Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Bites are the ultimate no-bake treat. Combining creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy topping, these bite-sized desserts are perfect for parties, snacks, or satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake convenience: Quick and easy to prepare with no oven required.
- Perfectly portable: Great for parties, picnics, or on-the-go snacking.
- Crowd-pleasing flavors: The classic combination of strawberries and cheesecake with a crunchy twist.
- Customizable: Make them gluten-free or add your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh strawberries
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
- Melted butter
Directions
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash and dry the strawberries. Use a paring knife to hollow out the center of each strawberry.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off.
- Fill the strawberries: Pipe the cheesecake filling into the hollowed-out center of each strawberry.
- Prepare the crunch topping: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter until combined.
- Coat the strawberries: Dip the tops of the filled strawberries into the crunch topping, pressing gently to adhere.
- Chill: Place the strawberries on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Serve: Arrange the Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Bites on a platter and serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-15 bites (depending on strawberry size)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the coated strawberries for extra indulgence.
- Nutty crunch: Mix chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the topping.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crunch topping.
- Citrus twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake filling for a refreshing flavor.
- Mini version: Use small strawberries for bite-sized treats perfect for a crowd.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the strawberries may lose their texture after thawing.
- Reheating: These are best enjoyed chilled; no reheating required.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
What’s the best way to crush freeze-dried strawberries?
Use a food processor or place them in a resealable bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Yes, hollowed-out raspberries or small peaches work well as alternatives.
How do I keep the strawberries fresh?
Refrigerate them immediately after preparation and avoid leaving them at room temperature for too long.
Can I use store-bought cheesecake filling?
Yes, store-bought cheesecake filling can save time, though homemade provides a fresher taste.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
Use a resealable plastic bag with a small corner cut off as a makeshift piping bag.
How do I prevent the topping from falling off?
Press the crunch topping firmly onto the filling, and chill to set it in place.
Can I make a dairy-free version?
Use a plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free butter for the filling and topping.
Are freeze-dried strawberries essential for the topping?
They add great flavor, but you can substitute with extra graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies.
How can I make them sweeter?
Add more powdered sugar to the cheesecake filling or use a sweetened whipped cream topping.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Bites are the perfect no-bake dessert that’s as delightful as it is easy to make. With their creamy filling, fresh strawberries, and crunchy topping, these bites are sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Serve them chilled and watch them disappear in no time!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 bites 1x
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These strawberry cheesecake crunch bites are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and a buttery, crunchy topping. Bite-sized and delicious, they’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
For the cheesecake filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional)
For the strawberry crunch topping:
- 1 cup (120 g) crushed vanilla sandwich cookies (e.g., Golden Oreos)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For assembly:
- 1 pint (about 250 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Instructions
Prepare the cheesecake filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the heavy whipping cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract (if using). Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
Make the strawberry crunch topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cookies, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble a sandy texture.
Assemble the bites:
- Place the strawberry halves cut-side up on a tray or plate.
- Use a piping bag or a small spoon to dollop a generous amount of cheesecake filling onto each strawberry half.
- Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the cheesecake filling, pressing gently to adhere.
Serve:
- Chill the bites in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- For a no-bake version, substitute fresh strawberries with graham cracker cups or tart shells.
- Freeze-dried strawberries add intense flavor to the topping, but you can use fresh strawberry puree for a softer texture.