Welcome to the whimsical world of Gummy Cotton Candy Cheesecake Bites! These playful treats combine the nostalgic flavors of cotton candy with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, all in a perfectly poppable bite-sized form. They’re the perfect dessert for anyone looking to add a touch of carnival-inspired fun to their day.
These colorful, cloud-like confections strike the perfect balance between sophisticated dessert and childlike wonder. The subtle tang of cream cheese pairs surprisingly well with the sweet, airy notes of cotton candy, creating a unique flavor experience that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Why You’ll Love This
- No baking required! These are entirely no-bake, making them perfect for hot summer days or when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- The vibrant colors make these treats incredibly Instagram-worthy and perfect for themed parties.
- Kid-friendly to both make and eat—let little ones help with rolling the bites in the cotton candy sugar.
- Can be prepared up to 2 days ahead, making them perfect for planning party desserts.
- Customizable colors and flavors to match any celebration theme.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Pink and blue food coloring
- 1 cup mini gummy candies, chopped
- ½ cup sour gummy bites
- White chocolate for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until combined. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of mini cheesecake molds or cupcake liners. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes while preparing the filling.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Divide the cheesecake mixture into two bowls. Add pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other, stirring gently to create vibrant colors.
- Spoon alternating layers of pink and blue cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crusts. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the colors together, creating a cotton candy effect.
- Sprinkle chopped mini gummy candies into the cheesecake mixture, gently pressing some down. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm.
- Just before serving, top each cheesecake bite with a pile of sour gummy bites. If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- If you can’t find cotton candy flavoring, use 1 teaspoon of almond extract and increase the vanilla to 2 teaspoons.
- For a more pronounced cotton candy flavor, add 2 tablespoons of actual cotton candy to the cheesecake mixture (it will dissolve into the cream).
- Make them extra festive by using colored white chocolate for drizzling.
- Try rolling some bites in colorful sprinkles instead of cotton candy for a different texture.
- If the mixture becomes too soft while working with it, return it to the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to firm up.
- For an adult version, add 1 tablespoon of champagne to the cheesecake mixture for a sophisticated twist.
Serving Suggestions
These whimsical bites are perfect served on a colorful platter alongside fresh berries for a beautiful contrast. For an extra special presentation, place each bite in a mini cupcake liner and arrange on a tiered stand.
They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk for kids or a sweet dessert wine for adults. For the ultimate carnival-themed dessert table, serve alongside chocolate-dipped marshmallows and caramel popcorn.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The cotton candy coating may begin to dissolve if left at room temperature for too long.
- These can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- For best flavor, allow to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these without food coloring?
Absolutely! The food coloring is purely aesthetic. You can leave the cheesecake mixture its natural color or use natural food dyes like beet powder for pink.
My mixture is too soft to form balls. What should I do?
If your mixture is too soft, refrigerate it for 30-45 minutes. The cream cheese needs to be firm enough to hold its shape.
Where can I find cotton candy flavoring?
Cotton candy flavoring can be found in most baking supply stores, craft stores with baking sections, or online retailers. Look for cotton candy or “floss sugar” flavoring in the extract section.
Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
I don’t recommend it. Powdered sugar dissolves more easily into the cream cheese, preventing a grainy texture. If you only have granulated sugar, process it in a food processor until fine before using.
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