Description
Sweet, creamy New York-style cheesecake meets irresistible crispy cinnamon bites in this crowd-pleasing dessert. Rich cream cheese and warm cinnamon create a delightful harmony that will have guests craving seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
Spices and Flavoring:
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Coating and Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes, ensuring a smooth, spreadable consistency for easy mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture becomes completely uniform and silky.
- Fold in graham cracker crumbs and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, blending thoroughly to create a cohesive cheesecake base.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, allowing it to firm up and become easier to handle.
- Prepare the crispy coating by combining panko breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, and remaining ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Drizzle melted butter over the breadcrumb mixture, stirring to create a slightly moistened, crumbly coating.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form compact balls from the chilled cheesecake mixture, rolling each one carefully in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, ensuring the temperature remains consistent for even frying.
- Carefully lower the coated cheesecake balls into the hot oil, frying in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the bites with a slotted spoon, placing them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Allow the crispy cheesecake bites to cool for 5 minutes before serving, which helps set the coating and prevent burning.
- Optionally dust with additional powdered sugar just before serving for extra sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Chill the cream cheese thoroughly to achieve a firmer texture that makes rolling easier and prevents crumbling during frying.
- Consider using low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version without compromising the rich, creamy flavor of the cheesecake bites.
- Test oil temperature with a small piece of breadcrumb mixture to ensure perfect golden-brown coating and prevent burning.
- Gluten-free option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg