Decadent Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Bites: A Simple No-Bake Dessert
These mini chocolate-dipped cheesecake bites offer the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake and rich chocolate in one delightful, bite-sized treat. Perfect for parties, gifts, or satisfying your sweet tooth any day of the week!
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Cook Time:
4 hours + 1 hour freezing
Calories:
Approximately 180 kcal per bite
ingredients
For the Cheesecake:
- 16 oz (2 cups) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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For the Chocolate Coating:
- 12 oz (1 1/2 cups) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Directions
Making the Cheesecake Base:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until thoroughly mixed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust.
- Refrigerate the crust while preparing the filling.
Preparing the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firmly set.
Cutting and Freezing:
- Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan.
- With a sharp knife, cut the cheesecake into 1-inch squares, cleaning the knife between cuts.
- Place the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour.
Chocolate Dipping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and vegetable oil.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
- Working quickly, dip each frozen cheesecake square into the melted chocolate using a fork.
- Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the dipped bites for about 15 minutes until the chocolate sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these cheesecake bites ahead of time?
- Yes! These bites can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Why do the cheesecake squares need to be frozen before dipping?
- Freezing helps the cheesecake squares maintain their shape during the dipping process. The frozen squares won’t melt or fall apart when they come in contact with the warm chocolate.
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
- Absolutely! You can use any type of chocolate you prefer – milk, dark, or even white chocolate. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile to your treats.
- How long do chocolate covered cheesecake bites last?
- When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Can I add flavors to the cheesecake filling? Yes! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond, mint, or lemon. You can also fold in mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit purees to customize the flavor.
Tools You'll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Sharp knife
- Baking sheets
- Fork for dipping
- Microwave-safe bowl
Tips
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Add a small amount of vegetable oil to your chocolate to make it smoother for dipping and to give the coating a nice shine.
- Work in small batches when dipping, keeping the rest of the cheesecake squares in the freezer until ready to dip.
- For decoration, you can drizzle with contrasting chocolate or sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, nuts, or sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- If the chocolate begins to thicken while dipping, reheat it briefly in the microwave.
Allergy Information
- Contains dairy products (cream cheese, sour cream, butter)
- Contains wheat (graham crackers, flour)
- May contain traces of nuts depending on the chocolate used
- Check graham cracker labels for potential allergens
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