Introduction
These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are a deliciously fun and indulgent dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with a delightful strawberry crunch topping. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat at home, these bite-sized cheesecakes are full of flavor and texture. With a rich cream cheese filling, buttery crust, and crunchy strawberry topping, they are sure to be a hit!
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
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a mini muffin tin or an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers or golden Oreos with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and can hold together when pressed.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the mini muffin cups or baking pan, ensuring it’s packed down tightly. Set aside while preparing the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Beat the Cream Cheese:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Add the Eggs and Sour Cream:
- 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 and smooth.
Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust. If you are using a mini muffin tin, fill each cup about 3/4 full. For a larger pan, pour the filling evenly over the entire crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes for mini bites, or 35-40 minutes for a larger cheesecake, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping
Make the Crunch Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed golden Oreos, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake Bites
Coat with Crunch Topping:
- Once the cheesecake has chilled, remove the cheesecake bites from the muffin tin, or if using a larger pan, cut the cheesecake into bite-sized squares.
- Roll each bite or sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the top, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres to the cheesecake.
Step 5: (Optional) Dip in White Chocolate
Dip in White Chocolate:
- For an extra indulgent touch, melt the white chocolate or candy melts.
- Dip each cheesecake bite into the melted chocolate, coating the bottom or entirely if desired.
- Place the dipped bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are best served chilled. The creamy cheesecake, paired with the sweet and crunchy strawberry topping, makes for a delightful treat.
- Perfect for parties, holidays, or any time you need a sweet bite-sized dessert!
Conclusion
These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are creamy, crunchy, and packed with strawberry flavor. Whether you decide to dip them in white chocolate or enjoy them as is, they’re a fun and delicious dessert that will be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy! 🍓🍰😋