Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites

Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites are a delightful treat that everyone will love. These bite-sized desserts combine the rich flavors of cherry chip cake mix with creamy cheesecake, all wrapped up in a colorful candy coating. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a sweet snack at home, these bites are not only easy to make but also visually appealing. You’ll find them to be a showstopper at any gathering while being incredibly simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, you can whip up these treats in no time.
• Perfectly Portioned: Each bite is an ideal size for satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging.
• Versatile Flavor: The cherry chip flavor combines beautifully with the cream cheese, creating a delicious balance.
• Festive Appearance: Coated in vibrant candy melts, these cheesecake bites look as good as they taste.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual get-together, these bites are sure to impress.

Tools and Preparation

To make Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites efficiently, certain tools will enhance your baking experience and streamline the process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Handheld mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Microwave-safe bowls

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing Bowls: Having multiple sizes helps keep ingredients organized while preparing your cheesecake mixture.
• Handheld Mixer: This tool ensures your cream cheese is whipped to a smooth consistency quickly and easily.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop allows for uniform sizing of the cheesecake bites, making them look professional and enticing.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Bites

• 15.25 ounce box cherry chip cake mix
• 8 ounce cream cheese (softened)

For the Coating

• 12 ounces bright pink candy wafer melts
• 4 ounces white almond bark

How to Make Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites

Step 1: Heat Treat the Cake Mix

Before adding the cake mix, it is important to heat treat the dry cake mix:
1. Pour the dry cake mix into a medium-size heat-safe bowl.
2. Microwave the cake mix in two 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval.
3. Allow the cake mix to cool completely before mixing it into the cream cheese.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. Using a medium-size mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened cream cheese for 2 – 2 ½ minutes until completely smooth.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Sprinkle the cooled, dry cake mix over the top of the cream cheese.
2. Continue mixing just until well incorporated.

Step 4: Chill Mixture

1. Tightly cover the cream cheese mixture and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Step 5: Line Baking Sheet

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for later use.

Step 6: Shape Cheesecake Bites

1. Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out portions of cheesecake dough.
2. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Repeat this process until all dough is shaped into balls.

Step 7: Melt Candy Coating

1. In a heat-safe medium-size mixing bowl, microwave the candy wafer melts in 30-second intervals.
2. Stir well after each interval until completely smooth.

Step 8: Coat Cheesecake Bites

1. Roll each cheesecake bite in the melted candy wafers until fully coated.
2. Place coated cheesecake bites back onto the baking sheet and gently tap off any excess coating using your hand or spoon.

Step 9: Drizzle Almond Bark

1. In another small heat-safe mixing bowl, microwave the white almond bark in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval until melted.
2. Using a spoon or small candy dipper, drizzle thin ribbons of melted almond bark over each coated cheesecake bite.

Step 10: Final Chill

Once all cheesecake bites are coated and drizzled, return them to the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Enjoy these Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites at your next gathering or as an easy dessert treat at home!

How to Serve Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites

Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. These creamy, chocolate-coated bites are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence at home. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.

Individual Dessert Cups

• Serve the cheesecake bites in small dessert cups for a fun and sophisticated touch. This presentation makes it easy for guests to enjoy them without any mess.

Party Platters

• Arrange the cheesecake bites on a colorful platter along with fresh fruits like strawberries and blueberries. This adds a refreshing contrast and makes an appealing centerpiece.

Dipping Station

• Create a dipping station by providing various toppings such as crushed nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut. Guests can customize their bites to suit their tastes.

Frozen Treats

• For a cool twist, freeze the cheesecake bites before serving. They make for a refreshing treat on warm days and are perfect for summer gatherings.

Gift Boxes

• Package the cheesecake bites in decorative gift boxes tied with ribbons. These make great homemade gifts for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.

How to Perfect Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites

To ensure your Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use softened cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to create a smooth mixture that blends well with the cake mix.
• Chill thoroughly: After mixing, chilling the mixture helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll into perfect balls.
• Microwave carefully: When melting the candy wafers and almond bark, microwave in short intervals to avoid scorching.
• Tap off excess coating: Gently tapping off any excess candy coating prevents the bites from becoming overly thick and helps maintain their shape.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Experiment with flavors: Consider adding different flavor extracts or colored candy melts to customize the cheesecake bites further.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites

Pairing side dishes with your Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some complementary options that work beautifully together.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can balance the sweetness of the cheesecake bites.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds an extra layer of indulgence when served alongside these delightful bites.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These classic treats pair perfectly with cheesecake flavors and add an elegant touch.
4. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can provide a light texture contrast and enhance flavor.
5. Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of nutty granola adds crunch and pairs nicely with the creamy cheesecake texture.
6. Coffee or Tea: Serving your cheesecake bites with a warm beverage can create a comforting dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Neglecting to heat treat the cake mix: This step is crucial for safety. Always microwave the dry cake mix before using it in your recipe.
• Overmixing the cream cheese: Mixing too long can introduce air, leading to a less dense texture. Mix just until smooth for optimal creaminess.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the mixture helps it firm up, making it easier to roll into bites. Don’t skip this; let it chill for at least two hours.
• Not coating evenly: Ensure each cheesecake bite is well-coated with candy melts. Use a spoon to help cover any bare spots after rolling in the melted coating.
• Failing to store properly: To maintain freshness, always store your cheesecake bites in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out or absorbing other odors.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites

• Place the cheesecake bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 5-10 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one bite at a time for about 10-15 seconds until just warm.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan on low heat for a few minutes; keep an eye on them so they don’t melt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites?

Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites are small, creamy desserts made with cherry chip cake mix and cream cheese, rolled into balls and coated in candy melts.

How do I customize Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites?

You can customize these bites by adding different flavor extracts, such as vanilla or almond, or incorporating nuts or sprinkles into the dough.

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.

Are there any variations of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use different cake mixes like chocolate or lemon, and pair them with various candy coatings to create unique flavors.

Conclusion

Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites are delightful treats that cater to everyone’s sweet tooth. Their simple preparation and versatility make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different flavors and coatings for a personal touch!

---