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Strawberry Cheesecake Bites are the dreamy treat I turn to when I want a no-fuss dessert that feels special. The cool creaminess of cheesecake meets bright strawberry flavor, all wrapped in a crisp chocolate coating. These bite-sized gems are perfect for parties or sharing with your favorite people. I especially love them for Valentine’s Day because they are pretty enough for any celebration but simple enough for a weeknight sweet tooth attack.
My kids always line up for these and I first made them for a school bake sale. They vanished in minutes and now they are a regular request for birthdays and holidays.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Use good quality full-fat cream cheese for the richest results and let it fully soften before mixing for a silky smooth center
- Fine sea salt: Brings out the cheesecake flavor and balances sweetness
- Clear vanilla extract: Keeps the filling bright in color and adds classic bakery flavor opt for clear instead of dark vanilla if you want a pretty pink bite
- Strawberry cake mix: Choose a fresh box and look for one without clumps heat treat if you want to be extra cautious
- Almond bark or pink melting wafers: These set up firm for a nice candy shell use almond bark for a neutral flavor or pink wafers for a color pop
- White chocolate: Optional for drizzling and extra decoration add a touch of luxurious sweetness
- Valentines Day festive sprinkles: Optional but I never skip them my kids love picking out their favorite shapes and colors for each season
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Cream Cheese:
- Start with softened cream cheese in your stand mixer or a big bowl with a hand mixer Beat on medium speed for a couple minutes until perfectly smooth To avoid lumps scrape the bowl well
- Mix the Flavor Base:
- Add fine sea salt and vanilla to the cream cheese Continue mixing to make sure everything is evenly combined Stop and scrape the bowl so no salty patches stay behind
- Combine with Cake Mix:
- Sprinkle dry strawberry cake mix over the cream cheese mixture Beat slowly at first to avoid dust Clouds of pink powder will sneak out so start gently As it comes together crank up the speed to medium and beat until completely blended The mixture starts crumbly but soon turns thick and smooth
- Chill the Dough:
- This step is non negotiable Cover your mixing bowl and chill for at least two hours Overnight works even better The filling needs to firm up so you can roll it into balls
- Shape Into Balls:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup Scoop the chilled dough with a cookie scoop to form balls about the size of a tablespoon For neat and uniform bites pack the scoop firmly and roll in your hands
- Melt the Chocolate Coating:
- Break the almond bark or melting wafers into chunks Put them in a microwave safe bowl Heat in 30 second bursts stirring between each session until fluid and glossy Do not overheat or it will seize up
- Dip the Cheesecake Bites:
- Using a fork or toothpick dip each ball into the melted chocolate Let excess drip off Gently place onto your prepared baking sheet
- Decorate and Finish:
- While chocolate is still tacky sprinkle on your festive decorations If you like drizzle with more melted white chocolate Repeat for all bites Let set at room temperature or chill briefly to speed things up
- Store and Serve:
- When the chocolate is set move your bites to an airtight container and keep chilled They stay creamy and fresh for days
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The strawberry cake mix brings a vibrant pop of color and flavor that always makes me smile It reminds me of baking pink cupcakes with my grandma on rainy afternoons She would let me decorate my own treats and this recipe captures that same joy in every bite
Storage Tips
Keep your strawberry cheesecake bites in a sealed container in the fridge They taste best within five to seven days For longer storage place them in a single layer in the freezer and thaw in the fridge before serving The coating might sweat a little but the texture stays dreamy and rich
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find strawberry cake mix try vanilla or lemon for a different twist Chocolate cake mix also makes an indulgent spin Dairy free cream cheese and vegan melting wafers work well if you are keeping things plant based Choose any style of sprinkles to match the season
Serving Suggestions
These make a stunning centerpiece on a party dessert tray I love to serve them with fresh strawberries to play up the berry notes For a wow factor drizzle with more white chocolate and let them set in mini cupcake liners Kids love helping choose the sprinkles making it a fun holiday project
The Backstory
No bake cheesecake treats like these first became popular thanks to their simplicity and fuss free setup They are beloved at bake sales potlucks and festive gatherings everywhere Every batch is a little celebration packed into a tidy bite My family has made endless versions for birthdays class parties and holiday trays
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, swapping the strawberry cake mix with another flavor changes the taste, making each batch unique.
- → How do I ensure the coating sets properly?
After dipping, chill the bites briefly to help the chocolate coating harden quickly and avoid melting.
- → Can I make them ahead of time?
These bites keep well refrigerated for several days, making them perfect to prepare in advance.
- → Is heat-treating cake mix necessary?
Heat-treating helps reduce risk from raw flour, but is optional. Follow safe handling preferences.
- → Are there decoration options beyond sprinkles?
Try using colored chocolate drizzle, crushed candies, or even freeze-dried fruit for creative decoration.