Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Bites

$To make these tasty bites, you need a few key items: - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - ½ cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - ¼ cup sour cream - ½ cup finely crushed graham crackers - ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips - 1 tablespoon coconut oil - Pinch of salt These ingredients create a creamy filling that pairs perfectly with chocolate. The cream cheese gives richness. The powdered sugar adds sweetness, and the sour cream brings a slight tang. You can make your cheesecake bites even more fun with toppings. Here are some ideas: - Cocoa powder - Chopped nuts - Colorful sprinkles These toppings not only add flavor but also make your bites look amazing. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo. If you don’t have an ingredient, here are some easy swaps: - Cream cheese: Use mascarpone for a lighter texture. - Powdered sugar: Granulated sugar can work if you blend it well. - Sour cream: Greek yogurt is a great alternative. - Semisweet chocolate: Dark chocolate adds a deeper flavor. These substitutes help you stay flexible in the kitchen. Feel free to explore and adjust based on what you have. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by taking a medium mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Next, mix in ½ cup of powdered sugar. Then, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and ¼ cup of sour cream. Use an electric mixer to beat everything on medium speed. Keep mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps left. This step gives the cheesecake its rich texture. Once it’s creamy, fold in ½ cup of finely crushed graham crackers with a spatula. This adds flavor and texture. Be gentle so you don’t lose the air you just whipped in. The mixture should be thick but spreadable. Now it’s time to shape the cheesecake mixture. Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon. Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Aim for about 1 inch in size. This keeps each bite uniform and easy to eat. Place the rolled balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This stops them from sticking. Once the tray is full, put it in the freezer. Let the bites chill for at least 30 minutes. They should feel firm when you touch them. This step helps the coating stick better later. For the chocolate coating, grab a microwave-safe bowl. Add ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. The oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly. Microwave the bowl on medium power in 20-second bursts. Stir well after each burst until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Now, take the frozen cheesecake balls out of the freezer. Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate. Make sure to coat each ball fully. Let any extra chocolate drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle your favorite toppings. You can use cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or colorful sprinkles. These add fun flavors and make your bites look great. Finally, put the tray back in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This helps the chocolate set. Enjoy your tasty treats! To make a smooth filling, use room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese lumps up and makes mixing hard. Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy. Add sour cream for a rich taste. Fold in crushed graham crackers gently. This keeps the mixture light and fluffy. Aim for a thick, yet spreadable, consistency. Use a microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate. Mix in coconut oil to keep it smooth. Heat chocolate in 20-second bursts, stirring after each. This helps avoid burning. If you see lumps, keep stirring; they will melt away. The chocolate should be shiny and fluid when ready. Don’t rush this step; take your time for the best results! A great presentation makes any dessert shine. Use a nice platter to display your cheesecake bites. Dust cocoa powder or drizzle melted chocolate on top for flair. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles for a fun touch. Keep the bites chilled until serving. This maintains the chocolate’s shine and keeps the cheesecake firm. Enjoy the smiles when you serve these tasty treats! Pro Tips Chill for Better Coating: Ensure your cheesecake balls are completely frozen before dipping them in chocolate. This helps the chocolate to set quickly and provides a smooth, even coating. Choose Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate for melting to enhance the flavor of your cheesecake bites. Dark chocolate can also be a delicious alternative to semisweet chocolate. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different flavor extracts, such as almond or orange, into the cheesecake mixture for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Customize Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try crushed pretzels, coconut flakes, or even edible glitter for a festive touch that will elevate your cheesecake bites. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your cheesecake bites easily. Here are some fun ideas: - Chocolate Mint: Add a few drops of mint extract to the cream cheese mix. - Lemon Zest: Mix in some lemon zest for a refreshing twist. - Berry Bliss: Blend in some berry puree for fruity goodness. - Coffee Lovers: Stir in espresso powder for a rich, coffee flavor. These flavors keep things interesting. Each bite can surprise your taste buds! While semisweet chocolate is great, you have many options. Here are some ideas: - White Chocolate: This adds a sweet and creamy layer. - Dark Chocolate: For a richer taste, dark chocolate works well. - Yogurt Coating: Use melted yogurt chips for a tangy touch. For toppings, try these: - Chopped Nuts: Add crunch with almonds, walnuts, or pecans. - Cocoa Powder: A sprinkle gives a nice chocolate boost. - Sprinkles: Use colorful sprinkles for a fun look. Mix and match coatings and toppings for your perfect bite! Want a lighter treat? You can easily make your cheesecake bites healthier. Here’s how: - Use Greek Yogurt: Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for less fat. - Natural Sweeteners: Use honey or maple syrup instead of powdered sugar. - Whole Grain Crackers: Choose whole-grain graham crackers for better fiber. These changes keep the flavor but reduce calories. Enjoy your tasty treats guilt-free! To keep your chocolate covered cheesecake bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. This keeps them safe and tasty. You can store them in the fridge or freezer, depending on how soon you plan to eat them. Refrigerating your cheesecake bites is great for short-term storage. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is the way to go. When frozen, they can last up to three months! Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. The shelf life of chocolate covered cheesecake bites depends on how you store them. In the fridge, they last about 5 to 7 days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. For best results, always use fresh ingredients. Avoid leaving them out for too long, as the chocolate can melt or become sticky. You can make cheesecake bites without graham crackers by using nuts or oats. Try finely ground almonds or walnuts for a nutty base. Alternatively, you can use crushed cookies like Oreos for a different flavor. Just mix these alternative ingredients into the cream cheese filling as you would with graham crackers. This keeps the bites creamy and delicious while changing the taste and texture. Yes, you can use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate. Milk chocolate will give your bites a sweeter taste and a creamier texture. However, be aware that the flavor of the cheesecake might be less rich. If you prefer a sweeter treat, milk chocolate is a great choice. Just melt it the same way as semisweet chocolate, and dip your cheesecake bites. Chocolate-covered cheesecake bites can last about one week in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. They can stay good for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best taste and texture. You learned how to make delicious chocolate covered cheesecake bites. We covered essential ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. I shared flavor variations and storage advice too. By following this guide, you can create tasty treats for any occasion. Enjoy personalizing your bites with fun toppings. Whether you want a classic or a healthier version, these bites will impress everyone. Now, get started and make your own delightful creations!$

Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Bites

Delicious bite-sized cheesecake balls coated in rich chocolate.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 1

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ cup sour cream
½ cup finely crushed graham crackers
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 pinch salt
to taste optional toppings: cocoa powder, chopped nuts, colorful sprinkles

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
Carefully fold in the crushed graham crackers using a spatula, making sure they are evenly incorporated into the creamy filling.
With a small cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out the cheesecake mixture and roll it into bite-sized balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
Arrange the cheesecake balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until the cheesecake balls are firm to the touch.
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave on medium power in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Using a fork, dip each frozen cheesecake ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring that it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back onto the lined baking sheet.
While the chocolate remains wet, generously sprinkle your chosen toppings, such as cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or colorful sprinkles, over each chocolate-covered bite.
Transfer the bites to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 15 minutes, allowing the chocolate to set properly.
Serve the chilled cheesecake bites as delightful treats and enjoy their rich flavors!

Notes

Arrange the cheesecake bites on a decorative platter, and consider using a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of elegance.

Keyword cheesecake, chocolate, dessert bites, no-bake