Description
Fried Cheesecake Bites are a delightful dessert featuring creamy cheesecake centers coated in a light, crispy batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or an indulgent snack, served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, jam, or chocolate sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounce cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk
For Frying and Garnish
- 4 cups canola oil
- Optional garnish: powdered sugar, jam, chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix well until fully combined.
- Form Cheesecake Balls: Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake mixture at a time and shape into mounds (perfect roundness is not required). Place each mound on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Frying Oil: Pour the canola oil into a heavy-bottom pot, making sure it is at least 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 365 °F (185 °C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with paper towels for draining the fried bites.
- Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the milk and whisk until smooth and free of lumps.
- Coat the Cheesecake Bites: Remove the frozen cheesecake balls from the freezer. If desired, gently shape them to round more, handling carefully to preserve firmness. Using a slotted spoon, dip a few balls at a time into the batter, turning them to coat evenly.
- Fry the Cheesecake Bites: Carefully place the battered balls into the hot oil, no more than three at once to maintain temperature. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning to brown evenly and achieve a golden crust.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the bites with tongs and place them on the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Serve warm plain or garnished with powdered sugar, jam, or chocolate sauce as desired.
Notes
- Freeze the cheesecake balls well to help maintain their shape during frying.
- Use canola oil or another neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pot to keep the oil temperature steady.
- For a different flavor twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Serve immediately for best texture; reheating may soften the crisp coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 123 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 129 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg
