Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites combine everything people love about classic cheesecake with the nostalgic flavor of strawberry crunch topping. These bite-sized desserts are creamy, rich, and finished with a sweet, buttery crunch that adds irresistible texture. I first made these when I needed a dessert that looked impressive but was easy to serve, and they quickly became a favorite. They are neat, portable, and ideal for parties, holidays, or casual gatherings.
Print
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites: A Perfect Bite-Sized Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are bite-sized desserts featuring a creamy cheesecake center coated in a crunchy strawberry topping. They’re sweet, tangy, and perfect for parties or make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed golden sandwich cookies
- 1/2 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for coating)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Chill the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Mix crushed cookies, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter in a separate bowl.
- Scoop cheesecake mixture into small balls.
- Dip cheesecake balls in melted white chocolate if using.
- Roll each ball in the strawberry crunch mixture until fully coated.
- Place bites on a lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Keep refrigerated until serving.
- Freeze-dried strawberries give the best flavor and color.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese forms the base of the cheesecake filling. It provides a rich, smooth texture and a slightly tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar sweetens the cheesecake and helps create a creamy, well-balanced filling without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
Eggs
Eggs give structure to the cheesecake bites, allowing them to set properly while remaining soft and creamy.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth to the cheesecake filling.
Graham Cracker Crumbs
Graham cracker crumbs create a classic cheesecake crust that adds subtle sweetness and crunch.
Butter
Butter binds the crust together and adds richness, helping it hold its shape once baked.
Golden Sandwich Cookies
Golden sandwich cookies form the base of the strawberry crunch topping, providing sweetness and crisp texture.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries
Freeze-dried strawberries deliver concentrated strawberry flavor and vibrant color without adding moisture.
White Chocolate
White chocolate helps bind the strawberry crunch topping and adds a smooth, sweet finish.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and line a mini muffin pan with paper liners. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly mixed. Press a small amount of the mixture into the bottom of each liner to form the crust. Bake for 5 minutes and set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Spoon the cheesecake batter evenly over the prepared crusts. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the centers are just set. Allow the cheesecake bites to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
To make the strawberry crunch topping, crush the golden sandwich cookies and freeze-dried strawberries together. Melt the white chocolate and mix it with the crushed mixture until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping generously over the chilled cheesecake bites before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 cheesecake bites.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: about 2 hours 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. These bites are best served chilled and do not require reheating. They can also be frozen for up to one month and thawed in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations and Customizations
These cheesecake bites are easy to customize for different flavors and occasions. For a chocolate version, substitute chocolate sandwich cookies for the golden cookies in the crunch topping. I have also tried using raspberry freeze-dried fruit, which adds a slightly tart twist while keeping the crunchy texture.
If you prefer a no-bake option, the filling can be adapted using whipped cream and gelatin, though the texture will be lighter. You can also add a thin layer of strawberry jam on top of the cheesecake before adding the crunch for extra fruit flavor.
For presentation, drizzle the finished bites with melted white or dark chocolate. These small customizations allow you to tailor the dessert while keeping its signature strawberry crunch appeal.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein (g) | 4 |
| Carbs (g) | 22 |
| Fat (g) | 12 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 7 |
| Fiber (g) | 1 |
| Sugar (g) | 16 |
| Sodium (mg) | 160 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth batter.
Do not overmix after adding eggs to avoid cracks.
Chill completely before adding the crunch topping.
Press crust firmly for clean removal.
FAQs
Can I make these cheesecake bites ahead of time?
Yes, they are perfect for making a day in advance.
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Overmixing or overbaking can cause cracking.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead?
Freeze-dried strawberries are recommended for crunch and flavor.
Are these cheesecake bites freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze without the topping and add it after thawing.
Can I use regular muffin pans?
Yes, but the baking time will need to be increased.
How do I keep the topping crunchy?
Add the topping just before serving for best texture.
Conclusion
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and crisp, fruity topping. Their bite-sized format makes them easy to serve and perfect for any occasion. With beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor, this recipe is sure to become a go-to dessert for parties, celebrations, and sweet cravings alike.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!