White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls
These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls are a decadent, bite-sized treat that combines the smooth richness of cheesecake with the tartness of fresh raspberries, all coated in creamy white chocolate. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or just as a special treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients:
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy twist)
- 1/4 cup (60g) raspberry preserves (or fresh raspberries, mashed)
- 1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs (for the “crust” inside)
For the White Chocolate Coating:
- 12 oz (340g) white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)
- 1-2 teaspoons coconut oil (optional, helps with smooth melting and glossy finish)
Instructions:
1. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the raspberry preserves or mashed fresh raspberries, making sure the mixture stays light and fluffy.
- Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until evenly distributed. The crumbs will give the cheesecake balls their “crust” texture and help them hold together.
2. Form the Cheesecake Balls:
- Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, take portions of the cheesecake mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Once all the cheesecake balls are rolled, refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to firm up. This step will make them easier to dip into the white chocolate coating.
3. Prepare the White Chocolate Coating:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
- Alternatively, you can melt the white chocolate over a double boiler on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Dip the Cheesecake Balls:
- Once the cheesecake balls have chilled, dip each one into the melted white chocolate, using a fork or a toothpick to hold them.
- Tap the fork gently on the side of the bowl to let any excess white chocolate drip off, then return the dipped cheesecake ball to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Optional: Before the white chocolate sets, you can sprinkle some crushed graham cracker crumbs, white chocolate shavings, or extra raspberry bits on top for added texture and decoration.
5. Chill and Set:
- Once all the cheesecake balls are coated, place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator and let the chocolate harden for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- The white chocolate will form a nice glossy coating over the cheesecake balls, making them look as beautiful as they taste!
6. Serve:
- Once set, transfer the cheesecake balls to a serving platter.
- Serve them chilled or at room temperature for a perfect bite-sized dessert.
Tips and Variations:
- Fresh Raspberries: If using fresh raspberries, mash them gently before adding them to the cheesecake mixture. You may need to adjust the sweetness slightly, depending on how tart your raspberries are.
- Make It Ahead: These cheesecake balls can be made ahead of time! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the balls on a baking sheet in the freezer, then transfer them to a sealed container or bag once they are solid.
- Decorative Touch: Add a small raspberry on top of each cheesecake ball after dipping it in white chocolate for a lovely, colorful garnish.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with other berry flavors such as blueberries, strawberries, or even blackberries for a different twist. You could also make a chocolate cheesecake version using dark or milk chocolate.
Why You’ll Love These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls:
- Perfectly Balanced: The sweetness of white chocolate and tangy raspberries creates a balanced, irresistible flavor.
- Bite-Sized Bliss: They’re so easy to pop into your mouth, making them a perfect treat for parties, gift-giving, or any occasion.
- Creamy and Rich: The cream cheese filling is smooth, rich, and tastes just like cheesecake, but in a convenient, portable form.
- Beautiful & Elegant: These little bites look gorgeous on any dessert table, thanks to the glossy white chocolate coating and vibrant raspberry filling.
These White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls will definitely be a hit wherever you serve them. They combine all the delicious flavors of cheesecake with the indulgent touch of white chocolate, making them a treat you’ll want to make again and again!
