Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are a sweet, decadent treat that brings together the creamy richness of cheesecake with a delightful crunch and a burst of fresh strawberry flavor. These bite-sized desserts are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday parties. With a graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, a strawberry topping, and a crispy crunch, they are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish to form a crust. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped cream together until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- In a small saucepan, heat the strawberry jam over medium heat until it melts and becomes smooth.
- Add the diced strawberries to the melted jam and stir to combine.
- Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the Rice Krispies cereal on top for a crunchy finish.
- Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow it to set.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes about 12-16 cheesecake bites, depending on the size of your servings.
- Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Variations
- Fruit variations: While strawberries are the star of this recipe, you can swap them for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different flavor profile.
- Crust alternatives: If you prefer a different flavor, you can use vanilla wafer crumbs, graham cracker crumbs, or even crushed shortbread cookies for the crust.
- Crisp topping: For an extra crunchy topping, you could add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds along with the Rice Krispies.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: These cheesecake bites can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
- Reheating: These bites are best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before serving if frozen.
10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? Fresh strawberries are preferred, but you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them and drain excess moisture before using them.
- Can I make these without the Rice Krispies? Yes, you can skip the Rice Krispies or replace them with crushed nuts or granola for added crunch.
- Can I use store-bought strawberry jam? Yes, store-bought strawberry jam works perfectly for this recipe. Just heat it as directed.
- Can I make these bites ahead of time? Yes, these cheesecake bites need to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but you can make them the day before and store them until ready to serve.
- Can I add more sugar to the cream cheese layer? You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture if desired.
- Can I use light cream cheese or whipped topping? Yes, you can substitute with light versions of cream cheese and whipped topping for a lighter version of this dessert.
- Can I make these bites without the crust? While the crust adds flavor and structure, you can skip it and just layer the cream cheese mixture and fruit topping for a crustless version.
- How can I make this recipe more indulgent? Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce over the top for extra richness.
- Can I freeze these cheesecake bites? Yes, these bites freeze well. Just be sure to wrap them tightly before freezing.
- How do I know when the cheesecake bites are set? The cheesecake bites will firm up after chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. They should be set but still creamy.
Conclusion
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are the perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy, making them a hit at any gathering. They’re easy to make, wonderfully delicious, and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a treat, these cheesecake bites are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
PrintStrawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12–16 bites (depending on serving size) 1x
Description
These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, sweet strawberry topping, and a crunchy Rice Krispies layer, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish (an 8×8-inch dish works well) to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped cream together until smooth and creamy. Spread the mixture over the graham cracker crust.
- In a small saucepan, heat the strawberry jam over medium heat until melted. Stir in the diced strawberries and mix well. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle Rice Krispies cereal on top of the strawberry layer for crunch.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until set before cutting into squares or bites
Notes
- If you prefer, you can use frozen strawberries instead of fresh, but make sure to drain any excess liquid before adding them to the jam.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a bit of strawberry extract to the cream cheese layer.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes