If you’re craving a dessert that’s both crunchy and creamy, you’re going to adore this Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites Recipe. These little golden nuggets pack a sweet, smooth cheesecake center wrapped in a delightfully crisp fried batter—totally irresistible!

A white plate stacked with about twelve small, round, golden brown fried dough balls lightly dusted with powdered sugar, with several fresh, bright red raspberries placed around the base and on top. In the front, a split dough ball shows a soft, creamy white inside with a single raspberry resting on it. Behind the plate, there is a small clear glass jar filled with red raspberry jam and a wooden spoon sticking out. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making these Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites whenever I want to impress friends with something unique yet simple. They’re perfect for parties, cozy nights in, or whenever that sweet tooth calls out!

Creamy and Crunchy: The contrast between the silky cheesecake inside and the crisp outside is pure magic.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge.
Fun to Make: Rolling and frying these bites is a playful process that feels more like a treat than work.
Customizable Toppings: Serve them with powdered sugar, jam, or chocolate sauce to suit your mood.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, let’s talk ingredients. Using quality cream cheese and full-fat milk makes a huge difference in richness and texture, while graham cracker crumbs add a touch of classic cheesecake flavor. Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing!

Flat lay of a soft block of cream cheese, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a fresh lemon wedge, a small mound of golden graham cracker crumbs, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of whole milk, and a small white bowl of canola oil, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling—softened for that perfectly creamy texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and the batter just right without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake mixture.
Lemon juice: A splash brightens up the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Graham cracker crumbs: Bring that signature cheesecake crunch and slight nuttiness.
Canola oil: Ideal for deep frying because it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter, ensuring a light, crisp coating.
Baking powder: Gives the batter a subtle puffiness, so it’s not heavy.
Whole milk: Provides richness to the batter for better texture and flavor.
Optional garnishes: Powdered sugar, jam, or chocolate sauce take these bites to the next level.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to suit your taste buds or occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and toppings to make it truly your own!

Fruit-Infused Bites: I love adding finely chopped fresh strawberries or blueberries right into the cheesecake mixture for a burst of fruity freshness. It gives the bites a lovely surprise in every crispy bite.
Chocolate Lover's Twist: Mixing some mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake balls before freezing adds melty pockets of chocolate inside. Once fried, it’s pure indulgence!
Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. It works surprisingly well and keeps the texture just right.
Spiced Up Batter: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frying batter adds a warm, cozy dimension that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites Recipe

A close-up of a round dessert sliced in half on a white plate with a dark speckled edge, showing three visible layers: an outer golden brown crispy layer, a thick soft creamy white middle layer, and a glossy bright red sauce layer on top and around it, with extra sauce pooled on the bottom of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with red raspberries scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Cheesecake Mixture

Start by lining a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper—this will be where you place the cheesecake balls to chill. Next, using a stand mixer, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth and creamy. Then, add ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and ½ cup of graham cracker crumbs. Mix everything together until fully combined. The mixture should be thick but easily scoopable, with the graham crumbs giving a subtle crunch and flavor.

Step 2: Form and Freeze the Cheesecake Balls

Using a tablespoon measure or a small scoop, portion out the cheesecake mixture onto the lined baking sheet. They don’t have to be perfectly round—little mounds work just fine. This is the perfect time to keep your fingers clean with a scoop, as the mixture is soft. Once all 15 bites are formed, pop the baking sheet into the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to keep the cheesecake chilled and firm, so it won't melt too fast during frying.

Step 3: Heat the Oil and Prepare the Batter

Pour 4 cups of canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot, making sure the oil is at least 2 inches deep for a safe and even fry. Begin heating the oil over medium heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C). While waiting, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons baking powder in a medium bowl. Gradually add 1 cup of whole milk, whisking continuously until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. Letting the batter rest for a few minutes here can help create an even crispier coating.

Step 4: Coat and Fry the Cheesecake Bites

Once the oil is hot enough, line a baking sheet with paper towels and place it next to the pot to drain the fried bites. Take the cheesecake balls out of the freezer—if you'd like, gently reshape them to smooth out any rough spots, but handle them lightly to keep them firm. Using a slotted spoon, dip a few balls at a time into the batter to coat them thoroughly. Carefully lower the coated balls into the hot oil, cooking no more than three at once to avoid lowering the oil temperature. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning gently so they develop an even golden-brown, crispy exterior. Use tongs to remove them once done, and let them drain on the paper towels.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites warm for the best experience. You can keep them simple, dusted with powdered sugar, or dress them up with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a side of your favorite jam. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of a crunchy shell with a luscious, creamy center—a little piece of heaven for any dessert lover.

Top Tip

Making Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites Recipe can be a bit tricky at first, but a few tried-and-true tips will make your bites perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy inside every single time.

Freeze the cheesecake balls well: Freezing the balls for at least 30 minutes helps them hold their shape while frying and prevents the creamy center from melting too fast.
Don’t overcrowd the oil: Fry no more than 3 bites at a time to keep the oil temperature steady at 365°F (185°C), which is key to that golden crispy coating.
Batter consistency matters: Whisk the batter until smooth and let it rest briefly before frying. This helps create a light, even coating that crisps up beautifully.
Use a deep heavy-bottomed pot: It ensures even heat distribution and safer frying, making the whole process more manageable and successful.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites Recipe

A glass bowl filled with a creamy light beige batter that has a smooth and swirled texture sits in the center on a white marbled surface. Around it are three smaller white bowls: one contains fine golden crumbs, another has a small amount of light yellow liquid, and the third holds white granulated sugar with a silver measuring spoon inside. To the bottom right, two metal beaters covered with the same batter rest on the surface. The scene is well lit and clean, showing the ingredients and preparation for baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle powdered sugar over your warm cheesecake bites. You can also serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like strawberry jam or a rich chocolate sauce. A drizzle of honey or a side of fresh berries works wonderfully too—feel free to get creative and match the garnishes to your mood or occasion.

Side Dishes

Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites are delightful on their own, but pairing them with fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns them into a decadent dessert experience. Light, refreshing sides like lemon sorbet or even a simple cup of coffee or tea complement the sweetness and richness perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind they are best enjoyed fresh, but refrigeration will keep them safe and tasty for a short while.

Freezing

You can freeze the cheesecake balls before frying—place them on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer for at least 30 minutes until firm. For longer storage of fried bites, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or bag. Use within 1 month for the best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, place the fried cheesecake bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up without losing that creamy center. Avoid the microwave as it will make them soggy and less enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes! While canola oil is recommended for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, you can also use vegetable oil or peanut oil. Just make sure the oil has a high smoke point to fry safely at 365°F (185°C).

What’s the best way to prevent the cheesecake from melting inside?

Freezing the cheesecake balls for at least 30 minutes before frying is crucial. This helps them firm up so they stay creamy but don’t melt into the oil while frying.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

I recommend making the batter just before frying for the best texture. However, you can mix it a few minutes in advance and let it rest to improve crispness—just give it a quick whisk before dipping.

How many bites does this recipe yield?

This Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites Recipe yields about 15 bites, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet snack.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up these Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites feels like treating yourself to a little slice of heaven. The contrast between the crunchy golden outside and the luscious creamy center is simply irresistible. Whether you serve them at a party or sneak a few for yourself, I hope this recipe brings a smile to your kitchen and your taste buds. Happy frying and enjoy every decadent bite!