Description
Fried Cheesecake Bites are a delightful dessert featuring a sweet, creamy cheesecake filling coated in a light batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside with a luscious, smooth center, ideal for serving as a fun snack or party dessert.
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 and Frying
- 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 prevent sticking when freezing the cheesecake balls.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form Cheesecake Balls: Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of the cheesecake mixture and scrape into mounds on the prepared baking sheet. They don’t need to be perfectly round. Place the sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up the balls.
- Heat Oil: Pour the canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of at least 2 inches. Heat over medium until the oil reaches 365 °F (185 °C).
- Prepare Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Fry Cheesecake Bites: Place a paper towel-lined baking sheet next to the stove for draining. Remove frozen cheesecake balls from the freezer and, if desired, gently round them out while keeping them firm. Using a slotted spoon, dip 2-3 balls at a time into the batter, coating completely, then carefully place them into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning to brown evenly.
- Drain and Serve: Use tongs to remove the fried cheesecake bites and place them onto the paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil. Serve warm, plain or garnished with powdered sugar, jam, or chocolate sauce as desired.
Notes
- Handle the cheesecake balls gently after freezing to maintain their shape.
- Do not overcrowd the oil to maintain temperature and ensure even frying.
- If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter; it should bubble and rise to the top quickly.
- Use whole milk in the batter for the best texture; milk alternatives may alter the crispiness.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
