Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required – a simple, fuss-free dessert.
- Bursting with strawberry flavor thanks to fresh, jam, and freeze-dried strawberries.
- Customizable with options for coating or extra toppings.
- Quick to prepare – just mix, roll, and chill.
- Perfect for any occasion, from parties to afternoon snacks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies or graham cracker crumbs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted (for dipping, optional)
- Crushed graham crackers or extra cookie crumbs (for rolling)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold in the strawberry jam and fresh strawberries (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Form the Bites:
- Add the crushed shortbread cookies or graham cracker crumbs to the cream cheese mixture and stir until everything is combined into a dough-like consistency.
- Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Coat or Roll (Optional):
- Dip each ball into melted white chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined tray to set.
- Alternatively, roll the bites in additional crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs for a crunchy coating.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the bites for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, serve the No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Bites and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 12-15 bites (depending on size)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white for dipping.
- Citrus Twist: Add a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Nutty Coating: Roll the bites in crushed nuts like pistachios or almonds for added crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free cookies or graham crackers for the crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store the bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the bites for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These treats are best enjoyed cold and do not require reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Yes, but the texture will be softer, so adjust the cookie crumbs to maintain firmness.
2. What if I don’t have white chocolate for dipping?
Simply roll the bites in cookie crumbs or crushed nuts for a delicious coating.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
4. Are these suitable for freezing?
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
5. Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Mascarpone cheese works as a great alternative, offering a creamier texture.
6. What type of jam works best?
Strawberry jam is ideal, but raspberry or mixed berry jam can also be used for variety.
7. How do I crush the freeze-dried strawberries?
Place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin, or use a food processor for finer texture.
8. Can I use a different type of cookie?
Yes, graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or vanilla wafers work perfectly.
9. How do I make them less sweet?
Reduce the powdered sugar slightly or use unsweetened freeze-dried strawberries.
10. Can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and chocolate substitutes for a vegan-friendly version.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Bites are the ultimate no-fuss dessert, combining sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors in a perfectly portable form. With simple ingredients and endless variations, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for every occasion. Try it out and savor the taste of strawberry shortcake, no oven required!
No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the flavors of classic strawberry shortcake with these easy No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Bites. Made with crushed cookies, cream cheese, and freeze-dried strawberries, this quick and fuss-free dessert is perfect for any occasion. No oven required!
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies or graham cracker crumbs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted (for dipping, optional)
- Crushed graham crackers or extra cookie crumbs (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in strawberry jam and fresh strawberries (if using). - Form the Bites:
Mix in crushed cookies until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency. Roll into 1-inch balls. - Coat or Roll (Optional):
Dip each ball in melted white chocolate or roll in crushed cookies or graham crackers for a crunchy coating. - Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve chilled and enjoy these delightful bites!
Notes
- For variations, try adding lemon zest, using different chocolates, or rolling in nuts.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
