Mediterranean Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites

🍓 Mediterranean Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites

A Decadent Dessert You’ll Love — with a Healthy Twist!

Servings: 12 mini bites | Prep Time: 20 mins | Chill Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins

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🧁 Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup crushed whole-grain biscuits (or almond meal)
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (thick, plain, unsweetened)
• 4 oz light cream cheese or ricotta cheese
• 2 tbsp honey or date syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Juice of ½ lemon (adds that Mediterranean brightness)

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Optional: 1 tsp chia seeds (to naturally thicken the strawberry layer)

For the Crunch Topping:

• ¼ cup crushed almonds or pistachios
• ¼ cup crushed whole-grain biscuits
• 1 tsp olive oil or coconut oil
• Pinch of sea salt

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🍴 Instructions

1. Make the Crust:
   Mix crushed biscuits, olive oil, and honey until crumbly.
   Press a tablespoon of the mixture into each muffin cup (lined with parchment or silicone liners).
   Chill while preparing the filling.
2. Prepare Cheesecake Layer:
   In a bowl, beat Greek yogurt, cream cheese (or ricotta), honey, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
   Spoon the mixture over the crust layer.
3. Strawberry Layer:
   In a small saucepan, heat strawberries, honey, and lemon juice for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
   Add chia seeds if you’d like a jam-like consistency. Cool completely.
   Spoon a little over each cheesecake bite.
4. Make the Crunch Topping:
   In a skillet, lightly toast almonds and biscuit crumbs with olive oil until golden. Add a pinch of sea salt.
   Sprinkle over the strawberry layer.
5. Chill:
   Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or freeze 30–40 minutes for a firmer, ice-cream-like texture).

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🌿 Mediterranean Touches

• Olive oil replaces butter → heart-healthy fats
• Greek yogurt + ricotta → natural protein & creaminess
• Honey or date syrup → natural sweetness
• Nuts & fruit → authentic Mediterranean flavors

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💡 Serving Ideas

• Garnish with fresh mint or a drizzle of dark chocolate
• Serve cold on a mezze dessert platter with figs, nuts, and fruit

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Would you like me to create a Mediterranean-style food photo for this recipe — e.g., golden mini cheesecake bites topped with strawberry layer and nutty crunch on a rustic background?