Description
Delicious Fried Cheesecake Bites feature a sweet and creamy cheesecake filling coated in a light batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats are perfect as a decadent snack or dessert, served plain or with your choice 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
- 4 cups canola oil
Optional Garnishes
- powdered sugar
- jam
- chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and graham cracker crumbs, mixing until well combined.
- Shape Cheesecake Balls: Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of the mixture and mound them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. The shapes don't need to be perfect. Place the sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat Oil: Pour 4 cups of canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot, filling it at least 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 365 °F (185 °C).
- Prepare Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Gradually whisk in the milk until a smooth batter forms.
- Batter the Cheesecake Balls: Remove the frozen cheesecake balls from the freezer. If desired, gently round them more but handle minimally. Using a slotted spoon, dip a few balls at a time into the batter, turning to coat evenly.
- Fry the Bites: Carefully place the batter-coated balls into the hot oil, no more than three at once to maintain oil temperature. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, turning them for even cooking.
- Drain and Serve: Using tongs, remove the fried bites and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Serve warm, plain or topped with powdered sugar, jam, or chocolate sauce as desired.
Notes
- The cream cheese mixture should be firm enough to hold shape after freezing; do not skip freezing step.
- Maintain oil temperature at 365 °F for best results and crispy coating.
- Do not overcrowd the pot during frying to avoid temperature drop.
- Use whole milk in batter for richer flavor and texture.
- Optional garnishes like powdered sugar, jam, or chocolate sauce add sweetness and presentation appeal.
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
