Step into the world of sweet and savory bliss with these Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites! This irresistible recipe combines the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the smoky, salty crunch of bacon – a flavor combination that’s destined to become your new obsession. Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with this unique and crave-worthy treat.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites
These Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites are the ultimate indulgence for the adventurous foodie. The velvety, lush cheesecake base is elevated with the addition of a touch of maple syrup, creating a cozy and comforting flavor profile. The crispy, smoky bacon not only adds a delightful textural contrast but also a zesty, bright element that perfectly balances the richness of the cheesecake. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a special treat, these bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving your guests wondering how you managed to create such an epic and irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
To create these Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites, you’ll need a few simple, high-quality ingredients. The star of the show is the creamy, tangy cream cheese, which serves as the base for the cheesecake. Maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a touch of flour help to bind and sweeten the mixture, while the addition of eggs gives the cheesecake its signature lush and velvety texture. Finally, the crispy, smoky bacon adds the perfect savory element to this sweet and indulgent treat.
- 16 oz (454 g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) – Maple syrup
- 1 tsp (5 ml) – Vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp (30 g) – All-purpose flour
- 3 – Large eggs
- 6 slices – Cooked bacon, crumbled
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Substitute the cream cheese with a high-quality plant-based cream cheese alternative.
- Bacon alternative: If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can opt for candied pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch instead.
How to Make Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites
To create these delectable Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites, simply follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a mini muffin tin with paper liners or greasing the wells. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy, then gradually add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and flour, mixing until well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, crack the eggs into the cream cheese mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. Gently fold in the crispy, cooked bacon pieces, being careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Spoon the cheesecake batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each well about three-quarters full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the centers are set and the tops are lightly golden. Allow the cheesecake bites to cool completely in the tin before removing them.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once cooled, you can top the Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites with an extra drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of chopped bacon, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Festive touch: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the top of the cheesecake bites for a festive twist.
- Amplified maple flavor: Increase the amount of maple syrup used in the recipe for a more pronounced maple flavor.
- Smooth and creamy texture: Thoroughly mix the cream cheese and avoid overmixing once the eggs have been added to achieve a perfectly smooth and creamy texture.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the bacon and enjoy the creamy, maple-infused cheesecake on its own for a meatless option.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: an extra drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of chopped bacon, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage: These Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Enjoy the chilled cheesecake bites as is or gently reheat them in the microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: The Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites can be made up to 5 days in advance, making them the perfect dessert option for parties or special occasions.
Nutrition Information
Each Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bite is a delightful balance of creamy, sweet, and savory, with approximately 150 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving. While they are an indulgent treat, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet in moderation.
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbs: 7 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cheesecake bites in advance?
Absolutely! The Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them the perfect make-ahead dessert option for parties or special occasions.
Can I freeze these bites?
Yes, you can freeze the Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites for up to 3 months. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cream cheese is the classic choice for cheesecake, you can experiment with other soft, tangy cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
How can I make these bites more festive?
To add a festive touch, you can top the Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Can I make these without bacon?
Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian or meatless option, you can simply omit the bacon and enjoy the creamy, maple-infused cheesecake on its own.
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Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these delicious Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites that combine sweet and savory flavors in a perfect bite-sized treat!
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 package (8 oz) mini phyllo cups
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. 3. Stir in the crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.
4. 4. Place the mini phyllo cups on a baking sheet and fill each cup with the cheesecake mixture.
5. 5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cups are golden brown.
6. 6. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
7. 7. Drizzle with extra maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired before serving.
8.
Notes
For an extra crunch, try adding some crushed graham crackers on top before baking!You can prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble them just before baking for a fresh taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Maple, Bacon, Cheesecake, Bites