Description
Fried Cheesecake Bites are a delightful dessert featuring a sweet and creamy cheesecake filling coated in a light batter, then deep-fried to golden, crispy perfection. These bite-sized treats are perfect for serving at parties or as an indulgent snack, garnished with powdered sugar, jam, or chocolate sauce for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake balls
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
Batter
- 4 cups canola oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk
- Optional garnish: powdered sugar, jam, chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to place the cheesecake balls on.
- Make cheesecake mixture: In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix all ingredients well until fully combined.
- Form cheesecake balls: Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and shape into rough mounds. Place each mound onto the prepared baking sheet. Freeze the baking sheet with the cheesecake balls for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
- Heat oil: Pour the canola oil into a heavy bottom pot to a depth of at least 2 inches and heat over medium until the oil reaches 365 °F (185 °C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with paper towels next to the pot for draining fried bites.
- Make batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Gradually add the milk, whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Batter and fry balls: Remove the cheesecake balls from the freezer. If desired, gently shape them to be rounder, handling minimally to preserve firmness. Using a slotted spoon, dip a few balls at a time into the batter to coat evenly. Carefully place the coated balls into the hot oil, frying no more than three at a time to maintain oil temperature. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning to ensure even golden browning.
- Drain and serve: Using tongs, remove the fried bites from oil and place on the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Serve warm plain or with powdered sugar, jam, or chocolate sauce as desired.
Notes
- Freezing the cheesecake balls is essential to prevent them from melting during frying.
- Use a deep-frying thermometer to maintain the oil temperature around 365 °F to avoid soggy or greasy bites.
- If rounding the balls before frying, handle them gently to retain their shape and firmness.
- Canola oil is recommended for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- For a dairy-free alternative, replace cream cheese and milk with suitable substitutes such as vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk.
- Serve immediately after frying for the best texture and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
