Pin It A show-stopping, interactive dessert board featuring creamy cheesecake bites and an array of delicious toppings for a customizable sweet experience.
I remember the first time I set out a deconstructed dessert board at a family gathering: everyone was excited to build their own bite, and it sparked lively conversation and laughter. It’s a dessert that truly brings people together.
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 the cream cheese and sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add flavorings and creams:
- 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 with graham crumbs:
- Roll half of the balls in graham cracker crumbs to coat; leave the rest plain for variety.
- Arrange the bites:
- Arrange cheesecake bites on a large serving board or platter.
- Prepare 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.
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One of my favorite moments is watching kids and adults alike gather around the board, experimenting with toppings and sharing their creations. It’s always a hit for birthdays and celebrations.
Required Tools
Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer, mixing bowls, cookie scoop or tablespoon, serving platter or board, and small bowls for toppings are needed to prepare and display this dessert board.
Allergen Information
This dessert contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream), gluten (graham crackers, Oreos), and nuts (pecans). It may also contain soy, coconut, and other allergens depending on topping choices. Always read ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 385 calories, 26 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.
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Enjoy assembling this dessert board with your loved ones—it’s easy to personalize and always leaves everyone smiling!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you keep cheesecake bites creamy and smooth?
Beat the cream cheese until fluffy and ensure all ingredients are room temperature before mixing. Chill before serving for best texture.
- → Can you make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cheesecake bites in advance and chill them. Assemble the board with toppings just before serving to keep everything fresh.
- → What are some topping variations for the board?
Include seasonal fruits, nut butters, crushed cookies, caramel, chocolate syrups, sprinkles, or toasted nuts for variety and flavor.
- → Are there gluten-free options available?
Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookies or digestive biscuits for guests with dietary restrictions.
- → What tools do you need for preparation?
You’ll need a mixer, mixing bowls, a cookie scoop or tablespoon, serving platter or board, and small bowls for arranging toppings.