Description
Fried Cheesecake Bites are a delightful treat featuring a sweet and creamy cheesecake filling coated in a light batter and deep fried to golden brown perfection. Crispy on the outside and smooth on the inside, these bite-sized desserts are perfect for sharing or indulging in a delicious snack.
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 and Frying
- 4 cups canola oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk
- Optional garnish: powdered sugar, jam, chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to place the cheesecake balls on.
- Make cheesecake mixture: In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and graham cracker crumbs and mix until fully combined.
- Form cheesecake balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake mixture at a time and place onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, forming mounds. They don’t need to be perfectly round.
- Freeze cheesecake balls: Place the baking sheet with the cheesecake balls into the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat the oil: Pour 4 cups of canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot, ensuring it is at least 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 365°F (185°C).
- Prepare the batter: While the oil heats, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in milk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Fry the bites: Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place next to the frying pot. Remove cheesecake balls from the freezer. Optionally, round them out gently. Using a slotted spoon, dip a few balls at a time into the batter to coat thoroughly.
- Cook the bites: Carefully place the batter-coated cheesecake balls into the hot oil, frying no more than 3 at a time to maintain oil temperature. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning to ensure even browning. Remove with tongs and drain on the paper towel-lined baking sheet.
- Serve and garnish: Serve warm plain or with garnishes like powdered sugar, jam, or chocolate sauce as desired.
Notes
- Chilling the cheesecake balls before frying is essential to prevent them from melting too quickly in the oil.
- Do not overcrowd the oil to maintain proper frying temperature and crispy texture.
- Use a deep heavy-bottomed pot for safer deep frying and even heat distribution.
- You can use half-and-half or whole milk for richer batter; skim milk may produce a thinner batter.
- For a crispier coating, let the batter rest a few minutes before frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
