Description
Fried Cheesecake Bites are sweet, creamy cheesecake morsels coated in a light batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Perfect as a decadent dessert or party snack, these bites combine a smooth cream cheese filling with a crunchy exterior, served plain or with optional garnishes like powdered sugar, jam, or chocolate sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounce cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk
Frying
- 4 cups canola oil
Optional Garnishes
- Powdered sugar
- Jam
- Chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to place the cheesecake balls on before freezing.
- Make cheesecake filling: In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and graham cracker crumbs, mixing until well combined.
- Form cheesecake balls: Scoop out 1 tablespoon portions of the cheesecake mixture and shape into mounds on the parchment-lined baking sheet. They don't have to be perfectly round. Freeze the balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat oil: Pour 4 cups of canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot, filling to at least 2 inches deep. Heat over medium until the temperature reaches 365 °F (185 °C).
- Prepare batter: While the oil heats, whisk flour, sugar, and baking powder together in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in whole milk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Set frying station: Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place it next to the pot to drain the fried bites.
- Batter and fry cheesecake bites: Remove frozen cheesecake balls from freezer. If desired, gently shape them into smoother rounds while keeping them firm. Using a slotted spoon, dip a few balls at a time into the batter to coat fully, then carefully place them into the hot oil—no more than 3 at once to prevent temperature drop. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning to brown evenly.
- Drain and serve: Use tongs to remove the golden bites from the oil and place onto the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Serve warm plain or topped with powdered sugar, jam, or chocolate sauce.
Notes
- The cream cheese mixture must be well chilled before frying to keep its shape during cooking.
- Use a candy thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 365 °F for best frying results.
- Avoid overcrowding the pot to prevent the oil temperature from dropping and uneven cooking.
- Whole milk in the batter provides better texture and flavor; you may substitute with 2% milk if needed.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- These bites are best served fresh but can be reheated briefly in a hot oven to regain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 123 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 129 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg
