If you’re anything like me, you understand the pure joy that comes from bite-sized desserts that pack a punch. That’s why this Chocolate Cheesecake Bites Recipe has become my go-to indulgence—rich cream cheese filling, crumbly graham cracker crust, all coated in velvety semisweet chocolate. Let me walk you through how effortless and satisfying these little treats are!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made these chocolate covered cheesecake bites more times than I can count, and every time they wow a crowd or satisfy my late-night sweet tooth cravings. They’re simple to make but taste like something you’d find in a fancy bakery.
- Perfect Portion Size: Bite-sized squares mean no diving face-first into a giant cheesecake—just controlled, delightful indulgence.
- Layered Texture: Buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and a crispy chocolate shell make every bite a journey.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and freeze, so you always have a frozen treat ready to pull out.
- Customizable Chocolate: Use semisweet, dark, or even milk chocolate depending on your taste preferences.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you dive in, here’s a quick peek at the ingredients and why each one helps make these cheesecake bites irresistibly creamy and chocolaty. A quick grocery run is all it takes to gather these pantry staples.
- Graham crackers: Crushed fine, they create the buttery, slightly sweet crust that’s the perfect base layer.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the crumbs for a cohesive, richly flavored crust that holds together beautifully.
- Cream cheese: The star of the show that gives the filling its creamy, luscious texture—make sure it’s room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the tang of the cream cheese.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and keeps the filling smooth and moist.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help the filling set just right without being rubbery.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warm, comforting flavor notes that round out the cheesecake.
- All-purpose flour: Gives subtle stability to the filling, helping the cheesecake hold its shape after baking.
- Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the flavor complexity.
- Semisweet chocolate: The luscious coating that adds a crisp, glossy finish—and you can melt it smoothly with coconut oil.
- Coconut oil: Mixed with chocolate, it thins it for perfect dipping and gives a shiny coat to the bites.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Chocolate Cheesecake Bites Recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes or the occasion. Whether you’re craving an extra fudgy treat or want a festive twist, there’s a way to make these bites truly yours.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the graham crackers for gluten-free graham or almond flour crumbs. I tried this once for a friend with gluten intolerance, and the texture was just as buttery and crisp—no one could tell the difference!
- Chocolate Variety: Instead of semisweet, use dark chocolate for a richer bite or milk chocolate for a sweeter finish. I personally love mixing half semisweet and half dark for a balanced chocolate flavor.
- Seasonal Flavors: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the filling for a mocha twist or a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for warm holiday vibes.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use vegan cream cheese and coconut-based sour cream along with dairy-free chocolate and coconut oil to make these bites vegan-friendly. The texture remains creamy and indulgent I enjoyed making for a dairy-free gathering!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining an 8 by 8-inch square baking dish with foil. Don’t forget to spray it with non-stick cooking spray—this makes life so much easier when removing the cheesecake later. Using a food processor, pulse 9 graham crackers until they’re finely crushed, then add 1 stick of melted unsalted butter and pulse again until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan with the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. Bake for about 10 minutes until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing—and then place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Whipping Up a Fluffy Cheesecake Filling
Reduce your oven temperature to 325 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat 16 ounces of room temperature cream cheese and ½ cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Keep mixing for about 3 minutes until everything is perfectly smooth and fluffy—scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl once or twice to keep it even. Now, switch to low speed and add in ¼ cup sour cream, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, and ½ teaspoon fine sea salt. Mix just until combined—you want a silky batter without overworking it.
Step 3: Baking the Cheesecake to Set
Pour the creamy filling evenly over your cooled crust. Give the pan a few gentle taps on the counter—this helps release any trapped air bubbles and keeps your cheesecake smooth. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the cheesecake is slightly puffed and the center is mostly set but may still jiggle a little when shaken. Don’t worry, that’s perfect. Let it cool completely on the wire rack before transferring it to the freezer. Freeze for at least 3 hours or overnight until it’s firm and cold—this step is crucial for easy cutting and dipping later.
Step 4: Cutting and Dipping in Chocolate
Once your cheesecake is frozen solid, gently lift it from the pan using the foil, then use a sharp knife to cut it into 36 perfect bite-size squares. If any bites soften while you're dipping, no problem—just pop them back into the freezer for a bit to firm up again. To melt your chocolate coating, combine 16 ounces of semisweet chocolate with 4 tablespoons of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and melted. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, then dip each chilled cheesecake bite into the chocolate, let the excess drip off, and place them on the sheet. When all are coated, refrigerate to set the chocolate, then enjoy your decadent treats or store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Top Tip
Making the perfect Chocolate Cheesecake Bites Recipe can be a bit tricky, but these tips will help you nail it every time without stress.
