a ball.
Place one ball in the center of a flattened dough round. Carefully fold the edges over the filling, pinching them tightly to seal. Roll the bomb gently between your palms to smooth out the seam and ensure it’s fully enclosed.
Repeat this process for all the cheesecake bombs.
Tip: To prevent leaks while frying, make sure your dough seams are well sealed. You can even brush a little water on the edges before sealing for a tighter closure.
Step 4: Heat the Oil In a deep pot or fryer, heat your vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to keep track of the temperature — this is crucial to achieve even frying without burning or undercooking.
If the oil gets too hot, the outside will brown too quickly before the inside is fully cooked.
Step 5: Fry the Cheesecake Bombs Gently drop a few bombs into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and crisp.
Remove each bomb using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
Repeat until all bombs are fried.
Step 6: Prepare the Cotton Candy Sugar Coating In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with a few drops of cotton candy flavoring and optional food coloring to give it that magical pastel hue. Stir until the color is evenly distributed.
While the bombs are still warm (but not too hot), roll them in the flavored sugar mixture until fully coated. The sugar will adhere perfectly, giving them a crisp, sweet exterior that sparkles.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Once cooled slightly, dust your cheesecake bombs with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra decadence.
For an enchanting presentation, serve each bomb with a small tuft of cotton candy on top — but remember to add it just before serving so it doesn’t melt.
You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert plate that’s visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe offers a unique twist on classic cheesecake, combining creamy filling with a fun, crispy exterior and the whimsical flavor of cotton candy. It’s a playful and visually appealing dessert that’s sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm, shortly after frying and coating for the best crispy texture.
- Arrange on a platter with a variety of colorful toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, and sprinkles.
- Offer alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate drizzle.
- Perfect for parties, carnivals, themed events, or as a special treat for kids.
Tips:
- Make sure the cheesecake filling is well-chilled to prevent it from melting during frying.
- Keep the oil temperature consistent for even cooking and avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Seal the dough edges tightly to prevent leaks during frying.
- Add cotton candy as a garnish just before serving to prevent it from melting.
- Adjust the amount of cotton candy flavoring to your taste preference.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: Approximately 320 calories per bomb
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion
Crispy Cotton Candy Cheesecake Bombs are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that create a truly memorable dessert experience. Their whimsical appearance and irresistible taste make them a perfect treat for any occasion, bringing joy and a touch of magic to every bite.
Questions and Answers
- Q: Can I use a different type of dough?
- A: Yes, you can experiment with other types of dough, such as puff pastry or sweet roll dough, but keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.
- Q: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
- A: While frying provides the best crispy texture, you can try baking them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. However, the texture will be different.
- Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
- A: It’s best to fry and coat the cheesecake bombs shortly before serving to maintain their crispiness. You can prepare the cheesecake filling and assemble the bombs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
- Q: What can I use if I don’t have cotton candy flavoring?
- A: You can use other flavored extracts, such as strawberry, raspberry, or bubblegum, to create a similar whimsical flavor profile.
- Q: Can I add sprinkles to the sugar coating?
- A: Absolutely! Sprinkles are a great addition to the sugar coating for extra color and fun.
