Crispy Deep-Fried Cheesecake Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of cheesecake and fried treats, these crispy deep-fried cheesecake bites are a match made in heaven. They have a crispy exterior, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or when you just need something sweet to snack on!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Cinnamon sugar for coating (optional)

directions

1. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Make the batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, milk, and egg until a smooth batter forms.
3. Shape the cheesecake bites: Scoop about a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling and roll it into small balls. Carefully dip the cheesecake balls into the batter, ensuring they are completely coated.
4. Fry the bites: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches around 350°F (175°C), carefully drop the coated cheesecake balls into the oil, a few at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
5. Drain and coat: Remove the fried bites from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. If desired, immediately coat them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm.
6. Serve: Serve the crispy cheesecake bites warm, either on their own or with a side of dipping sauce like chocolate or caramel.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4-6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Fruit-filled cheesecake bites: Add a small piece of fresh fruit (such as strawberries or raspberries) inside the cheesecake filling for a burst of flavor.
• Chocolate drizzled bites: Drizzle melted chocolate over the fried bites for extra sweetness.
• Nutty coating: Instead of cinnamon sugar, coat the bites in crushed nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a crunchy texture.
• Mini cheesecake bites: Use a smaller scoop to make mini versions for bite-sized treats.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a crispy finish.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly less creamy. Full-fat cream cheese will give you a richer flavor and smoother filling.

2. Can I freeze the cheesecake bites?

Yes, you can freeze the un-fried cheesecake bites. After coating them in batter, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a bag or container for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding extra time to the frying process.

3. What kind of oil should I use for frying?

Vegetable oil is best for frying these cheesecake bites as it has a high smoke point. You can also use canola oil or sunflower oil.

4. Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives the best texture, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. They won’t be as crispy as the fried version, but still delicious.

5. What can I dip these cheesecake bites in?

They are great with chocolate, caramel, or berry sauce. You can also serve them with whipped cream or even a fruit compote.

6. How can I make these less sweet?

If you’d like a less sweet version, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the filling and skip the cinnamon sugar coating. The fried cheesecake bites will still be delicious with the natural flavor of the cream cheese.

7. How do I make the batter extra crispy?

For an even crispier coating, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the batter or use a mixture of half cornstarch and half flour.

8. Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and batter ahead of time, but it’s best to fry them just before serving for the crispiest texture. If you make them ahead, store them in the fridge and reheat them in the oven.

9. How can I keep the cheesecake filling from leaking out while frying?

Be sure to securely coat the cheesecake bites in the batter and fry them in hot oil (350°F/175°C). This will create a crispy crust that helps contain the filling.

10. Can I make these with other fillings?

Yes, you can swap out the cheesecake filling for other sweet fillings, like chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or a custard filling.

Conclusion

Crispy Deep-Fried Cheesecake Bites are a delightful and indulgent treat that brings together the best of both worlds: the creamy richness of cheesecake and the crispy texture of a fried dessert. These bites are perfect for special occasions, parties, or whenever you need a sweet, crispy indulgence!

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