Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Surprise Inside Cheesecake Bites are a fun and delightful twist on traditional cheesecake, featuring a hidden candy or cookie center surrounded by creamy cheesecake and finished with a chocolate shell or topping. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, gifts, or anytime you want a fun, indulgent dessert that adds an element of surprise.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cream cheesegranulated sugarsour creamvanilla extracteggsall-purpose flourmini chocolate bars or sandwich cookies (for the surprise center)chocolate chips or candy melts (for coating)crushed graham crackers (optional)
directions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a mini muffin pan with paper liners or grease lightly.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing until fully combined.
Stir in the flour until just incorporated.
Place a small candy or cookie in the bottom of each muffin cup.
Spoon the cheesecake batter over the surprise center, filling each cup almost to the top.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the centers are set.
Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Once chilled, dip the tops in melted chocolate or candy melts and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 cheesecake bites.Preparation time: 20 minutesBaking time: 15-18 minutesCooling and chilling time: 2.5 hoursTotal time: about 3 hours
Variations
Use mini peanut butter cups, caramels, or fruit pieces as the surprise inside.
Try white chocolate or dark chocolate for the coating.
Add food coloring to the cheesecake batter for themed events.
Top with sprinkles, nuts, or coconut for added texture and flair.
storage/reheating
Store Surprise Inside Cheesecake Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw in the refrigerator before serving.Not recommended for reheating; best enjoyed chilled.
FAQs
What kind of candy works best for the center?
Mini chocolate bars, peanut butter cups, or sandwich cookies are great choices that hold their shape.
Can I use a regular muffin pan?
Yes, just increase baking time by a few minutes and adjust for larger size.
Do I need to use a water bath?
Not for this recipe—mini cheesecakes bake evenly without one.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they’re ideal for making a day or two in advance.
Can I skip the chocolate coating?
Absolutely, they’re still delicious with just the cheesecake filling.
Why did my cheesecake bites crack?
Overbaking or rapid cooling can cause cracks; don’t worry, the topping will cover them.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes, they’re fun and sized just right for small hands.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes, but reduce added sugar if using sweetened varieties.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
Yes, due to the dairy content, keep them chilled.
Can I add fruit instead of candy?
Yes, a cherry or berry center works beautifully too.
Conclusion
Surprise Inside Cheesecake Bites are the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and playful. With a hidden treat in every bite and endless customization options, they’re a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Make a batch and enjoy the smiles when people discover the sweet secret inside.
PrintSurprise Inside Cheesecake Bites
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 18 bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No-bake cheesecake bites with a colorful funfetti twist and a surprise mini candy center, dipped in white chocolate for an extra sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box Funfetti cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
- 18 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine Funfetti cake mix, cream cheese, and vanilla until a smooth dough forms.
- Mix in the sprinkles gently.
- Scoop out a portion of dough, flatten slightly, and press a mini Reese’s cup into the center.
- Wrap dough around the candy to form a ball. Repeat for remaining ingredients.
- Melt white chocolate wafers according to package instructions.
- Dip each ball into melted chocolate, let excess drip off, and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Do not bake the cake mix; it’s meant to be consumed raw with cream cheese.
- Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to mix smoothly.
- Substitute mini Reese’s with other mini candies if desired.
- Chill thoroughly for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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