Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Bites (Printable)
Bite-sized delights with creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and rich chocolate. Ideal for entertaining or a sweet indulgence.
# What You Need:
→ Cheesecake Filling
01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
→ Strawberries
05 - 24 medium fresh strawberries, hulled
→ Chocolate Coating
06 - 7 ounces dark or milk chocolate, chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon coconut oil or unsalted butter
→ Optional Garnish
08 - 2 tablespoons melted white chocolate
09 - Crushed freeze-dried strawberries or sprinkles
# Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until thoroughly smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate the heavy cream, continuing to beat until the mixture achieves a light and fluffy consistency.
02 - Carefully core each strawberry from its base, creating a small internal cavity without cutting completely through the berry.
03 - Transfer the prepared cheesecake filling into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Precisely pipe the filling into each strawberry cavity, allowing for a slight overfill.
04 - Arrange the filled strawberries on a parchment-lined baking tray. Freeze for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the filling becomes firm.
05 - Concurrently, combine the chopped chocolate and coconut oil (or unsalted butter) in a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (bain-marie method), stirring continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
06 - Using a fork or a specialized dipping tool, immerse each chilled, filled strawberry into the slightly cooled melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Return the coated strawberries to the parchment-lined tray.
07 - If desired, artfully drizzle the strawberries with melted white chocolate. Finish by sprinkling with crushed freeze-dried strawberries or decorative sprinkles.
08 - Refrigerate the strawberries for a minimum of 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is fully set. Serve chilled for optimal enjoyment.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You won't believe how simple it is to look like a culinary genius with these.
- They're the perfect refreshing pop of flavor and texture for any occasion, especially when the weather warms up.
02 -
- Always ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature, otherwise, you'll battle stubborn lumps in your filling.
- The freezing step is non-negotiable; cold berries ensure the chocolate sets quickly and creates that perfect shell, preventing a melty mess.
03 -
- For the smoothest filling possible, ensure your cream cheese is at true room temperature – patience here is a virtue!
- Use a tall, narrow glass for your melted chocolate; it makes dipping easier and ensures a more even coating with less mess.