Get ready to experience a dessert explosion like never before! These Sweet & Spicy Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bites are about to turn your taste buds into a flavor paradise. Brace yourself for an insane fusion of creamy cheesecake, crunchy pecans, and a delightful kick of heat – all wrapped up in a bite-sized package of pure, unapologetic deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet & Spicy Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bites
These cheesecake bites are an absolute game-changer in the world of desserts. The combination of the rich, creamy cheesecake base, the toasted pecans, and the sweet and spicy maple glaze creates a sensational flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. It’s the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and heat, all perfectly balanced to create a truly epic and unforgettable treat. Prepare to be the talk of the town with these incredible bites that will have your friends and family begging for the recipe.
Ingredients
To make these Sweet & Spicy Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bites, you’ll need a few key ingredients: cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, heavy cream, pure maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and chopped pecans. The magic happens when these simple yet bold flavors come together to create a dessert that’s both indulgent and bursting with personality.
- 24 oz (680g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) – Granulated sugar
- 3 – Eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) – Heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Pure maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp – Cayenne pepper
- 1 cup (120g) – Chopped pecans
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pecans: Walnuts or almonds (for a different texture and flavor)
- Cayenne pepper: Adjust the amount to your desired level of heat (for personal preference)
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bites
This recipe is an absolute breeze to whip up, and the end result is nothing short of legendary. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 24-cup mini muffin tin by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure your cheesecake bites come out with the perfect bite-sized portions. Now, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Spoon the cheesecake batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake the cheesecake bites for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re set and slightly golden around the edges. While the bites are baking, whisk together the maple syrup and cayenne pepper in a small bowl to create the sweet and spicy glaze.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the cheesecake bites have cooled completely, drizzle the sweet and spicy maple glaze over the top, making sure to get a little bit of that insane flavor on each bite. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the bites, pressing them gently into the glaze to help them stick.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add a Twist of Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations by adding a touch of cinnamon or a hint of orange zest to the cheesecake batter.
- Take it Up a Notch: You can also try swirling in a bit of caramel or chocolate for an even more decadent twist on these already mind-blowing bites.
- Get Creative with Toppings: A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or a drizzle of salted caramel would also be an incredible addition to these insane cheesecake bites.
- Switch Up the Nuts: While the pecans add a fantastic crunch and flavor, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds to change up the texture and taste.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Sweet & Spicy Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bites are best served chilled, straight from the fridge. They’re the perfect bite-sized treat to enjoy on their own or as part of a larger dessert spread.
Storage: To store, simply keep the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just try to resist the temptation to devour them all in one sitting!
Make-Ahead: These cheesecake bites are perfect for making in advance. Simply prepare the cheesecake batter, bake the bites, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Then, just drizzle on the sweet and spicy maple glaze and top with the pecans right before serving.
Nutrition Information
These cheesecake bites are undoubtedly indulgent, but with the right portion control, you can absolutely enjoy them as part of a balanced diet. Each bite contains approximately 120 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 10 grams of carbohydrates, making them a truly satisfying and flavor-packed treat.
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake bite
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cheesecake bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bites are perfect for making in advance. Simply prepare the cheesecake batter, bake the bites, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Then, just drizzle on the sweet and spicy maple glaze and top with the pecans right before serving.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Definitely! While the pecans add a fantastic crunch and flavor, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of nuts to change up the texture and taste.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, these cheesecake bites are naturally gluten-free, as long as you double-check that all of your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How spicy are these bites?
The level of heat in these bites can be adjusted to your personal preference. Start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and gradually increase it until you reach your desired level of spice.
Can I make these bites in a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin?
Absolutely! If you prefer a larger bite-size, feel free to use a regular muffin tin. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Try These Next
- Sweet And Spicy Maple Candied Bacon Bites
- Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
- Spicy Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites With Caramel Drizzle
Sweet & Spicy Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: 🍰 SWEET HEAT FUSION
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet & Spicy Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bites are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and crunchy pecans, with a hint of heat from cayenne pepper. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat at home!
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 package mini graham cracker crusts (about 12)
1/4 cup whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
3. 3. Add the maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cayenne pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. 4. Stir in the chopped pecans.
5. 5. Spoon the cheesecake mixture into the mini graham cracker crusts.
6. 6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set.
7. 7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
8. 8. Top each bite with a dollop of whipped cream just before serving.
Notes
These bites can be made a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preference for heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cheesecake, sweet, spicy, dessert, bites