Mini Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites 

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 1 ½ cups freeze-dried strawberries (or fresh strawberries, chopped finely)
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• A pinch of salt

How to Make Mini Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites

Making these mini cheesecake bites is super simple. The only thing you need to do is prep the crust, mix the cheesecake filling, and create the strawberry crunch topping. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Make the Cheesecake Crust

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir well until all of the crumbs are coated in butter, and the mixture has a sandy, wet texture.
• Spoon about 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each mini muffin tin cup or silicone cupcake mold. Press down lightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact the crumbs into the base.
• Place the muffin tin in the fridge to chill for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the cheesecake filling. This helps the crust firm up.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much—this is what makes the cheesecake filling fluffy and light.

3. Assemble the Cheesecake Bites

• Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake mixture into each muffin tin cup over the chilled graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or spatula, making sure to level out the filling.
• Once all the bites are filled, return the tray to the fridge and let the cheesecakes chill for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is firm and set.

4. Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

• For the strawberry crunch topping, place the freeze-dried strawberries in a ziplock bag and crush them into small pieces with a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor. If you’re using fresh strawberries, finely chop them instead.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed strawberries, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is combined, and the mixture has a crumbly texture.

5. Top and Serve

• Once the cheesecake bites have set, sprinkle a generous amount of the strawberry crunch topping over each mini cheesecake. You can press the topping gently into the filling to ensure it sticks.
• Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

6. Garnish (Optional)

For an extra touch, you can garnish each cheesecake bite with a fresh strawberry half or a little drizzle of strawberry syrup.

Tips for the Best Mini Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites

• Use Silicone Molds: If you have silicone muffin pans or cupcake molds, use them! They make it much easier to pop out the cheesecake bites without sticking or damaging them.
• Make Ahead: These cheesecake bites are perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can make the crust and filling the night before and chill them overnight. Add the topping just before serving.
• Swap the Crunch: While strawberry crunch is the star here, you can get creative with the topping. Try using crushed Oreos, chocolate crumbs, or even chopped nuts for a different flavor twist.
• Fresh vs Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Freeze-dried strawberries work best for the topping because they add a nice, crunchy texture. If you use fresh strawberries, the topping might be a bit more soggy, so make sure they’re finely chopped and patted dry.
• Serving Suggestions: These bites are perfect as a party treat, but they also work as individual desserts for a cozy family meal. Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for extra sweetness!

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Cheesecake Bites: Add some cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling for a chocolate twist, and top with a chocolate crunch topping made from crushed chocolate cookies or graham crackers.
• Lemon Cheesecake Bites: For a citrusy variation, add some lemon zest and a teaspoon of lemon juice to the cheesecake filling. Top with lemon zest or candied lemon peel for an extra burst of flavor.
• Berry Mix Crunch: Swap out the strawberries for a mixture of freeze-dried raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a colorful and vibrant topping.
• Mini Cheesecake Parfaits: If you don’t have a mini muffin pan, you can layer the graham crust, cheesecake filling, and strawberry crunch in small mason jars or individual glass cups for a parfait-style dessert.

Final Thoughts

Mini Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites are the perfect way to enjoy a classic dessert in a fun, easy-to-serve, and bite-sized format. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a family gathering, or indulging in a sweet treat at home, these cheesecake bites will be a sure-fire hit. The combination of the creamy filling, crunchy topping, and sweet strawberry flavor is simply irresistible.

Best of all, they’re easy to make ahead of time, customizable, and completely satisfying. So, grab your ingredients, get ready to assemble, and enjoy these delightful cheesecake bites—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!