Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for parties or individual servings.
- Combines sweet and tangy flavors in every bite.
- Easy to customize with your favorite berries.
- Can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining.
- Fun and approachable even for beginner bakers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Crust
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- Cream cheese, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Sour cream
Berry Swirl
- Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
Directions
For the Berry Swirl:
- Prepare the Berry Sauce: In a small saucepan, cook mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly thickened.
- Strain the Sauce: Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a smooth sauce. Let cool.
For the Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 325°F (165°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Form the Crusts: Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each muffin cup and bake for 5 minutes. Cool.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Make the Batter: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream until smooth.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Divide batter evenly among the cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Add the Berry Swirl: Drizzle ½ teaspoon of berry sauce on top of each cheesecake. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the sauce for a marbled effect.
Bake and Serve:
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until centers are just set.
- Cool and Chill: Let cool for 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Remove paper liners and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 bites
Variations
- Berry Choices: Substitute blackberries or cherries for a different flavor.
- Crust Alternatives: Use crushed digestive biscuits or chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers.
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake batter for extra zing.
- Gluten-Free: Swap graham crackers with a gluten-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: These bites are best served cold, but you can bring them to room temperature if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen berries for the swirl?
Yes, thaw the berries first and drain excess liquid to avoid a watery swirl.
2. How do I know when the cheesecake bites are done?
The centers should be slightly jiggly but will firm up as they cool.
3. Can I make these without a muffin tin?
You can use silicone molds or ramekins, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
4. What’s the best way to remove the liners?
Chill the bites thoroughly, then gently peel off the liners.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in two muffin tins.
6. How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing and do not overbake. The chilling step also helps.
7. Can I skip the berry swirl?
Yes, you can make plain mini cheesecakes or top them with caramel or chocolate instead.
8. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture may be less creamy. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended.
9. How long should I cool the cheesecakes before chilling?
Let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating.
10. Can I add toppings?
Absolutely! Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar work beautifully.
Conclusion
Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bites are a delightful dessert that combines elegance with ease. Perfect for any occasion, these creamy, flavorful bites are sure to impress your family and friends. With their stunning marbled appearance and irresistible taste, they’ll quickly become a favorite treat. Enjoy them chilled and savor every delicious bite!
Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bites
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cheesecake bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bites are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Combining a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a vibrant berry swirl, they deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess in every bite. Easy to make, visually stunning, and bursting with berry goodness, they’re ideal for parties, entertaining, or a simple indulgence.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup sour cream
Berry Swirl
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Berry Sauce:
- Cook berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened. Strain for a smooth sauce and let cool.
- Make the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press 1 tbsp of the mixture into each lined muffin tin cup and bake for 5 minutes. Cool.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
- Assemble the Cheesecake Bites:
- Divide filling among muffin cups, filling each three-quarters full.
- Add ½ tsp of berry sauce to each, swirling with a toothpick for a marbled effect.
- Bake and Chill:
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until centers are slightly set.
- Cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers.
- You can substitute berries based on preference or seasonality.
- Ensure the cheesecakes are fully chilled before removing liners for clean edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American