Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites

These bite-sized treats combine creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberry flavor, and a crunchy topping for an irresistible dessert. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Base:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
¼ cup sour cream
½ cup strawberry preserves or fresh strawberry puree

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

1 cup crushed golden Oreos or vanilla wafers
¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Optional Garnish:

Fresh strawberries
Whipped cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Base:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
Pour half of the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust.
Add dollops of strawberry preserves or puree, then pour the remaining cheesecake mixture on top. Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.

3. Bake the Cheesecake:

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges.
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

In a food processor or a zip-top bag, crush the golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries into small crumbs.
Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

5. Assemble the Bites:

Remove the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into small squares.
Press the strawberry crunch topping onto the tops and sides of each cheesecake bite.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish with fresh strawberries or whipped cream if desired.
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you need a portable, crowd-pleasing dessert!