Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites With Chocolate Almond Glaze

Looking for a dessert that’s both elegant and utterly delicious? These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites with a luscious Chocolate Almond Glaze are the answer! These no-bake cheesecake bites combine the creamy tang of cheesecake with the sweet burst of fresh strawberries and a satisfying crunch from toasted almonds. Finished with a rich, decadent chocolate-almond glaze, they’re perfect for parties, special occasions, or simply a delightful treat for yourself. This recipe is crafted with halal ingredients, ensuring everyone can enjoy this exquisite dessert. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 150g (5oz) Graham Cracker Crumbs (or Halal Digestive Biscuits) – about 1 ½ cups: We’re using graham cracker crumbs as the base for our crust, providing a lovely texture and subtle sweetness. If you prefer, halal-certified digestive biscuits work beautifully as a substitute, offering a similar crumbly base.
• 60g (¼ cup) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Melted unsalted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together, creating a firm and flavorful crust. Using unsalted butter allows us to control the overall saltiness of the dessert.
• 400g (14oz) Halal-Certified Cream Cheese, Softened: The star of our cheesecake! Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps and achieve a perfectly smooth and creamy texture. Using halal-certified cream cheese is essential for those following halal dietary guidelines.
• 100g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar provides the necessary sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese and strawberries.
• 2 Large Eggs, Room Temperature: Eggs add richness and structure to the cheesecake filling. Using room temperature eggs ensures they incorporate smoothly and evenly.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth. Be sure to use alcohol-free vanilla extract to maintain halal compliance.
• 150g (1 ½ cup) Fresh Strawberries, Pureed: Fresh strawberries bring a vibrant color and delightful fruity flavor to the cheesecake. Pureeing them ensures a smooth and even distribution of strawberry goodness throughout the filling.
• 50g (½ cup) Toasted Almond Slivers, Chopped: Toasted almond slivers provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the strawberries and chocolate beautifully. Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and texture.
• 150g (5oz) Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao, Halal-Certified): High-quality dark chocolate with 70% cacao provides a rich and intense chocolate flavor for our glaze. Opting for halal-certified dark chocolate is crucial for maintaining halal standards.
• 30g (2 tbsp) Almond Butter: Almond butter adds a creamy texture and subtle almond flavor to the chocolate glaze, enhancing its richness and complexity.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) Pure Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness and a delicate maple flavor to the glaze, balancing the bitterness of the dark chocolate.
• Pinch of Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavors of the chocolate and almonds, creating a more balanced and satisfying glaze.

Substitutions

Graham Crackers: If you can’t find graham crackers, you can substitute with halal digestive biscuits or even shortbread cookies for a slightly different, but equally delicious, crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites

1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened. This ensures a cohesive crust that won’t crumble. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to create a compact base.
2. Make the Cheesecake Batter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for a lump-free cheesecake. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until each egg is incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can introduce too much air and cause the cheesecake to crack.
4. Add Flavorings: Mix in the alcohol-free vanilla extract and strawberry puree. The strawberry puree provides both flavor and a beautiful natural color. Ensure the puree is smooth to avoid any chunks in the final cheesecake.
5. Fold in Almonds: Gently fold in the toasted almond slivers. Folding, rather than mixing, helps to maintain the texture of the almonds and prevents them from sinking to the bottom. Reserve some almonds for garnish.
6. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble.
7. Cooling Process: Turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar. Allow the cheesecake to cool inside the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracking. Then, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.
8. Prepare the Chocolate-Almond Glaze: In a heatproof bowl set over a simmering pot of water (double boiler or bain-marie), combine the dark chocolate, almond butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir constantly until the chocolate is melted and the glaze is smooth and glossy. Be careful not to let any water get into the chocolate.
9. Cut and Glaze: Remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan and cut it into bite-sized squares (approximately 2 inches each). Drizzle the warm chocolate-almond glaze over each bite, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish each bite with a few extra toasted almond slivers and, if desired, a thin slice of fresh strawberry or a dusting of freeze-dried strawberry powder. Arrange the bites on a serving platter and enjoy!

