Description
This is the no-bake dessert that will have everyone at the party talking. We’re talking about a creamy, tangy cheesecake center, a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, and a fluffy, colorful cotton candy finish. If you’re looking for the perfect no-bake cheesecake balls for a birthday, baby shower, or just a fun weekend treat, you’ve found your new go-to recipe.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz (225 g) Cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups Finely crushed vanilla wafers (about 40-50 wafers)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1-2 containers (2-3 oz total) Cotton candy, in pink and blue colors
Instructions
- Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and pure vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it’s completely smooth and creamy.
- Scoop and Chill the Balls: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) to scoop portions of the cheesecake mixture. Roll them between your palms to form smooth balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or freeze for 30 minutes) until they are very firm.
- Prepare the Crispy Coating: In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix with a fork until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand.
- Coat the Chilled Cheesecake Balls: Working quickly, roll each firm cheesecake ball in the crispy wafer mixture. Press gently but firmly to ensure the crumbs adhere all over, creating a thick, even crust.
- The Final Chill: Place the coated cheesecake bombs back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Return them to the refrigerator for at least 30 more minutes to help the crumb coating set.
- Apply Cotton Candy Topping (Just Before Serving): This step must be done immediately before serving. Gently pull apart small wisps of the cotton candy. Working with one bomb at a time, gently press the cotton candy wisps onto the crispy-coated ball, alternating colors.
- Serve Immediately!
Notes
- Lump-Free Filling: Make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. This is the key to getting a perfectly smooth, lump-free filling.
- Fine Crumbs: For the best coating, pulse the vanilla wafers in a food processor until they are fine crumbs.
- Firm is Key: The cheesecake balls must be very firm (chilled for 2 hours or frozen for 30 mins) before you try to coat them in the crumb mixture.
- Handling Cotton Candy: Wear gloves if you have them, as the warmth from your hands can melt the candy.
- Serve Immediately! Cotton candy melts very quickly when exposed to the moisture of the cheesecake. These must be served as soon as they are decorated for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake, Treat
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling, Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
