Okay, listen up! If you need a little burst of happy in your life, something sweet and perfectly portioned, I’ve got just the thing. We’re talking **Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites**! Seriously, these little guys are my new obsession, and they are SO easy to whip up. I first stumbled upon this combo when I had some leftover maraschino cherries from a cocktail experiment (don’t ask!) and a serious cheesecake craving. I thought, why not smash them together? And wow, did it work! These aren’t fussy, full-sized cheesecakes you have to babysit. Nope, these are cute, bite-sized bundles of creamy, cherry-studded joy with a little chocolate chip surprise. They’re perfect for parties because everyone gets their own, but honestly, I make them just for me sometimes. They are the definition of simple pleasures in the kitchen.
The beauty of these **Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites** is how quickly they come together. You get all that rich cheesecake flavor without the fuss. Just a few simple steps, a little baking, a little chilling, and boom – you’ve got a tray full of deliciousness ready to go. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites
Okay, so why should you drop everything and make these **Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites** RIGHT NOW? Let me tell you! They are seriously addictive and check all the boxes for a perfect dessert:
- They’re super easy – no fancy techniques needed!
- Hello, built-in portion control! No cutting slices here.
- That flavor combo? Creamy cheesecake, sweet cherries, and a hint of chocolate? It’s pure magic.
- They look adorable, which is always a bonus!
Honestly, these are just plain fun to make and even more fun to eat. You get all the richness of cheesecake in a tiny, pop-able package.
The Perfect Treat
Whether you’re hosting a get-together, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just need a little sweet something after dinner, these **Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites** are your answer. They’re fancy enough for a party but simple enough to make on a Tuesday just because you feel like it. Everyone loves getting their own little treat!
Essential Equipment for Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites
You don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for these little beauties, which is another reason I love them! You’ll definitely need a mini muffin tin – that’s what gives them their perfect bite-size shape. And lots of cute paper liners, of course! You’ll also want a good-sized mixing bowl for the cheesecake batter and a smaller one for the crust. An electric mixer (handheld or stand) makes whipping up that creamy filling a breeze, but you can totally do it by hand with some elbow grease too. That’s really about it! See? Easy peasy.
Ingredients for Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This list is pretty straightforward, which is exactly how I like it. You’ll need:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (store-bought is fine, or make your own!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened (this is KEY!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (that lovely pink stuff from the jar!)
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
See? Nothing too wild here! We’ve got the classic cheesecake base with some fun additions. The cream cheese gives us that signature creamy texture, the sugar adds just the right sweetness, and those cherries and chocolate chips? They’re the party starters!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Okay, a couple of quick notes on these ingredients. First, please, please make sure your cream cheese is properly softened. Like, leave it on the counter for an hour or two. It makes a HUGE difference in getting a smooth, lump-free batter. Trust me on this one!
Also, I really recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. As for the cherries, I love the bright color and sweetness of maraschino cherries here, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try a little bit of cherry preserve swirled in, though the texture will be different. And mini chocolate chips are perfect because they distribute nicely in the small bites, but regular chips chopped up would work too!
How to Make Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making these adorable **Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites**! It’s really not complicated, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of deliciousness ready to chill.
Preparing the Crust
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line your mini muffin tin with those cute paper liners. Now, for the crust! Grab your graham cracker crumbs, the first bit of granulated sugar, and the melted butter. Stir them all together in a small bowl until it looks like wet sand. Easy, right? Now, take about a tablespoon of that mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of each lined muffin cup. I use the back of a small spoon or even my thumb. Make sure it’s packed down nicely – this is the sturdy base for your little cheesecakes!
Making the Cheesecake Filling
Now for the star of the show – the filling! In a nice big bowl, beat together your softened cream cheese and the remaining half cup of sugar until it’s super smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed! Beat in the vanilla extract next. Now, add the eggs one at a time, beating just until each egg is combined before adding the next. Don’t overmix here! Gently stir in that lovely pink maraschino cherry juice, the chopped cherries, and the mini chocolate chips. Give it a good but gentle stir to make sure everything is distributed evenly. Look at that beautiful pink batter!
Baking and Cooling
Time to fill those cups! Spoon the cheesecake mixture over your crusts, filling each cup about two-thirds of the way full. Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven. They’ll need about 15-20 minutes to bake. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set and the centers are just slightly jiggly. Don’t overbake them! They’ll keep setting as they cool. Let them cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part – waiting! Once they’re totally cool, pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours to chill and firm up properly. Trust me, the chilling time is essential for that perfect cheesecake texture!
Tips for Perfect Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites
Want your **Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites** to be absolutely perfect every single time? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up. First off, that room temperature cream cheese I mentioned? Seriously, it’s a game-changer. Cold cream cheese and sugar just don’t mix into that lovely smooth batter you want. Also, when you add the eggs, don’t go crazy with the mixer. Beat them in just until they’re combined. Overmixing can add too much air and make your cheesecakes crack. And finally, keep an eye on them in the oven! They bake pretty quickly because they’re so small. You want them set, but not dry. A little wobble in the very center is okay – they’ll firm up as they chill. Follow these little tips, and you’ll have the best **Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites**!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites
Got questions about these adorable **Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites**? Don’t worry, I’ve probably thought of them too! Here are a few common ones I get asked:
Can I make Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are actually *perfect* for making ahead. You can bake them, cool them completely, and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. In fact, making them ahead gives them plenty of time to chill and for the flavors to really meld together. Just pull them out when you’re ready to serve!
How should I store leftover Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites?
Leftovers? What leftovers?! Haha, if you do happen to have some of these **Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites** left, just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days. They’re best served chilled, so straight from the fridge is perfect.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While you *could* try using fresh cherries, I really recommend sticking with the maraschino cherries for this specific recipe. The maraschino cherry juice is essential for that lovely pink color and distinct flavor in the cheesecake batter, and the chopped maraschino cherries add that sweet, slightly chewy bite that works so well here. Fresh cherries have a different texture and a lot more moisture, which could mess with the cheesecake’s consistency. Plus, you’d miss out on that signature cherry chip vibe!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, so while I’m all about enjoying every single delicious bite of these **Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites**, I know some folks like to have an idea of what’s in them. Please keep in mind that any nutritional information here is just an estimate! The exact numbers will totally change depending on the specific brands of cream cheese, graham crackers, butter, and yes, even those maraschino cherries you use. Think of this as a ballpark figure, not a scientific fact. The most important thing is enjoying your baking and these tasty little treats!
Share Your Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites Experience
Okay, so you’ve made these adorable **Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites**? I want to hear ALL about it! Did you love them as much as I do? Did you make any fun tweaks? Please, pretty please, leave a comment below and tell me how they turned out! You can also rate the recipe – it helps other folks find it. And if you snap a picture of your beautiful bites, share it on social media and tag me! I absolutely LOVE seeing your creations. Happy baking!
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Amazing Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites in 3 steps
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bite-sized cheesecake treats with cherry flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line mini muffin tins with paper liners.
- In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press a tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each lined muffin cup.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in cherry juice, chopped cherries, and chocolate chips.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the crusts, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the centers are set.
- Let cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth batter.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake bites; they will continue to set as they cool.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cheesecake, cherry, chocolate chips, dessert, bite-sized