- Keep It Cold: From my experience, chilling the cheesecake bites thoroughly before dipping them in chocolate is essential. It creates a smooth, firm coating that doesn’t melt or crack.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: I’ve learned that beating the cream cheese and sugar until just fluffy, then folding in the other ingredients on low speed, maintains the creamy texture without air pockets or cracks.
- Use Foil for Easy Removal: Lining your pan with foil makes lifting the cheesecake out a breeze — no crumbling or breaking apart, plus cleanup is faster!
- Freeze Between Steps: If you notice the bites softening during the chocolate coating process, pop them back in the freezer until they're nice and firm again. This saves a lot of frustration and keeps things neat.
How to Serve Chocolate Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Chocolate Cheesecake Bites with a pinch of sea salt for a gourmet salty-sweet flavor. For a pop of color and freshness, add finely chopped pistachios, crushed freeze-dried raspberries, or a light dusting of cocoa powder. A drizzle of white chocolate or a few mini chocolate chips on top before chilling also looks stunning and adds texture.
Side Dishes
These bite-sized treats pair beautifully with a cup of fresh coffee or espresso for a perfect afternoon indulgence. For a party spread, complement them with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to balance the richness. You might also serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Chocolate Cheesecake Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled to maintain that perfect creamy texture and to prevent the chocolate coating from melting or softening.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the bites in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container. They keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to keep the texture just right.
Reheating
Because these bites are best served chilled, avoid reheating. Instead, simply let frozen bites thaw in the fridge. If you’ve stored them chilled, serve straight from the refrigerator for the best creamy, smooth experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can swap semisweet chocolate with dark or milk chocolate depending on your flavor preference. Just make sure to add coconut oil as the recipe suggests to get a smooth and glossy coating.
Freezing firms up the cheesecake bites, making them easier to dip without crumbling or melting the filling. It also helps the chocolate set quickly into a clean, even coating.
Yes! They’re perfect make-ahead treats. Freeze or refrigerate them in airtight containers and pull them out shortly before serving. Just make sure they’re properly chilled before chocolate dipping.
Avoid overmixing the batter and bake at a steady 325 degrees F. Also, gently tapping the pan before baking helps release air bubbles. Letting the cheesecake cool completely before freezing also keeps cracks at bay.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cheesecake Bites Recipe is one of those little desserts that truly steals the show. From the buttery graham crust to the fluffy cream cheese filling and that irresistible chocolate coating, every bite feels like a special celebration. Whether for holidays, parties, or just a sweet treat to enjoy anytime, these bites are guaranteed to bring smiles. Take your time with chilling steps — trust me, the patience pays off in beautifully smooth, perfectly portioned treats that everyone will love.
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Chocolate Cheesecake Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Freezing Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 36 bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Bites featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth and fluffy cream cheese filling, and a rich semisweet chocolate coating. Perfectly portioned as bite-sized treats, these indulgent desserts are chilled to firm perfection before being dipped in chocolate for a decadent finish.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 9 whole (135 grams) graham crackers
- 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, completely softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
For the chocolate coating:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) semisweet chocolate
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 by 8-inch square baking dish with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until finely ground. Add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture is well moistened. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes until fragrant. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the filling: Lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until completely smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing. On low speed, add sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and sea salt, mixing just until combined—avoid overmixing.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the creamy filling batter over the cooled crust evenly. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the cheesecake is puffed slightly and the center is set but may still jiggle a little. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Freeze the cheesecake for 3 hours or overnight until firm and very cold.
- Cut and coat in chocolate: Once frozen solid, lift the cheesecake out of the pan by peeling away the foil gently. Using a sharp knife, cut the cheesecake into 36 bite-sized squares. If the bites become too soft for dipping, return them to the freezer until chilled again. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate and coconut oil. Heat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth. Place parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on a rimmed baking sheet. Dip each chilled cheesecake bite into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, then place onto the prepared sheet. Repeat until all bites are coated. Refrigerate until the chocolate coating is set. Serve chilled or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
- Ensure the cheesecake bites are as cold as possible before dipping in chocolate to create a smooth coating and avoid melting.
- If the cheesecake bites soften too much during dipping, return them to the freezer until firm again.
- You can substitute semisweet chocolate with dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
- Line your baking pan with foil for easy removal and cleanup.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite (approx. 25 grams)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
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