Strawberry Cheesecake Bites (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
01 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 -
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
03 -
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
04 -
13.25 ounces box strawberry cake mix
05 -
12 ounces almond bark or pink melting wafers
→ Decoration
06 -
White chocolate, optional
07 -
Valentine's Day festive sprinkles, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the salt and vanilla extract until combined.
02 -
Add the dry cake mix and continue to beat until smooth. The mixture will be very crumbly but will eventually come together to be smooth and thick.
03 -
Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.
04 -
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
05 -
At 30-second intervals, melt the almond bark or pink chocolate wafers, stirring between each heating until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
06 -
Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, make a ball of the dense dough. Using a toothpick or fork, dip the dough ball into the melted chocolate, tapping on the side to smooth and shake off excess, then gently place onto the parchment paper.
07 -
If adding sprinkles, top while the chocolate is still tacky. Repeat with the remaining dough.
08 -
Allow the chocolate to set and then, if desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate. To set faster, chill for 10-15 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Store leftovers chilled as well.
# Notes:
01 -
This will work with both a 13.25 or 15.25-ounce box of cake mix using the same volumes of other ingredients.
02 -
To heat treat dry cake mix in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the cake mix evenly on a baking sheet, and bake for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Allow it to cool completely before use.