Pin it 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 created this deconstructed dessert board, my friends couldn't get enough of pairing their own unique cheesecake bite combinations. It's always a hit at gatherings because everyone feels like a dessert artist.
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 Remaining Base Ingredients:
- Add vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream. Continue beating until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.
- Shape Cheesecake Bites:
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, form the cheesecake mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Coat With Crumbs:
- Roll half of the balls in graham cracker crumbs to coat. Leave the rest plain for variety.
- Assemble Board:
- Arrange cheesecake bites on a large serving board or platter.
- Arrange 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.
Pin it This dessert board has become our family's birthday favorite, with everyone reaching for their preferred toppings and laughing over the most outlandish cheesecake combinations.
Required Tools
Stand mixer or handheld mixer, mixing bowls, cookie scoop or tablespoon, serving board, and small bowls for toppings are the main items you'll need.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream), gluten (graham crackers, Oreos), nuts (pecans). May also include soy and coconut based on topping selection. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 385 calories, 26 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.
Pin it Set your board out just before serving for maximum impact and freshness. Guests will love crafting their own delicious combos.
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of toppings can be used?
Popular toppings include fresh berries, caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, crushed cookies, nuts, coconut flakes, and sprinkles.
- → Can the cheesecake bites be made ahead?
Yes, chilling the bites for 30 minutes before serving enhances flavor and texture, making preparation ahead possible.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this board?
Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookies for a suitable alternative without compromising taste.
- → What drinks pair well with this dessert board?
Coffee, dessert wine, or bubbly beverages complement the sweet and creamy elements of the dessert board beautifully.
- → How should the toppings be presented?
Arrange toppings in small bowls or directly on the board for easy access, encouraging guests to customize their bites.
- → Can the cheesecake bites be flavored differently?
Add lemon zest or a splash of liqueur to the cheesecake base for creative flavor variations.