Description
These bite-sized treats combine creamy cheesecake squares coated in a crisp golden crust, fried to perfection, and finished with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of warm honey syrup. A luxurious dessert that’s both rich and crunchy with a nutty, aromatic twist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 450 g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
- Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower)
- ½ cup (120 ml) honey
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup crushed pistachios
- 2 tbsp chopped candied cherries or pomegranate seeds (optional)
- Whipped cream or mascarpone for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a 9×9-inch (23 cm) baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, vanilla, and lemon juice until creamy.
- Pour into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set. Cool completely, then freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Cut the frozen cheesecake into bite-sized cubes. Dredge each cube in flour, then egg, then graham cracker crumbs to coat evenly.
- Freeze again for 15–20 minutes to firm up before frying.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 175°C (350°F). Fry a few pieces at a time until golden brown, about 45–60 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels and let cool slightly.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer for 2–3 minutes, then drizzle over the warm cheesecake bites.
- Top each piece with a small dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios and candied cherries or pomegranate seeds. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the cheesecake is completely cooled before freezing to make cutting easier.
- Frying in small batches helps maintain the oil temperature.
- For a different flavor, try adding spices like cinnamon to the graham cracker coating.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg