White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Bites are festive, no-bake treats that combine rich, creamy cheesecake with tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and sweet white chocolate. These bite-sized confections are ideal for holiday dessert platters, gift boxes, or seasonal gatherings, bringing a perfect blend of texture and flavor in every mouthful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cheesecake bites are incredibly easy to make—no baking required—yet they look and taste like something special. They’re creamy and indulgent with just the right amount of tang from the cranberries, crunch from the nuts, and sweetness from the white chocolate. Their festive appearance, especially when adorned with green sprinkles or sanding sugar, makes them a holiday favorite for entertaining and gifting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
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1 cup graham cracker crumbs
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1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
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1/4 cup chopped pecans (plus more for coating)
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10 oz white chocolate, melted
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1 tablespoon holiday sprinkles or green sanding sugar
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Extra chopped cranberries and pecans for rolling
Directions
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In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until smooth.
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Stir in graham cracker crumbs, chopped cranberries, and chopped pecans until fully combined.
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Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes, or until firm enough to handle.
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Roll the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Dip each ball into melted white chocolate, or drizzle chocolate over the tops.
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Immediately top with chopped cranberries, pecans, and festive sprinkles.
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Chill again until the white chocolate is fully set.
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Serve cold or allow to come to room temperature before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 18–24 cheesecake bites, depending on size.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Nut-Free Version: Omit pecans and substitute with crushed pretzels or graham crackers.
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Dark Chocolate Coating: Use melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.
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Flavor Add-ins: Add orange zest or cinnamon for extra holiday flair.
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Decor Options: Use red and green sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or gold sugar crystals.
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Mini Cheesecake Bars: Press the mixture into a pan, chill, and slice into squares instead of rolling into balls.
Storage/Reheating
These cheesecake bites store well and are ideal for making ahead:
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Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
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Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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Reheating: Not applicable; serve chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made several days ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
What type of white chocolate works best?
Use high-quality white chocolate bars or melting wafers for smooth coating and better flavor.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
No, fresh cranberries will release too much moisture. Use dried cranberries for best results.
How do I make the bites uniform in size?
Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure to portion out the mixture evenly.
Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Yes, simply omit the pecans or replace them with another crunchy mix-in like toasted seeds or pretzels.
How do I keep the chocolate from hardening too quickly while dipping?
Keep the bowl of melted chocolate over a warm water bath (double boiler style) to maintain a smooth consistency.
Can I substitute graham cracker crumbs?
Yes, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers can also be used.
Are these suitable for gifting?
Absolutely. Place them in mini cupcake liners inside a gift box or tin for a festive presentation.
Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers or crumbs as a substitute.
Do these need to stay refrigerated?
Yes, keep them chilled due to the cream cheese base. Take them out 10–15 minutes before serving for best texture.
Conclusion
White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Bites are a delightful and festive addition to any holiday celebration. With their smooth, tangy filling, crunchy mix-ins, and elegant white chocolate shell, they’re both easy to make and beautiful to present. Whether served at a party or packaged as a homemade gift, these cheesecake bites are sure to impress and satisfy.
Print
White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Bites
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive no-bake cheesecake balls coated in white chocolate, speckled with tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and green sprinkles—perfect for holiday platters and easy edible gifts.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (plus more for coating)
- 10 oz white chocolate, melted
- 1 tablespoon holiday sprinkles or green sanding sugar
- Extra chopped cranberries and pecans for rolling
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
- Stir in graham cracker crumbs, chopped cranberries, and pecans until well combined.
- Chill the mixture for 20–30 minutes until firm enough to scoop.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Dip or drizzle each ball with melted white chocolate and immediately sprinkle with extra cranberries, pecans, and festive sprinkles.
- Chill until chocolate is set. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or substitute with crushed pretzels.
- Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized bites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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