Every time I make Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites, I'm transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my mom would whip up her dreamy desserts that always put a smile on our faces. The sweet aroma of cherry and chocolate was an irresistible invitation, and even now, just mixing the ingredients brings back those warm, cozy memories. These little bites are not just a treat; they’re a nostalgic experience that fills my heart with joy, and they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in with friends.

As the seasons change and celebrations come around, I find myself reaching for this recipe because it’s so versatile and festive. With a pop of color and a burst of flavor, Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites are like little bits of happiness that brighten up any dessert table. They’re easy to make, delightful to share, and I promise you, they vanish faster than you can say “yum!” So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this sweet endeavor together!

Why You’ll Love "Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites"

Quick and easy to prepare, taking only about 20 minutes of active time.
Perfect for family gatherings, kids love them, and they’re a hit with adults too!
Minimal ingredients needed—just a handful of pantry staples and a few extras.
Freezer-friendly! Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them later.
Colorful and fun, they add a pop of excitement to any dessert table.
Versatile—perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays or just a sweet treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

15.25 ounce box cherry chip cake mix – any brand will do, but I love the vibrant flavor from Duncan Hines!
8 ounce cream cheese, softened – make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing; Philadelphia is my go-to.
12 ounces bright pink candy wafer melts – these give a gorgeous color and sweetness; feel free to use other colors for variety.
4 ounces white almond bark – this adds a creamy layer; you can substitute with more candy melts if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's nice and hot when we're ready to bake our tasty bites!

Prepare the Cake Mix

Grab that box of cherry chip cake mix and follow the package instructions to prepare it. Usually, that means adding water, oil, and eggs, but check your box just to be sure!

Mix in Cream Cheese

Once your cake mix is ready, beat in the softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick; that’s just how we like it!

Form the Bites

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form small balls from the cheesecake mixture, about the size of a tablespoon. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Bake

Bake these beauties in your preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re slightly golden around the edges. The smell will be heavenly!

Cool Completely

Once they're out of the oven, let the cheesecake bites cool completely on the baking sheet. This is an important step; you don’t want to melt the coating later!

Melt the Coating

While the bites cool, melt the bright pink candy wafer melts and the white almond bark in separate microwave-safe bowls. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until everything is nice and smooth. Just be careful not to overheat!

Dip and Set

Now comes the fun part! Dip each cooled cheesecake bite into the melted candy, making sure it's fully coated. Then place them on a sheet of parchment paper to set. Use a fork to help you if you need a little extra finesse!

Store

Once the coating has set, store your Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!

Variations

Try using lemon or vanilla cake mix for a different flavor profile.
Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake mixture for a delightful crunch.
Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version.
Use different colored candy melts for festive occasions, like red for Valentine's Day or green for St. Patrick's Day.
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free cake mix.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Serve your Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites chilled for the best texture and flavor. They’re perfect as a sweet snack or a delightful dessert at parties. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with fresh cherries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. These bites are bite-sized, so they’re easy to grab and enjoy!

Storage

Store the cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best taste!

Helpful Notes

If you prefer a sweeter bite, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the melted coating.
Use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free option.
Feel free to mix in crushed nuts or sprinkles for added texture and fun!
For a more intense cherry flavor, incorporate some cherry pie filling into the cheesecake mixture.
These bites can also be made with low-fat cream cheese for a lighter treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites?

Yes, you can definitely freeze them! Just make sure they’re fully set and then store them in an airtight container. They should last up to a month in the freezer. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving for the best taste and texture.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, a dairy-free cream cheese can work well if you need a vegan option.

How can I make these bites gluten-free?

To make these bites gluten-free, simply choose a gluten-free cherry chip cake mix. There are many options available now, so you can enjoy these treats without worry! Just double-check the labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites as I am! They’re a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are sure to bring a smile to anyone who tries them. Whether you're serving them at a gathering or just treating yourself, these bites will be a hit! Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations and make them your own. Remember, the kitchen is all about joy and creativity. So roll up your sleeves, dive in, and enjoy every moment of this sweet experience. You’ve got this!

Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious cherry chip cheesecake bites coated in candy melts.

Ingredients

Scale

15.25 ounce box cherry chip cake mix
8 ounce cream cheese, softened
12 ounces bright pink candy wafer melts
4 ounces white almond bark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the cherry chip cake mix according to package instructions.
Mix in softened cream cheese until smooth.
Form small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly golden.
Let them cool completely.
Melt the pink candy wafers and white almond bark.
Dip each cheesecake bite into the melted candy and place on parchment paper to set.
Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

Ensure the cheesecake bites are fully cooled before dipping.
You can use different colors of candy melts for variety.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bite
Calories: 120
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Cherry Chip Cheesecake Bites, dessert, cheesecake, bites