Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for any occasion: These bites are elegant yet easy to prepare, making them great for parties or a cozy night in.
- Bite-sized indulgence: Portion-controlled dessert that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.
- Simple ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients on hand.
- Customizable: Add a white chocolate drizzle, crushed graham crackers, or experiment with different chocolate coatings.
- No baking required: Quick and easy preparation with minimal equipment.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy whipping cream
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and dried
For the Chocolate Coating:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Coconut oil or vegetable oil
For Garnish (optional):
- White chocolate drizzle
- Crushed graham crackers
Directions
- Prepare the cheesecake filling:
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. - Fill the strawberries:
Using a small knife or piping bag, fill each hulled strawberry with the cheesecake filling. Place the filled strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up. - Prepare the chocolate coating:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. - Dip the strawberries:
Once the strawberries are chilled, dip each one into the melted chocolate, fully coating the strawberry. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the dipped strawberries back on the parchment-lined sheet. - Garnish and chill:
Drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for an added touch. Refrigerate the chocolate-covered cheesecake bites for at least 15 minutes to set the chocolate. - Serve:
Enjoy these delicious bites chilled for the best flavor and texture!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 12-15 bites
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per bite
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
- Different Fruits: Try filling raspberries or hollowed-out cherries for smaller treats.
- Add Texture: Roll the dipped strawberries in crushed nuts like pistachios or almonds before the chocolate sets.
- Extra Sweetness: Add a layer of caramel before dipping the strawberries in chocolate.
- Sugar-Free Option: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and a sugar substitute for the filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the bites for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
- Reheating: These are best served chilled, so no reheating is needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, milk chocolate works well, but it will result in a sweeter coating.
2. How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing while melting?
Use a microwave-safe bowl and melt the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring each time. Adding coconut oil also helps.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
4. Do I have to use coconut oil?
No, you can substitute vegetable oil or skip it altogether, but the chocolate may not be as smooth.
5. What if my strawberries aren’t firm?
Chill the strawberries before filling to ensure they hold their shape.
6. Can I use pre-whipped cream instead of whipping my own?
Yes, but freshly whipped cream provides a better texture and taste.
7. Are these gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chocolate chips and optional garnishes are gluten-free.
8. How do I pipe the cheesecake filling neatly?
Use a piping bag with a small tip or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
9. Can I skip the freezing step?
Freezing helps the filling set and makes dipping easier, so it’s highly recommended.
10. What’s the best way to cleanly dip the strawberries in chocolate?
Hold the strawberries by the green tops and use a spoon to help coat them evenly.
Conclusion
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Bites are a luxurious yet simple dessert that combines the best of cheesecake, strawberries, and chocolate in one perfect bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or indulging in a special treat, these bites are guaranteed to impress. Make a batch today and savor the perfect balance of creamy, juicy, and chocolatey goodness!
