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Oh my goodness, wait until you try these! I stumbled upon this recipe during a late-night craving for something sweet and crunchy. These Fried Cinnamon Crunch Cheesecake Bites combine my two obsessions creamy cheesecake and that beloved cinnamon cereal we all grew up with. Trust me they're absolutely addictive!
What Makes These So Special
Every time I make these little bites of heaven they disappear in minutes. The outside gets perfectly crispy with that wonderful cinnamon crunch while the inside stays creamy and rich. I originally made them for my daughter's sleepover party and now the girls request them every time they visit!
Let's Get Our Ingredients
- Grab two blocks of cream cheese. Make sure they're good and soft.
- A splash of vanilla because it makes everything better.
- Sugar to sweeten things up just right.
- Heavy cream for that perfect texture.
- Your favorite cinnamon cereal. You'll need 4 cups.
- Regular flour from the pantry.
- Fresh eggs for coating.
- Canola oil for frying.
- Some powdered sugar for that pretty finish.
Time to Create
- First Up: The Cheesecake Mix
- Beat your cream cheese with vanilla until it's super smooth. Add sugar and keep mixing. Trust me smooth is key here!
- Make it Extra Creamy
- Pour in that heavy cream and whip it good. You want it thick and dreamy.
- Chill Time
- Pop it in the freezer for 45 minutes. Perfect excuse to catch up on your favorite show.
- Shape Those Bites
- Scoop into little balls and freeze them again. Patience is worth it here!
Creating That Amazing Coating
Here's my favorite part crushing up that cinnamon cereal! I use my food processor but honestly smashing it in a bag works too. Set up your coating station with your crushed cereal flour and beaten eggs. It's about to get fun!
The Coating Process
This is where the magic happens! Roll each frozen ball in flour then dip in egg and coat with those crunchy crumbs. I usually do a double coating because more crunch is always better!
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Getting Ready to Fry
Heat up your oil carefully to 350°F. I keep my candy thermometer clipped to the side of the pot. Getting that temperature just right is super important for perfect results.
Frying Like a Pro
I learned to fry these in small batches the hard way. Now I do just 4 at a time and they come out perfectly golden every time. A minute is all they need to become crispy little dreams.
Time for the Finishing Touch
My kids always fight over who gets to dust these with powdered sugar. It's like adding sparkly snow to each bite and makes them look so pretty on the plate!
My Favorite Ways to Serve
We love setting up a little dipping station with warm caramel sauce chocolate ganache and sometimes even a quick berry compote I whip up. Everyone gets to try different combinations!
Why Freezing Really Matters
Trust me on the freezing steps. I've tried shortcuts but freezing the cheesecake mixture makes such a difference. It keeps everything together when frying and gives you that perfect creamy center.
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Mix Up Your Coating
Sometimes I switch things up and use graham crackers or chocolate cereal for the coating. My kids love helping pick different cereals to try. It's become our weekend kitchen experiment!
Storing Your Treats
If you somehow have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!) pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. A quick zap in the air fryer brings back that amazing crunch.
Perfect Party Food
These little bites are my secret weapon for parties. I can make them ahead freeze them and fry them up right before guests arrive. The smell brings everyone to the kitchen!
A Balanced Treat
While these are definitely indulgent they're not heavy like traditional cheesecake. The crispy outside and creamy inside create this perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more!
Kitchen Tools You'll Need
My stand mixer makes the filling super smooth but a hand mixer works great too. Don't forget your ice cream scoop for perfect portions and that thermometer for frying. These tools make everything so much easier!
Secrets to Even Frying
I learned this tip from my grandma never crowd the pot when frying! Keep those bites moving freely in the oil and you'll get that gorgeous golden color every time.
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Adding Extra Flavor
Sometimes I sneak a little cinnamon or nutmeg into the cheesecake mixture. It adds this wonderful warmth that goes perfectly with the crunchy coating. My family loves trying to guess the secret ingredient!
Make Them Extra Special
For fancy occasions I drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce. Sometimes I'll even sprinkle extra crushed cereal on top for more crunch. They look so pretty on a dessert table!
Share The Love
These cheesecake bites have become my signature dessert at family gatherings. There's something so special about sharing a treat that makes everyone smile. Don't forget to make extra because they'll definitely ask for the recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why freeze the bites twice?
- Double freezing ensures the cheesecake stays firm during coating and frying. The second freeze helps prevent melting when they hit the hot oil.
- → Why double coat in cereal crumbs?
- Double coating creates a thicker crust that provides better crunch and helps prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- You can prepare and coat the bites ahead, keeping them frozen until ready to fry. They're best served warm right after frying.
- → Why keep oil at 350°F?
- This temperature allows the coating to brown quickly while keeping the center frozen. Too low will make them greasy, too high will burn the coating.
- → Why only fry four at a time?
- Frying in small batches prevents overcrowding and keeps the oil temperature stable for even cooking.