Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites?
They are a dessert made by coating New York-style cheesecake in cookie crumbs, deep-frying them until crispy, and serving them with a praline sauce.
What kind of cheesecake is best for this recipe?
Frozen New York-style cheesecake is recommended for its rich and heavy texture.
How should I prepare the frozen cheesecake?
Defrost the cheesecake slightly so it is soft enough to handle and shape into balls if desired.
What do I use to coat the cheesecake bites?
The bites are first dipped in buttermilk and then rolled in chocolate chip cookie crumbs or corn flake crumbs.
Can I use different cookie crumbs?
Yes, while chocolate chip cookie crumbs are recommended for flavor, you can use your choice of cookie crumbs or corn flake crumbs.
Do I need to freeze the bites before frying?
Yes, you should refreeze the coated bites for at least 2 hours on a parchment-lined baking sheet until they are firm.
What is the ideal temperature for frying?
The peanut oil should be heated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do the cheesecake bites need to fry?
They only need about 1 minute or until they turn golden brown.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Peanut oil is recommended for deep frying these cheesecake bites.
What should I do after removing the bites from the oil?
Drain the fried bites on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
What ingredients are in the praline sauce?
The sauce consists of chopped pecans, Amaretto, light brown sugar, and heavy cream.
How do I start making the praline sauce?
Begin by toasting chopped pecans in a skillet over medium heat until they are fragrant.
When do I add the Amaretto to the sauce?
Add the Amaretto once the pecans are fragrant and let it reduce slightly.
How long should the praline sauce cook?
Cook the mixture until it thickens and reduces to about half of its original volume.
How should these cheesecake bites be served?
Serve them warm, drizzled generously with the homemade praline sauce.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 580 calories.
What is the fat content of this dessert?
There are 38 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the bites?
There are 55 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there protein in this recipe?
Yes, each serving contains 5 grams of protein.
Does the recipe use a lot of ingredients?
The recipe uses 8 main ingredients.
Is there alcohol in the praline sauce?
Yes, the sauce includes 1.5 ounces of Amaretto.
What size should the cheesecake bites be?
You can shape them into small, bite-sized balls or keep them as small pieces.
Can I use a regular pot for frying?
Yes, a large heavy pot can be used instead of a deep fryer.
Why is buttermilk used?
Buttermilk helps the cookie crumbs adhere to the cheesecake surface.
Can I substitute the pecans?
The recipe calls for chopped pecans to create a traditional praline flavor, but you could try other toasted nuts.
What is the texture of the finished dessert?
It has a crispy outer coating with a smooth, creamy cheesecake interior.
Is light brown sugar necessary for the sauce?
The recipe specifies 2.5 ounces of light brown sugar for the correct praline consistency and flavor.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
The instructions suggest preparing the sauce while the bites are freezing or immediately after frying for best results.
Should I fry many bites at once?
No, you should fry them one at a time or in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Is this recipe suitable for special gatherings?
Yes, these indulgent bites are designed to impress guests at any special occasion.