Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites (Printer-Friendly)

Creamy cheesecake bites with strawberry cereal coating and fresh berry notes, perfect chilled for gatherings and sweet moments.

# What You'll Need:

→ Coating

01 - 2 cups crushed strawberry-flavored crisp rice cereal
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Filling

04 - 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/3 cup strawberry puree or jam

→ Garnish

10 - 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
11 - Extra crushed strawberry cereal, for sprinkling

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine crushed strawberry cereal, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Set aside.
02 - Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and light with no lumps. Mix in vanilla extract just until blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form to ensure a fluffy texture.
04 - Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Add sour cream and strawberry puree or jam, folding until uniformly pink and creamy.
05 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the mixture into walnut-sized balls and roll gently to smooth.
06 - Roll each ball in the strawberry cereal mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating adheres.
07 - Arrange coated bites on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes to set the filling.
08 - Just before serving, top the bites with chopped fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of extra cereal for added texture and color.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Use softened cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling and chill bites thoroughly to maintain shape. Rolling quickly while cold prevents sticking.
02 - These bites can be stored refrigerated for up to three days or frozen individually for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
03 - This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free cereal and requires no baking, making it beginner-friendly.