Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites: A Decadent Dessert You’ll Love

Ingredients

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup sour cream (adds creaminess and tang)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups strawberry crunch topping (store-bought or homemade, see instructions below)

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed into small pieces)
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. This may take about 3-5 minutes to get the cream cheese completely smooth, so be patient.
2. Once the cream cheese is smooth, add the granulated sugar and beat until fully incorporated. The sugar will help balance the tanginess of the cream cheese and sour cream while adding sweetness to the filling.
3. Next, add the sour cream and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat again until smooth. The sour cream not only adds a creamy texture but also contributes a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness of the dessert.
4. Once the filling is ready, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until it firms up slightly. Chilling the filling will make it easier to form the bites and give it a more traditional cheesecake texture.
5. While the cheesecake filling chills, prepare the strawberry crunch topping. In a food processor, pulse the freeze-dried strawberries until they are finely crushed. You should end up with a powdery texture with small chunks of strawberry for added crunch and flavor.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed freeze-dried strawberries with the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated and slightly crumbly. This will form your strawberry crunch topping that adds both texture and flavor to the cheesecake bites.