Description
Fried Cheesecake Bites offer a delightful treat featuring creamy cheesecake filling coated in a light batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a decadent appetizer or dessert, these bites combine smooth, tangy cheesecake with a crispy outer shell that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Balls
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
Batter
- 4 cups canola oil (for frying)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk
Optional Garnishes
- Powdered sugar
- Jam
- Chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy freezing of the cheesecake balls.
- Make the cheesecake mixture: Using a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and graham cracker crumbs, then mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form cheesecake balls: Scoop 1 tablespoon-sized portions of the cheesecake mixture and shape them into mounds on the parchment-lined baking sheet. They don't need to be perfectly round. Freeze the balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat the oil: Pour 4 cups of canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot, ensuring the oil is at least 2 inches deep. Heat over medium to reach 365 °F (185 °C).
- Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Gradually whisk in whole milk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Fry the cheesecake bites: Place a baking sheet with paper towels next to the fryer for draining excess oil. Remove the frozen cheesecake balls and, if desired, gently round their shape. Dip a few balls at a time into the batter using a slotted spoon, ensuring they’re coated evenly. Carefully place no more than three balls into the hot oil to preserve oil temperature. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, turning to cook evenly. Remove with tongs and drain on the paper towels.
- Serve: Serve the fried cheesecake bites warm. Optionally, garnish with powdered sugar, jam, or chocolate sauce for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Freezing the cheesecake balls before frying helps maintain shape and prevents melting during frying.
- Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to maintain accurate oil temperature at 365 °F for optimal crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the oil to avoid lowering the temperature and resulting in greasy bites.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute cream cheese and milk with vegan versions.
- Let the bites cool slightly after frying as the filling will be very hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
