This delightful recipe for Fried Cheesecake Bites, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, transforms classic cheesecake flavor into fun, bite-sized treats. Perfect for parties or a special dessert, these fried cheesecake balls are surprisingly easy to make and utterly irresistible. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unique twist on cheesecake!
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
For the Batter:
- 3 cups vegetable oil, for deep-frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
Close-up of golden brown Pioneer Woman fried cheesecake bites, a delicious and easy dessert recipe.
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and graham cracker crumbs until well combined.
- Shape the Cheesecake Balls: Use a small ice cream scoop or melon baller to scoop out approximately 1-inch balls of the cheesecake filling. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the Filling: Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze the cheesecake balls for at least 30 to 60 minutes, or until firm. This step is crucial for preventing the cheesecake from melting during frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for best frying results.
- Make the Batter: While the oil is heating, prepare the batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the whole milk, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Ensure there are no lumps for a consistent coating.
- Fry the Cheesecake Bites: Once the oil is hot and the cheesecake balls are frozen, carefully dip each ball into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently drop the battered cheesecake balls into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot and lowering the oil temperature.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Fry the cheesecake bites for 2-3 minutes per batch, turning them occasionally to ensure even golden brown color on all sides. Monitor closely and remove them promptly if you notice any cheesecake filling leaking out.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the fried cheesecake bites from the oil. Place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy and less greasy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these Pioneer Woman inspired fried cheesecake bites warm. They are delicious on their own or with your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra touch, drizzle the fried cheesecake bites with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or berry sauce. Alternatively, serve them with a classic pairing of canned cherries and a dollop of whipped cream. These fried cheesecake bites are best enjoyed immediately while they are still warm and crispy. This recipe is adapted from the popular Food Network, bringing a taste of Ree Drummond’s delightful desserts to your kitchen.
