Description
These White Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Truffles are delicious no-bake treats made with creamy cream cheese, graham cracker crumbs, sweet maraschino cherries, and a smooth white chocolate coating. Finished with festive sprinkles and sanding sugar, these bite-sized cheesecake treats are perfect for Christmas, holiday parties, dessert tables, and homemade gifts. Easy to prepare ahead, they deliver a creamy, sweet, and fruity flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 sheets)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons maraschino cherries, finely chopped and patted dry
- 10 ounces vanilla almond bark or white chocolate chips
- Sprinkles, sanding sugar, and silver dragées, optional
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped, well-drained maraschino cherries. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight until the mixture is firm enough to roll.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray if needed. Use a cookie scoop or teaspoon to portion the mixture into approximately 1 1/2-inch balls, making about 24 truffles.
- Place the cheesecake balls on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until chilled and firm.
- Melt the vanilla almond bark or white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 15–30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
- Dip each chilled cheesecake ball into the melted white chocolate using a fork or dipping tool. Allow the excess coating to drip back into the bowl before placing each truffle on the prepared baking sheet.
- Immediately decorate with sprinkles, sanding sugar, and silver dragées before the chocolate coating sets. If the coating hardens too quickly, drizzle a little additional melted white chocolate over the truffles before adding decorations.
- Refrigerate the finished truffles until the white chocolate coating is completely firm. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Drain and pat the maraschino cherries thoroughly with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from softening the filling.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight before rolling.
- Keep the shaped cheesecake balls chilled while dipping to help them maintain their shape.
- Work in small batches when dipping because the white chocolate coating can set quickly.
- Add sprinkles and decorations immediately after dipping so they stick to the coating.
- For a special occasion, soak the cherries in champagne, then drain and dry thoroughly before adding them to the filling.
- Strawberries or raspberries can replace the cherries for a different fruity variation.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 108 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 53 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg