Save to Pinterest A show-stopping, interactive dessert board featuring creamy cheesecake bites and an array of delicious toppings for a customizable sweet experience.
I first created this deconstructed dessert board for a birthday party and it instantly became the centerpiece of the table. Everyone loved assembling their own cheesecake bites with different toppings and it sparked so much fun conversation.
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 ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add remaining base ingredients:
- Add vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream and continue beating until creamy and well-combined.
- Shape cheesecake bites:
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, form the cheesecake mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Coat and arrange bites:
- Roll half of the balls in graham cracker crumbs to coat; leave the rest plain for variety.
- Prepare serving board:
- Arrange cheesecake bites on a large serving board or platter.
- Add toppings:
- Neatly arrange all toppings in small bowls or directly on the board around the cheesecake bites.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to dip, drizzle, and top their cheesecake bites as desired.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around the dessert board, debating which combination is best: caramel and pecans or berries and chocolate. It always ends in laughter and requests for 'just one more bite'.
Required Tools
To make this board, you will need a stand mixer or handheld mixer, mixing bowls, a cookie scoop or tablespoon, a serving platter or board, and small bowls for arranging toppings.
Allergen Information
This dessert board contains dairy, gluten, nuts, and may include soy or coconut in various toppings. Always review ingredient labels carefully for allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 385 calories, 26 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Arrange your dessert board just before guests arrive for the freshest look. Have fun mixing and matching toppings for a memorable sweet finale!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can the cheesecake bites be made ahead?
Yes, chilling the cheesecake bites for up to 24 hours enhances their flavor and texture. Store covered in the refrigerator.
- → What toppings work best for vibrant presentation?
Fresh berries, colorful sprinkles, caramel and chocolate sauces, and toasted nuts create a visually appealing spread.
- → Are gluten-free options available?
Absolutely! Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookies for the cheesecake bites as needed.
- → How should the dessert board be served?
Arrange cheesecake bites and toppings on a large board so guests can personalize each bite with dips and garnishes.
- → What drinks pair well with this dessert?
Coffee, dessert wine, or sparkling beverages complement the creamy and fruity flavors beautifully.
- → Are there nut-free alternatives for toppings?
Yes, use extra fruit, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips instead of nuts for a nut-free option.