🍓 Recipe: Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites
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Prep time: 30 mins
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Bake time: 20-22 mins
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Chilling time: 4 hours (minimum)
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Servings: 24 bites
Ingredients
The Crust
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20 Golden Oreo cookies (finely crushed)
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4 tbsp Unsalted butter (melted)
The Cheesecake Filling
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16 oz Cream cheese (2 blocks, softened to room temperature)
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1/2 cup Granulated sugar
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2 Large eggs (room temperature)
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1/4 cup Sour cream
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1 tsp Vanilla extract
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2 tbsp Strawberry jam (swirled in or mixed)
The Strawberry Crunch Topping
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10 Golden Oreo cookies (crushed into small chunks)
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1/2 cup Freeze-dried strawberries (crushed)
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2 tbsp Unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
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Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
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Make the Crust: Mix the crushed Golden Oreos and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool.
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Cream the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and airy. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix well.
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Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix, or the cheesecake will crack.
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Bake: Pour the batter over the crust. Drop small dollops of strawberry jam onto the surface and swirl with a toothpick. Bake for 20–22 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
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The Crunch: While the cheesecake cools, toss the 10 crushed Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries with 2 tbsp melted butter.
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Assemble & Chill: Once the cheesecake is room temperature, press the crunch topping evenly over the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
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Slice: Lift the parchment paper to remove the block. Slice into 24 squares.
💡 Pro Tips for Success
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Room Temp is King: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are truly room temperature to avoid a lumpy batter.
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Don’t Overbake: If the top starts to brown, it’s in too long. It should look “set” but still move slightly in the middle.
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Clean Cuts: Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between every single cut for those perfect, professional-looking squares.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
| Calories | Total Fat | Carbs | Protein | Sugar |
| 185 kcal | 12g | 17g | 2g | 11g |
✨ The Benefit
These bites are portion-controlled perfection. You get the rich, decadent experience of a full cheesecake without the commitment (or the heavy cleanup) of a multi-layer cake. Plus, the freeze-dried strawberries provide a massive punch of natural flavor and Vitamin C without adding excess moisture to the batter.
❓ Common Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use fresh strawberries for the topping?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it for the “crunch.” Fresh berries will release juice and turn the topping soggy within an hour. Stick to freeze-dried for that iconic texture.
Q: How long do these stay fresh?
A: They’ll stay delicious in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes! They freeze beautifully. Freeze them on a tray first, then pop them into a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.