Crispy Cotton Candy Cheesecake Bombs
Crispy Cotton Candy Cheesecake Bombs are delightful bite-sized desserts featuring a crunchy exterior and a luscious, creamy cheesecake filling infused with whimsical cotton candy flavor. Perfect for parties or personal indulgence, these treats combine unique textures and flavors for an irresistible, make-ahead sweet experience.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 20 bites
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free substitutions)
Cheesecake Filling
- Cream cheese – 8 oz (softened)
- Sugar – 1/2 cup
- Eggs – 2 large
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Cotton candy flavoring or essence – 1 teaspoon
- Powdered sugar – 2 tablespoons (optional, for folding in or dusting)
Crispy Coating
- Crispy cereal crumbs or panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
- Butter (melted) – 3 tablespoons
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Start by beating the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring. Ensure the mixture is fully incorporated to create a rich and creamy base.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the cheesecake filling and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm it up, making it easier to shape into bite-sized balls.
- Shape the Cheesecake Balls: Using a spoon or scoop, form the chilled mixture into small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for approximately 30 minutes to solidify.
- Prepare the Crispy Coating: Combine the crispy cereal crumbs or panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, mixing well to evenly coat the crumbs for a golden, crunchy finish.
- Coat the Cheesecake Bombs: Remove the cheesecake balls from the freezer and roll each one in the crispy coating mixture until fully covered, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Final Chill: Return the coated bombs to the freezer for another 15-20 minutes to set the coating firmly before serving.
Notes
- Chill in stages to maintain shape and crispiness.
- Use fresh cotton candy flavoring for the best taste.
- Press coating firmly to avoid exposed filling.
- Serve chilled to keep filling firm.
- Experiment by mixing nuts or cereals into the coating for varied textures.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite (about 25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cotton candy cheesecake, bite-sized dessert, crispy coating, no bake cheesecake, party treats