Fried Cheesecake Bites

Treat yourself to these irresistibly crispy and creamy Fried Cheesecake Bites! Made with a smooth cream cheese filling, coated in a crunchy graham cracker and panko breadcrumb crust, and served with sweet strawberry sauce, these bites are the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or just a fun dessert at home. Keywords: Fried Cheesecake Bites, cheesecake dessert, crispy cheesecake, party dessert, easy fried desserts.

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• 1 cup strawberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the egg and mix until everything is well combined.
2. Shape and Freeze: Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the cream cheese mixture into small balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until they are firm.
3. Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes: one with crushed graham crackers mixed with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Coat the Cheesecake Bites: Dip each frozen cheesecake ball into the graham cracker mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is evenly coated. Repeat this process until all the cheesecake balls are coated.
5. Fry the Cheesecake Bites: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cheesecake bites in small batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve: Dust the fried cheesecake bites with powdered sugar and serve them warm with strawberry sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: These Fried Cheesecake Bites are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the fryer. Serve them as a dessert at parties, alongside coffee, or as a sweet treat for special occasions. The strawberry sauce adds a delightful contrast of flavors, but you can also serve them with chocolate sauce, caramel, or any of your favorite toppings.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Variations

• Different Fillings: Experiment with adding different flavors to the cream cheese mixture, such as lemon zest, cocoa powder, or crushed Oreos for a fun twist on this classic dessert.
• Chocolate-Coated Cheesecake Bites: After frying, let the bites cool slightly and then dip them in melted chocolate. Let the chocolate set before serving for an extra decadent treat.
• Alternative Toppings: Instead of powdered sugar, dust the bites with cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Cream cheese is essential for the classic cheesecake flavor and texture, but you could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different taste and creaminess.

2. How do I prevent the cheesecake bites from melting while frying?
Make sure the cheesecake balls are fully frozen before frying, and work in small batches to prevent them from thawing too quickly. Also, keep the oil temperature consistent at 350°F (175°C).

3. Can I make these cheesecake bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and freeze the cheesecake balls up to a day in advance. Bread them just before frying to ensure the coating stays crispy.

4. What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a different texture. The panko, however, gives the crispiest result.

5. Can I bake the cheesecake bites instead of frying?
Yes, for a lighter version, you can bake the coated cheesecake bites at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.

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