Strawberry Crunch Mini Cheesecake Bites
Strawberry Crunch Mini Cheesecake Bites are a delightful treat that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the fresh taste of strawberries. These bite-sized desserts are perfect for parties, picnics, or even just a sweet indulgence at home. They are easy to make and will surely impress your family and friends!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Strawberry Crunch Mini Cheesecake Bites is a great idea for many reasons. First, they are simple and quick to prepare, making them perfect for beginners. Second, they are portable and bite-sized, making them ideal for gatherings. Lastly, the sweet and tangy flavor of strawberries mixed with cheesecake is a timeless classic that everyone loves!
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Mini Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (or 1 teaspoon strawberry extract)
- 1 cup Golden Oreos (or vanilla sandwich cookies), crushed
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Pink food coloring (optional, for extra vibrancy)
- Whipped cream (for garnish, optional)
- Fresh strawberry slices (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 24-cup mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
- In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the mixture into each muffin cup, pressing down firmly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 5-7 minutes, then let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract, eggs (one at a time), sour cream, and strawberry puree (or extract), mixing until just combined.
- Spoon the cheesecake batter into the cooled crusts, filling each cup nearly to the top. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the centers are set but slightly jiggly. Let cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter to make the Strawberry Crunch Topping. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the chilled cheesecake bites just before serving.
- Garnish with whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices, if desired.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Mini Cheesecake Bites
Serve these cheesecake bites chilled for the best flavor and texture. They make a great dessert at any event. You can place them on a beautiful platter and add a few fresh strawberries for a lovely presentation.
How to Store Strawberry Crunch Mini Cheesecake Bites
You can store any leftover mini cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Tips to Make Strawberry Crunch Mini Cheesecake Bites
- Be sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- If you want extra color, add a few drops of pink food coloring to the cheesecake batter.
- To make the crust even crunchier, bake it a little longer, but watch it to avoid burning.
Variation
For a different flavor, you can try using different fruit purees, such as raspberry or blueberry, in place of strawberry. You can also swap the Golden Oreos for chocolate sandwich cookies for a chocolatey version!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries for the topping, but they will not have the same crunch as freeze-dried strawberries.
2. How can I tell if the cheesecake bites are done?
The centers should be set but slightly jiggly when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
3. Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them.
