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Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Start by making the crust for your cheesecake bites:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated.
- Spoon about one tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture into each muffin cup and press it down firmly using the back of a spoon or your fingers to form a compact base. This will create the sturdy crust for each cheesecake bite.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
While the crust is cooling, prepare the creamy cheesecake filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract, egg, sour cream, and heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture. Beat again until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Gently fold in the cherry chips (or chopped dried cherries) and a few drops of red food coloring, if using, to give the filling a light pink hue. The cherry chips will add a burst of cherry flavor as well as little pockets of sweetness throughout the cheesecake.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake Bites
Now, it’s time to fill each muffin cup:
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust in each muffin cup. The filling should almost reach the top of the liner, but leave a little space for the topping or any decoration.
- Smooth the top of the filling with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to ensure an even surface.
4. Bake the Cheesecake Bites
- Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the centers of the cheesecake bites are set but still slightly jiggly. They should not be too firm, as you want them to stay soft and creamy.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake bites cool in the oven for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
- After an hour, transfer the cheesecake bites to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until completely set. Chilling them ensures they hold their shape when removed from the muffin tin.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once the cheesecake bites are fully chilled and set:
- Remove them from the muffin tin and peel off the paper liners.
- For a finishing touch, garnish each cheesecake bite with a fresh cherry, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for extra flavor and decoration.
Tips for Success
- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy filling, so take the time to let it soften.
- Cherry Chips: Cherry chips can sometimes be found in the baking aisle, but if you can’t find them, dried cherries, finely chopped, are a great substitute. For a more pronounced cherry flavor, you can also swirl in a bit of cherry jam or preserves into the cheesecake batter.
- Chilling Time: These cheesecake bites need to be chilled for a few hours after baking to set properly. Don’t skip this step for the best texture!
- Mini Cheesecake Pan: If you have a mini cheesecake pan (with removable bottoms), you can use that instead of a muffin tin for a more traditional presentation.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to get creative with flavors! You can add a swirl of raspberry or strawberry jam, or even a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top for added crunch.
Why You’ll Love Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites
These Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites are the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tart. The graham cracker crust provides a delicious crunch, while the cherry-filled cheesecake is rich and indulgent without being overly heavy. Plus, they’re bite-sized, which makes them easy to serve and enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick dessert to satisfy a sweet craving, these cheesecake bites are sure to be a hit.
Not only do these cheesecake bites taste amazing, but their vibrant pink hue (thanks to the cherry chips and optional food coloring) makes them visually appealing too—perfect for any special occasion, from birthdays to holidays. Serve them up with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top for an extra special treat!
Final Thoughts
Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites are a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic dessert with a fruity twist. Their small size makes them perfect for portion control (or for sharing!), and the burst of cherry flavor adds a refreshing sweetness to the creamy cheesecake filling. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering, and watch as everyone reaches for more of these bite-sized bites of bliss.
Enjoy!
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