Ingredients

• 100g leftover cookies (any type you have on hand)
• 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
• 120g peeled banana (about one medium banana)
• 200g cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon honey (or more, to taste)
• 5-6 small mandarins, peeled and separated into segments

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Base

1. Crush the Cookies: Take your 100g of leftover cookies and crush them into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin, or by pulsing them in a food processor.
2. Add Cocoa: In a bowl, combine the crushed cookies with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Filling

1. Mash the Banana: In a separate bowl, mash 120g of peeled banana using a fork until smooth. This will add natural sweetness and creaminess to the filling.
2. Mix with Cream Cheese: Add 200g of cream cheese to the mashed banana and mix until smooth and well combined. You can use a hand mixer or simply mix by hand for a slightly chunkier texture.
3. Add Sweetener: Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey for added sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can add a little more honey to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake Bites

1. Layer the Cookie Base: Take a small spoonful of the cookie crumb mixture and press it into the bottom of small serving cups or molds. This will create the base for your cheesecake bites.
2. Add the Creamy Layer: Spoon the banana and cream cheese mixture on top of the cookie base, filling the cups or molds about 3/4 full.
3. Top with Mandarins: Finish each cheesecake bite by topping it with 2-3 segments of peeled mandarin. The citrusy burst from the mandarins pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.

Step 4: Chill the Cheesecake Bites

1. Refrigerate: Place the cheesecake bites in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and gives the dessert a firmer texture.
2. Serve: Once chilled, the no-bake cheesecake bites are ready to serve! They make a great individual dessert for a dinner party or a light and fruity snack for yourself.

Bonus Tip: Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)

For an extra indulgence, melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the cheesecake bites before serving. This adds a rich, chocolatey finish that complements the citrus and creaminess beautifully.

Cooking Tips

• Crush the Cookies Evenly: For a smoother texture, try to crush the cookies as finely as possible. If you prefer a more rustic texture, leave some slightly larger cookie pieces.
• Cream Cheese Temperature: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the banana. This will make the mixing process easier and result in a smoother filling.
• Customizable Toppings: While mandarins add a fresh citrus note, you can experiment with other fruit toppings like berries, kiwi, or pineapple for variety.
• Vegan Option: If you want a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.

Storage

These No-Bake Cookie and Mandarin Cheesecake Bites should be stored in the refrigerator. They can last for 2-3 days if kept in an airtight container. It’s best to consume them within this timeframe as the texture of the cookie base may soften over time due to moisture from the cream cheese and bananas.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugar: 15g
• Fiber: 2g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on the type of cookies and specific ingredients used.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of cookies for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is great for using up any leftover cookies you have. Digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or even chocolate chip cookies would work well.

2. Can I substitute the bananas?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of bananas or don’t have any on hand, you can substitute them with a similar fruit like mashed avocado or even pumpkin puree for a different flavor profile.

3. What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor. Just make sure whatever substitute you use has a creamy consistency.

4. Can I make these cheesecake bites in advance?

Yes, you can prepare these in advance. In fact, letting them chill in the fridge for a few hours allows the flavors to develop more fully. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

5. How do I make these bites more festive?

For a more festive or holiday-inspired version, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie base or topping the mandarins with a touch of edible gold leaf or colorful sprinkles.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Cookie and Mandarin Cheesecake Bites are an easy, delicious, and versatile dessert that anyone can make with just a few simple ingredients. The combination of crunchy cookie crumbs, creamy banana-infused cream cheese, and fresh mandarin slices creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to impress guests or a tasty treat for yourself, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

With no oven required and minimal effort, this dessert is perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks alike. The next time you’re craving something sweet, give these cheesecake bites a try—you won’t be disappointed!