Description
These delightful Crunch Cheesecake Bites combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling, topped with a crunchy strawberry topping for a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Easy to prepare and chill, they make a refreshing and elegant dessert bite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
Topping
- 1/2 cup strawberry crunch topping (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes until set, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping and diced fresh strawberries to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust in the baking dish. Smooth out the top, then sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping evenly over the surface to add delightful texture and flavor.
- Chill the cheesecake: Cover the assembled cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up for easier slicing.
- Cut and serve: After chilling, carefully lift the cheesecake out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 16 bite-sized squares. Serve chilled for a refreshing and delicious dessert experience.
Notes
- You can prepare the strawberry crunch topping at home by combining crushed freeze-dried strawberries with crushed sugar cookies or cereal for extra crunch.
- Be sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
- Whipped topping helps lighten the texture of the cheesecake, but you can substitute with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- For easier removal from the pan, line the baking dish with parchment paper before pressing in the crust.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
