Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of cream cheese (8 oz)
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of Hagelslag (Dutch chocolate sprinkles)
Special equipment needed:
- Mini muffin tin
- Piping bag or plastic bag with a corner cut off
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Press a small spoonful of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each mini muffin cup. Use the back of the spoon to press it down firmly.
5. Pour the cream cheese mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about 3/4 of the way full.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheesecake bites are set and the edges are lightly golden.
7. Let the cheesecake bites cool completely in the muffin tin.
8. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
9. Dip each cheesecake bite into the chocolate mixture, using a fork to help coat it evenly. Place the chocolate-covered cheesecake bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Sprinkle the Hagelslag over the top of each cheesecake bite while the chocolate is still wet.
11. Let the chocolate set completely before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15-18 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 mini cheesecake bites
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 130
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total carbohydrates: 11g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed Oreos or digestive biscuits.
- Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips.
- Instead of Hagelslag, you can use chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed candy.
Variations:
- Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the cream cheese mixture for a mocha flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and some lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a lemon cheesecake flavor.
- Top the cheesecake bites with fresh fruit or fruit compote instead of chocolate and sprinkles.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the sugar to avoid lumps.
- Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off to fill the muffin cups with the cream cheese mixture for a neater appearance.
- Let the cheesecake bites cool completely before dipping them in the chocolate to prevent the chocolate from melting too quickly.
Storage instructions:
Store the chocolate-covered cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
Let the cheesecake bites come to room temperature before serving.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cheesecake bites on a platter and sprinkle some extra Hagelslag over the top for a festive look.
Garnishes:
Fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Pairings:
Coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheesecake bites are sticking to the muffin tin, run a knife around the edges to loosen them before removing them.
- If the chocolate is too thick to dip the cheesecake bites, add a little more heavy cream to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before preparing the recipe. Store the cheesecake bites in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 5 days.
Food history:
Cheesecake has been around since ancient Greece and was often served to athletes during the first Olympic games in 776 BC. The first recorded recipe for cheesecake dates back to 230 AD in a Roman cookbook.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, creamy, and chocolatey.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the chocolate-covered cheesecake bites as a dessert or a sweet snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Dutch
Taste: Sweet, Chocolatey, Creamy, Crunchy