Cheesecake lovers, rejoice! These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are here to elevate your dessert game. Combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic crunch of strawberry-flavored topping, this treat is perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or just a personal indulgence. Easy to prepare, bite-sized, and irresistibly delicious, these cheesecake bites will become a favorite for kids and adults alike. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a bake time of 20 minutes, these treats can be ready in under an hour!
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
Optional for Dipping:
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate or candy melts, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers (or golden Oreos) with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even crust layer. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to pack it tightly. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the sour cream, followed by the eggs, one at a time. Ensure each egg is fully mixed before adding the next.
- Gently fold in the strawberry puree or jam until the filling has a uniform pink hue and strawberry flavor.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles when shaken.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- In a food processor, combine the crushed golden Oreos (or vanilla wafers) with the freeze-dried strawberries. Pulse until the mixture is fine and crumbly.
- Add the melted butter and mix until the topping holds together slightly when pinched.
Step 5: Assemble the Cheesecake Bites
- Remove the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment paper for easy lifting. Slice the cheesecake into bite-sized squares or rectangles.
- Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping generously over each piece, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
- For an optional touch, dip the bottom or sides of each cheesecake bite into melted white chocolate or candy melts for an extra layer of indulgence.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Place the assembled bites on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for another 15-20 minutes to allow the toppings and chocolate to set.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, buttery crust, and crunchy strawberry topping!
Tips and Tricks
- To achieve clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wipe clean after each cut.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a few drops of strawberry extract to the cheesecake filling.
- These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.