Save A show-stopping, interactive dessert board featuring creamy cheesecake bites and an array of delicious toppings for a customizable sweet experience.
The first time I made this deconstructed board for my family, everyone loved building their own cheesecake bites with different toppings. It made dessert feel festive and interactive, and even picky eaters found toppings they enjoyed.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: 16 oz (450 g), softened
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Sour cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 cup (120 g)
- Fresh strawberries: 1 cup (150 g), sliced
- Fresh blueberries: 1 cup (125 g)
- Raspberries: 1 cup (150 g)
- Salted caramel sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Chocolate ganache or hot fudge: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Crushed Oreos: 1/2 cup (80 g)
- Chopped toasted pecans: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Mini chocolate chips: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Toasted coconut flakes: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Rainbow sprinkles: 1/4 cup (40 g)
Instructions
- Beat Cream Cheese & Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream; continue beating until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.
- Form Cheesecake Bites:
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, form the cheesecake mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Coat Bites with Crumbs:
- Roll half of the balls in graham cracker crumbs to coat; leave the rest plain for variety.
- Arrange on Board:
- Arrange cheesecake bites on a large serving board or platter.
- Display Toppings:
- Neatly arrange all toppings in small bowls or directly on the board around the cheesecake bites.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to dip, drizzle, and top their cheesecake bites as desired.
Save Our family loves making this board for birthdays and holidays. We gather around and everyone has fun choosing their favorite combinations, turning dessert into a memorable moment together.
Required Tools
Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer, mixing bowls, cookie scoop or tablespoon, serving platter or board, small bowls for toppings
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream), gluten (graham crackers, Oreos), and nuts (pecans). May contain soy (chocolate), coconut, and other allergens depending on topping choices. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 385 Protein: 5 g Total Fat: 26 g Carbohydrates: 32 g per serving
Save This dessert board always makes gatherings more special and leaves everyone smiling long after the last bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you achieve creamy cheesecake bites?
Use softened cream cheese and beat with sugar until smooth, then add sour cream, vanilla, and heavy cream for a rich texture.
- → Can I make cheesecake bites ahead of time?
Yes, chill the bites for up to 24 hours before serving. This helps flavors meld and enhances texture.
- → What toppings work best for the board?
Berries, caramel, chocolate sauce, crushed cookies, nuts, and coconut offer a mix of flavors and textures for customization.
- → Are there gluten-free options for coating?
Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookies or digestive biscuits to maintain variety for dietary needs.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store toppings separately.
- → Can I add extra flavors to the cheesecake base?
Lemon zest or a splash of liqueur can be mixed in for more depth and a personalized touch.