Imagine a dessert that combines the rich, creamy taste of cheesecake with the vibrant, fresh flavor of strawberries—all topped off with a crunchy graham cracker coating.
That’s exactly what Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Bites deliver!
This no-bake treat is inspired by the classic cheesecake but reimagined as bite-sized pieces that are easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
With a fruity strawberry coating, creamy filling, and crunchy graham exterior, these bites are a perfect snack or party dessert.
Let’s jump in and discover why these bites are a must-try for fans of cheesecake and strawberry desserts!
Ingredients
For the cheesecake filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
For the strawberry coating:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- ¼ cup sugar (or adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
For the crunch coating:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Gently fold in the whipped cream to create a light and fluffy texture. Be careful not to overmix.
Place the cheesecake filling in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the other layers.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the pureed strawberries with sugar, adjusting the sweetness to taste.
Stir in the cornstarch until fully combined. This mixture will thicken and coat the cheesecake bites nicely. Set aside.
Step 4: Take a small amount of the cheesecake filling (about 1 tablespoon) and roll it into a ball.
Repeat this process until all the cheesecake filling is used.
Place the cheesecake balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 30 minutes to set.
Step 5: Remove the cheesecake balls from the freezer. Dip each ball into the strawberry coating, ensuring it’s fully covered.
Roll the coated cheesecake ball in the graham cracker crunch mixture until it’s evenly coated.
Place each coated bite back on the parchment-lined tray.
Step 6: Once all the bites are coated, return them to the freezer for at least 1 hour to set. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips
Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor, but you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before pureeing.
Taste the strawberry coating and adjust the sugar to your preference. The natural sweetness of strawberries can vary.
Freeze the cheesecake balls before coating them. This keeps them firm and easier to handle during the coating process.
Chill the bites thoroughly after coating. This ensures that each layer is set and the bites hold together well.
Serve cold for the best flavor and texture. These bites taste best straight from the fridge or after a quick chill in the freezer.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different fruit for the coating?
Yes! Try using blueberries, raspberries, or even a mango puree for a different twist on this classic recipe.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance, store in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready to enjoy the next day.
3. Are these bites gluten-free?
Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe gluten-friendly.
4. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade whipped cream works wonderfully and provides a fresher taste.
Just whip heavy cream until soft peaks form and use in place of store-bought whipped cream.
Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Bites
Ingredients
For the cheesecake filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whipped cream store-bought or homemade
For the strawberry coating:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries pureed
- ¼ cup sugar or adjust to taste
- ¼ cup cornstarch
For the crunch coating:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream to create a light and fluffy texture. Be careful not to overmix.Place the cheesecake filling in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the other layers.
- In a small bowl, combine the pureed strawberries with sugar, adjusting the sweetness to taste.Stir in the cornstarch until fully combined. This mixture will thicken and coat the cheesecake bites nicely. Set aside.
- Take a small amount of the cheesecake filling (about 1 tablespoon) and roll it into a ball.Repeat this process until all the cheesecake filling is used.
- Place the cheesecake balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 30 minutes to set.
- Remove the cheesecake balls from the freezer. Dip each ball into the strawberry coating, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Roll the coated cheesecake ball in the graham cracker crunch mixture until it’s evenly coated.Place each coated bite back on the parchment-lined tray.
- Once all the bites are coated, return them to the freezer for at least 1 hour to set. Serve chilled and enjoy!