Cherry Cheesecake Bites

By srumbel

I set out to create a bite size version of cherry cheesecake that’s perfect for parties and get togethers and gives you just the right amount of cherry cheesecake goodness in every bite. I could not be more thrilled with these Cherry Cheesecake Bites! They are everything I hoped for and more, all that is good and wonderful about a cherry cheesecake rolled up into a bite size ball of goodness. The taste of graham crust sprinkled throughout makes them even better than the original in many ways!
from southernplate.com

Ingredients

• 2 - 8 ounce packages cream cheese, at room temp
• 1 - 12 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 box graham cracker crumbs (13-14 ounces each)*
• 1- 21 ounce can cherry pie filling, get some name brand stuff so you have more cherries than gel mess
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice, optional

Preparation

Step 1

Place condensed milk, cream cheese, lemon juice (if using), and vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat with electric mixer until smooth and well blended.
Dump the entire box of graham crumbs on top of dough. Mix again until it is the consistency of cookie dough, scraping down sides if needed.
Dump entire contents of cherry pie filling into dough and mix gently with an electric mixer until just blended. Don’t overmix because it will break up all of the cherries to the point that they disappear into the dough.
Cover dough and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or until well chilled.
Roll into one inch balls and roll those in the additional graham crumbs. Once all the cheesecake bites are made, store, covered, in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes
* You can get by with one box but I recommend two so you have enough to roll them in should your dough need additional crumbs to be made stiffer. If you decide to double this recipe, you'll only need three boxes.

Serves: 50-60 bites