Save 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 served this deconstructed dessert board for family movie night, everyone loved experimenting with combinations—from the classic berry and caramel to playful sprinkles and coconut. It was a huge hit and got everyone talking!
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 and sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add other ingredients:
- Add vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream; beat until creamy and well-combined.
- Form cheesecake bites:
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to form the cheesecake mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Coat in crumbs:
- Roll half of the balls in graham cracker crumbs to coat; leave the rest plain for variety.
- Arrange bites on board:
- Place all cheesecake bites on a large serving board or platter.
- Prepare toppings:
- Arrange all toppings neatly in small bowls or directly on the board around the cheesecake bites.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, letting guests dip, drizzle, and top their cheesecake bites as desired.
Save Sharing this board became a new family tradition for birthdays—everyone gets to build their own dessert masterpiece.
Required Tools
Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer, mixing bowls, cookie scoop or tablespoon, serving platter or board, small bowls for toppings
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, gluten, and nuts. May contain soy, coconut, and other allergens depending on chosen toppings. Always check ingredients if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 385. Total Fat: 26 g. Carbohydrates: 32 g. Protein: 5 g.
Save This playful dessert board will be the highlight of your next get-together. Let guests create their own delicious combinations for a truly memorable treat!
Kitchen Questions
- → How do you ensure cheesecake bites are creamy?
Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and creams until completely smooth and fluffy for the best texture.
- → Can you prepare the bites ahead of time?
Yes, make the cheesecake balls in advance and chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and firmness.
- → What toppings work best for a dessert board?
Use fresh berries, chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, sprinkles, toasted nuts, and cookie crumbs for tasty variety.
- → Are gluten-free options available?
Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies and check toppings for gluten ingredients.
- → What is the recommended tool for forming bites?
A cookie scoop or tablespoon helps create evenly sized cheesecake bites effortlessly.
- → How can you add extra flavor?
Mix in lemon zest or a splash of liqueur to the cheesecake base for a flavorful twist.