Description
Irresistible “crispy cinnamon cheesecake bites” elevate dessert expectations with their perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures. Sweet indulgence meets culinary creativity, promising a delightful journey through rich flavors and satisfying crispness that will captivate your senses.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Base:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your cheesecake preparation.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl, pressing the mixture firmly into a compact base that will form the foundation of your cheesecake bites.
- In a separate large bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain in the mixture.
- Gradually incorporate sour cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, blending until the filling achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
- Pour the creamy cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for slight golden edges and a gentle wobble in the center, indicating the perfect cheesecake texture.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set firmly.
- Once chilled, cut the cheesecake into bite-sized squares using a sharp, clean knife.
- Prepare the cinnamon coating by mixing sugar, ground cinnamon, and panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.
- Dip each cheesecake bite into melted butter, then roll thoroughly in the cinnamon-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- For maximum crispiness, place the coated bites on a clean baking sheet and briefly broil for 1-2 minutes until the exterior turns golden and crisp.
- Serve immediately while warm and crunchy, allowing the contrast between the creamy interior and crisp exterior to tantalize your taste buds.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending, preventing lumpy texture and achieving a silky filling.
- Use a clean, sharp knife dipped in hot water when cutting cheesecake squares to create precise, clean edges without sticking.
- Experiment with alternative crusts like crushed gingersnaps or almond meal for gluten-free or more complex flavor profiles.
- For lighter version, substitute reduced-fat cream cheese and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, maintaining creamy texture while reducing calories.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg