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These Strawberry Cheesecake Bites have become my secret weapon for parties and gatherings. The first time I made them everyone thought I'd spent hours in the kitchen but they're actually so simple. That creamy cheesecake center wrapped in pretty pink coating creates the most perfect little bites of happiness.
Why These Are Special
What I love most about these treats is how they bring smiles to everyone's faces. There's something about those pink little bites that makes people's eyes light up. They're just the right size for popping in your mouth and the combination of tangy cream cheese with sweet strawberry cake mix is absolutely irresistible.
What You'll Need
- Strawberry Cake Mix: 15.25 oz and yes we need to heat treat it I'll show you how.
- Cream Cheese: One 8 oz package let it soften naturally on your counter.
- Pink Candy Melts: 12 oz for that gorgeous coating.
- White Almond Bark: 4 oz optional but makes them look extra fancy.
Let's Make Them Together
- Safety First
- Pop that cake mix in the microwave two times for 30 seconds each let it cool completely trust me on this step.
- Mix The Magic
- Beat your softened cream cheese until it's silky then blend in that cooled cake mix. Into the fridge it goes for 2 hours.
- Roll Those Bites
- Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into little balls I like using slightly damp hands.
- Make Them Pretty
- Dip each ball in melted pink candy coating then drizzle with white almond bark if you're feeling fancy.
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Pure Joy In Every Bite
Each of these little gems starts with that satisfying crack of candy coating then melts into the creamiest cheesecake center you can imagine. The strawberry flavor is perfect not too sweet just right. My family can never eat just one.
Party Perfect
These bites have saved me at countless parties. No plates or forks needed just set them out and watch them disappear. During holidays I love adding festive sprinkles while the coating is still wet my kids help choose the colors.
Keep Them Fresh
If you somehow end up with leftovers they'll stay perfect in the fridge for about 5 days. That candy coating works like magic keeping everything fresh. I've learned to hide a few in the back of the fridge if I want any for myself later.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I switch things up using different cake mix flavors lemon is amazing in summer and chocolate is perfect for chocolate lovers. A tiny drop of strawberry extract makes the flavor pop even more and white chocolate coating looks just as pretty as pink.
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My Best Tips
After making these countless times I've learned a few tricks. Really let that cream cheese soften or you'll end up with lumps. Never skip heat treating the cake mix it's so important for food safety. And if the dough gets sticky just pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Perfect Coating Every Time
The secret to beautiful coating is patience. Melt those candy melts slowly stirring every 30 seconds. If they're too thick I add just a tiny bit of coconut oil. Then tap off the excess coating gently this gives you that perfect shell.
Make Them Look Special
I love setting these out in pretty paper cups on a serving tray. They look gorgeous next to a pot of coffee or hot chocolate. For parties I'll arrange them with other small desserts creating the sweetest little dessert buffet.
Quick Answers
My friends always ask if they can skip the candy coating and yes you can roll them in powdered sugar instead. Any color of candy melts works beautifully. And if you're watching your sugar intake try sugar free cake mix the texture stays just as good.
Last Minute Life Saver
These bites have saved me so many times when I needed a quick dessert. Once you've made them a few times you can whip them up without even thinking. They're my go to for unexpected guests or late night sweet cravings.
Pure Joy To Share
There's something special about sharing these pretty pink bites with people you love. Maybe it's their cheerful color or their perfect bite size but they just make people happy. Every time I make them I'm reminded why simple homemade treats are the best way to show you care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why heat treat the cake mix?
Raw flour can contain harmful bacteria. Heat treating makes the dry cake mix safe to eat without baking.
- → Why chill before coating?
Chilling helps the mixture firm up so it's easier to roll into balls and dip. The coating will also set better on cold centers.
- → Why use room temperature cream cheese?
Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly without lumps. Cold cream cheese can leave chunks in the mixture.
- → Can these be made ahead?
Yes, they can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. The coating keeps the centers fresh and they're perfect for make-ahead treats.
- → Why tap off excess coating?
Too much coating makes the bites too sweet and can pool at the bottom. Tapping creates an even, thin coating.
Conclusion
These no-bake treats combine strawberry cake mix and cream cheese to create bite-sized cheesecake centers covered in candy coating.