Raspberry Cheesecake Bites with Chocolate Crust
These raspberry cheesecake bites solve my biggest issue with regular cheesecake – it’s just too much. Instead of committing to a huge slice, you get perfect two-bite portions with all the creamy richness you want.
The chocolate cookie crust adds just enough crunch and bitterness to balance the sweet-tart raspberry topping. I make these in a mini muffin tin, which means you can prep a batch and freeze them for later. They’re ideal for parties since people can grab one without needing a plate and fork.
Plus, they look fancy even though the process is pretty straightforward. Just make sure to give them enough time to chill properly – rushing that step never ends well.
What you need for Raspberry Cheesecake Bites with Chocolate Crust
Ingredients:
– 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
– 4 tablespoons melted butter
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2/3 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 2 tablespoons raspberry jam
– Pinch of salt
How to make Raspberry Cheesecake Bites
1. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners – I find these make it much easier to remove the cheesecakes later without breaking them.
2. For the crust, pulse the chocolate cookies in a food processor until they’re fine crumbs – about 30 seconds. You want them to look like dark, wet sand. If you see any big chunks, keep pulsing.
3. Pour in the melted butter while the processor is running. The mixture should look like damp soil and hold together when you squeeze it in your palm. If it seems too dry, add another tablespoon of butter.
4. Press about 1½ tablespoons of the crumb mixture into each muffin cup. Use the bottom of a shot glass or measuring spoon to really pack it down firmly – this helps prevent a crumbly crust later. Pop the pan in the fridge while you make the filling.
5. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and lump-free – about 2 minutes. Don’t rush this step! Those cream cheese lumps won’t disappear during baking.
6. Add the sugar and beat until the mixture looks fluffy and lighter in color, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl really well.
7. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each disappears. Add the vanilla, sour cream, and salt. Mix until everything’s just combined – overbeating at this point can cause cracks.
8. Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, breaking them up slightly as you go. You want little pockets of fruit throughout.
9. Warm the raspberry jam in the microwave for about 15 seconds until it’s runny. Stir it into the batter.
10. Fill each muffin cup almost to the top – these don’t rise much. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to remove air bubbles.
11. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still have a slight wobble when you gently shake the pan. They should look like firm Jell-O – if they’re completely firm, they’re overbaked.
12. Let them cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge for at least 2 hours. They’ll firm up as they chill and the flavor gets even better.
Makes 12 cheesecake bites that’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days – if they last that long!
Here’s my no-nonsense companion guide:
RECIPE NOTES & TIPS:
• Room temp ingredients are crucial – set cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream out 1 hour before
• No food processor? Smash cookies in a zip bag with a rolling pin
• Avoid low-fat cream cheese – it makes watery cheesecakes
• Quick cream cheese softening: unwrap and microwave 20-30 seconds
• Fresh raspberries can be swapped for frozen – just don’t thaw them first
• If tops crack, no worries – cover with whipped cream or extra jam
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
• Drinks: Prosecco, dessert wine, or coffee
• Amazing with dark chocolate sauce drizzled on top
• Add a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh raspberry
• Serve slightly chilled, not ice cold – flavors pop better
OCCASION ADJUSTMENTS:
• Fancy dinner: Plate with raspberry coulis and mint leaves
• Potluck: Transport in muffin tin with plastic wrap
• Kids’ party: Skip raspberries, add mini chocolate chips
• Make-ahead dinner party: Can prep 2 days ahead
• Summer BBQ: Freeze for 30 mins before serving
STORAGE & LEFTOVERS:
• Keep refrigerated up to 4 days
• Freeze for up to 2 months wrapped individually
• Thaw overnight in fridge
• Don’t leave out more than 2 hours at room temp
• Store in airtight container – they absorb fridge smells easily
