Imagine the nostalgic flavor of those strawberry shortcake ice cream bars from your childhood, transformed into adorable bite-sized cheesecake treats! These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites bring together the creamy richness of cheesecake with the irresistible strawberry crunch coating that everyone loves.
Perfect for summer gatherings, special occasions, or simply when you’re craving something sweet without committing to a full-sized dessert, these delightful little bites deliver big flavor in a perfectly portioned package. The contrast between the smooth, tangy cheesecake and the crunchy, sweet strawberry coating creates a texture and flavor combination that’s absolutely addictive.
Why You’ll Love This
- No baking required! These are completely no-bake, making them perfect for hot summer days.
- The perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures in every bite.
- Individual portions make serving easy and eliminate the need for slicing.
- Can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for entertaining.
- Customizable with different flavors and coatings to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup strawberry preserves or pie filling
- 20 Golden Oreos, crushed
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry Jell-O powder
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press into a 9×13 baking dish and bake for 8 minutes. Let cool.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in eggs (one at a time), vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour. Pour over the crust.
- Dollop strawberry preserves over the cheesecake batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl it into the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly. Let cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- In a bowl, mix crushed Golden Oreos, strawberry Jell-O powder, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the cooled cheesecake.
- Slice into small squares and enjoy these irresistible strawberry crunch cheesecake bites!
Tips & Variations
- For a firmer cheesecake, add 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin bloomed in 3 tablespoons of water to the cream cheese mixture.
- Try different flavor variations like blueberry, raspberry, or orange by switching the gelatin flavor.
- Make them extra fancy by adding a fresh strawberry slice on top of each bite before serving.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup in the cheesecake filling.
- Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes instead of simple squares.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a few sliced strawberries on the side. For an elegant dessert platter, arrange them on a serving tray with fresh mint leaves and a small bowl of strawberry coulis for dipping.
They’re perfect with afternoon tea or coffee, and make a lovely ending to a summer meal. For a special touch, serve them slightly chilled with a glass of champagne or sparkling rosé for a celebratory dessert.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, add the strawberry crunch coating just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.
- These can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- The cheesecake is ready when it’s firm to the touch but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake base up to 2 days in advance. For the best texture, coat them in the strawberry crunch mixture shortly before serving.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture for the crunch coating. Stick with freeze-dried strawberries for that signature crunch texture.
How do I know if my cheesecake is set properly?
The cheesecake should be firm enough to cut cleanly but still have a creamy texture. It should hold its shape when cut but not be completely solid.
Can I make this recipe without a food processor?
Absolutely! You can place graham crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely ground.
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