Tips for a Perfect Cheesecake Texture

Achieving the perfect cheesecake texture – creamy, smooth, and not too dense – relies on a few key techniques. Using full-fat cream cheese is essential, as it provides the richness and structure needed. Ensuring the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature prevents lumps and allows for a smoother batter. Avoid overmixing the batter, especially after adding the eggs, as this can incorporate too much air and lead to cracking during baking. The water bath (or the slow cooling process described above) is also crucial for even baking and preventing cracks.

The Halal Considerations: Ensuring Inclusivity

This recipe is specifically designed with halal dietary requirements in mind. We’ve used halal-certified cream cheese and dark chocolate, and avoided any alcohol-based extracts. Using halal-certified ingredients ensures that everyone can enjoy these delicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites. It’s important to always double-check the certifications of your ingredients to maintain compliance with your personal standards.

Why Strawberry and Almond Pair So Well

The combination of strawberry and almond is a classic for a reason. The sweetness and slight tartness of strawberries beautifully complement the nutty, slightly earthy flavor of almonds. This pairing isn’t just about taste; it’s about texture too. The smooth cheesecake base, the crunchy almond slivers, and the vibrant strawberry puree create a delightful sensory experience. The chocolate-almond glaze adds another layer of complexity, enhancing both flavors and providing a rich, decadent finish.

Understanding the Role of the Chocolate-Almond Glaze

The chocolate-almond glaze isn’t just a decorative element; it plays a vital role in the overall flavor profile and texture of these cheesecake bites. The dark chocolate provides a bittersweet counterpoint to the sweetness of the cheesecake and strawberries, while the almond butter adds a subtle nutty depth. The maple syrup contributes a natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, smooth glaze. The pinch of sea salt enhances all the flavors, creating a balanced and irresistible treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are preferred for the best flavor, you can use frozen strawberries. Be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before pureeing.

Can I make these cheesecake bites ahead of time?

Yes! The cheesecake bites can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Glaze them just before serving to maintain the glaze’s shine and texture.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

You can use a regular baking pan, but it will be more difficult to remove the cheesecake. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, to help lift the cheesecake out.

These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites with Chocolate Almond Glaze are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites With Chocolate Almond Glaze

---

• Author: Sarah Williams
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bites 1x
• Diet: General

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These no-bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites feature a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling with fresh strawberries and toasted almonds, and a decadent chocolate-almond glaze. Perfect for parties or a delightful treat!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 150g (1.5 cups) Graham Cracker Crumbs: Forms the base of the crust.
• 60g (0.25 cup) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Binds the crust together.
• 400g (14oz) Halal Cream Cheese, Softened: Creates a smooth and creamy filling.
• 100g (0.5 cup) Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake.
• 2 Large Eggs, Room Temperature: Adds richness and structure.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor.
• 150g (1.5 cups) Strawberry Puree: Provides fruity flavor and color.
• 50g (0.5 cup) Toasted Almond Slivers, Chopped: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
• 150g (5oz) Dark Chocolate (70%), Halal: Creates a rich glaze.
• 30g (2 tbsp) Almond Butter: Adds creaminess to the glaze.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) Maple Syrup: Sweetens the glaze.
• Pinch of Sea Salt: Enhances the flavors.

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Combine crumbs and melted butter, press into a pan.
2. Make Cheesecake Batter: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
3. Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
4. Add Flavorings: Mix in vanilla and strawberry puree.
5. Fold in Almonds: Gently fold in toasted almonds.
6. Bake Cheesecake: Pour into crust and bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Cooling Process: Cool in oven then refrigerate for 4+ hours.
8. Prepare the Glaze: Melt chocolate, almond butter, maple syrup, and salt.
9. Cut and Glaze: Cut into bites and drizzle with glaze.
10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with almonds and strawberries.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and avoid overmixing the batter to prevent cracking. Ensure all ingredients are halal-certified if needed.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bite
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: cheesecake,strawberry,almond,chocolate,no-bake,dessert,halal,party,bite-sized