Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks
These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites combine a buttery graham cracker base, a velvety cream cheese center, and a vibrant strawberry glaze topped with a signature shortbread crunch. They are the perfect bite-sized indulgence for parties or a quick sweet fix.
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Base:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Strawberry Layer & Crunch:
- ½ cup strawberry preserves or seedless jam
- ½ cup crushed golden Oreos or shortbread cookies
- 2 tbsp strawberry gelatin powder (dry)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Preparation
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Mix the graham cracker crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth. Add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid whipping too much air into the batter.
- Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Create the Crunch: In a small bowl, toss the crushed cookies with the dry strawberry gelatin powder and 1 tablespoon of melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated and pink.
- Assemble: Once the cheesecake is chilled and firm, spread a thin, even layer of strawberry preserves over the top. Generously sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture over the preserves, pressing down very lightly so it sticks.
- Slice: Lift the parchment paper to remove the cheesecake from the pan. Use a sharp, warm knife to cut into small uniform squares.
Pro Tip: For clean, professional-looking “chunks,” wipe your knife blade clean with a warm, damp cloth between every single cut. This prevents the strawberry glaze from smearing into the white cheesecake layer.
