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Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Recipe

As a mom who didn’t know what to do with all the baby cereal we had, I was excited for the opportunity to partner with The Women Bloggers and Kendal King Group on behalf of Gerber to bring you this delicious and simple recipe with leftover baby cereal.
 

When my son grew out of baby food, I had no clue what to do with the extras. Most of it was thrown away and some that wasn’t opened was given away. Little did I know you can use that leftover baby cereal in recipes.

Here are some great reasons you might use leftover baby cereal for baking or cooking:

  • Your child has grown out of baby cereal and you don’t know what to do with the extras
  • You have a ridiculous amount of baby cereal
  • You have baby cereal that expires soon and need to use it up in time
  • You are curious what baby cereal tastes like in “grown up” food
  • You love experimenting with recipes
  • You want to add some extra nutritional value to your recipes

A box of Gerber Cereal and baby food was sent to me to inspire and challenge me to create a tasty recipe. Of course I wanted to create something unique, as always. I figured most would use this as a flour substitute, as it has some of the same qualities and would be great for baked breads, muffins, cakes, etc; so I tried to come up with something I could not see anyone else trying.

These frozen mini strawberry cheesecakes are a great family dessert--a recipe for leftover baby cereal. They're incredibly tasty!
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Cheesecake immediately came to mind. When I saw the Gerber Lil’ Bits Oatmeal Banana Strawberry Cereal, I knew I had to whip up a no-bake strawberry cheesecake recipe, because…

Who else would try to use a grain like baby cereal in place of dairy products in a recipe?

 
To be honest, I am not really sure how my brain works sometimes. I’m a little quirky, but it works.

By now, I am sure you are thinking I am crazy.
 

Baby cereal in a recipe? Seriously?

 
Then, of course, how could I possibly replace dairy with a grain to make a cheesecake that has the right consistency and great flavor?

Let me just tell you–it tastes amazing.

Gerber Lil' Bits Oatmeal Banana Strawberry Cereal

It’s so tasty, I would actually go out of my way to buy this baby cereal now to make the recipe on other occasions. That is not something I do very often.

You can try this with all varieties of Gerber Cereal. Find them for affordable prices at Walmart in the baby section! Here are some great flavors you should try:

  • Oatmeal Cereal Single-Grain
  • Multigrain Cereal
  • Oatmeal & Banana Cereal
  • Lil’ Bits Oatmeal Banana Strawberry

You can taste the light strawberry banana flavor of the cereal, but you cannot tell that it actually has baby food in it. It is sweet, but not overly sweet. This is a great way to supplement your child’s diet while they think they are just eating dessert. Gerber cereal is fortified with Vitablocks®, a blend of six B vitamins, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, iron, zinc, and calcium.

My oldest literally did not want to stop eating the mini cheesecakes. When I created the recipe, I actually swapped out the least healthy ingredients with the baby cereal, making this no-bake cheesecake recipe better for you than your average cheesecake. It’s a great treat for adults and young children (old enough to eat solid food).
 

No-Bake Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Step 1

I started off by preparing the crust. Puree graham crackers a bit in a food processor (I have this one and it works great for this) then pour in melted butter. Puree a little more so it all gets wet.

Line a mini muffin pan (I have this one) with mini muffin liners (like these).

Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Step 2

Scoop small amounts of the crust mix into each of the mini muffin liners. I did not put a whole lot, maybe a tablespoon or so, but you can put more.

Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Step 3

You will need to “tamper” the crust mix down firmly so it makes a firm crust and can meld together. The easiest way to do this (life hack, here!) was to use the bottom of a little medicine cup as the tampering device. If you’re like me, you have these lying around everywhere. I do have a couple other actual tampers for coffee, but they did not fit completely in the mini muffin cups.

Move the mini muffin pan into the refrigerator so the crusts can begin to chill.

Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Step 4

Prepare the baby food! If your child has grown out of baby cereal, like mine has, this might bring back some sweet memories for you. Mix the milk and cereal together.

Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Step 5

In an electric mixer (I am in love with my KitchenAid mixer), soften the cream cheese. For this, I used the flat beater/paddle attachment.

Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Step 6

Blend in the prepared cereal and the sugar. I did a quick mix with the flat beater then I switched to a whip attachment.

Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Step 7

Whisk the mixture on medium until well-blended.

Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Step 8

Add the lemon and vanilla then whisk on medium until the mixture is well-blended and firms up a bit. It was almost a cake batter consistency.

Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Step 9

Scoop the cheesecake mixture into your mini muffin pan on top of the prepared crusts. I used a small cookie scoop for this. Refrigerate at least four hours or overnight so they start to solidify.

Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Cover

Once the cheesecakes are fairly firm, top them with a slice of strawberry if you wish. My oldest is not a huge fan of strawberries, so I left them off of his. You can now eat them as they are or freeze them. I froze most of mine.

Per this recipe, the cheesecake is frozen, but you can let it set in the refrigerator and eat it that way if you wish. If you do, you may need to eat it in one bite, as the texture is more that of a whipped pie (it will set to a regular cheesecake consistency if you leave it a couple days OR if you add more crust and less cheesecake mix in your cups.)

To serve, simply thaw the cheesecakes for a couple of minutes (or eat them immediately out of the refrigerator if you chose not to freeze them.). If you wish, you may even top them with some whipped cream!

Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Layers

Notice the “Get Ingredients” button on the recipe below? That makes it super easy to have the ingredients delivered right to you!

4.9 from 12 reviews
Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Recipe
 
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Ingredients
  • 1 sleeve of plain graham crackers
  • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 8-oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup Gerber powdered cereal (I used Lil' Bits Oatmeal Banana Strawberry)
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice
  • fresh strawberries
Instructions
  1. Prepare the crust. Puree graham crackers a bit then pour in melted butter. Puree a little more so it all gets wet.
  2. Line a mini muffin tin with mini muffin liners.
  3. Scoop small amounts of the crust mix into each of the mini muffin liners.
  4. "Tamper" the crust mix down firmly so it makes a firm crust and can meld together. The easiest way to do this, I found, was to use the bottom of a little medicine cup as the tampering device.
  5. Move the mini muffin pan into the refrigerator so the crusts can begin to chill.
  6. In a separate bowl, Mix the milk and cereal together.
  7. In an electric mixer, soften the cream cheese.
  8. Blend the prepared cereal and the sugar into the cream cheese.
  9. Whisk the mixture on medium until well blended.
  10. Add the lemon and vanilla then whisk on medium until the mixture is well-blended and firms up a bit. It was almost a cake batter consistency.
  11. Scoop the cheesecake mixture into your mini muffin pan on top of the prepared crusts. Refrigerate at least four hours or overnight so they start to solidify.
  12. Once the cheesecakes are fairly firm, top them with a slice of strawberry if you wish. You can now eat them as they are or freeze them. I froze most of mine.
  13. Per this recipe, the cheesecake is frozen, but you can let it set in the refrigerator and eat it that way if you wish. If you do, you may need to eat it in one bite, as the texture is more that of a whipped pie (it will set to a regular cheesecake consistency if you leave it a couple days OR if you add more crust and less cheesecake mix in your cups.)
  14. To serve, simply thaw them a couple minutes from the freezer or eat them immediately out of the refrigerator. If you wish, you may even top them with some whipped cream!

These mini cheesecakes are so delicious. The texture from frozen is wonderfully creamy. The taste is just like cheesecake, but with a delightful and intriguing hint of strawberry banana and a tang of lemon. Seriously. There is baby food in there…and it’s divine.

Frozen Strawberry Cheesecakes Bites Creamy

Want to try another recipe with a very surprising ingredient? Check out my tasty Mashed Potato Shortbread Cookies!

Read Also: Gluten-Free Mini Mascarpone Cheesecakes Recipe and Homemade Harvest Pie Baby Food Recipe
 

I would love to hear from you in the comments below–-What Gerber cereal are you most excited to try? Have you ever used baby cereal in baking?


Giveaway ended.

One lucky winner will receive a $50 prepaid credit card (that you can use to get the ingredients for my Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites recipe!).

Entering is simple! Complete the mandatory entry. After this, complete as many entries as you want to earn more chances to win!

Entries are verified–incomplete entries will be discarded and all entries are discarded if the mandatory is not filled.
 

Disclaimer: Arts & Crackers is not responsible for any accidents that may be caused by use of this product and is not responsible for shipment of the prize. This giveaway is in no way sponsored/endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Google. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. All entries will be verified; invalid or incomplete entries will be discarded–Arts & Crackers is all about honesty. Please do not just “unlike” or “unfollow” pages after the giveaway. Giveaway open to legal residents of the USA and ends at 11:59 pm EST on 6/08/2016. Winner will be chosen at random and have 48 hours from the point of notification to claim his/her prize.

79 Comments

  1. Wow these look absolutely amazing and yummy 🙂 I bet they are a hit with the kiddo!

  2. This is a great way to get your children to eat healthier as they think they are having dessert. A win-win situation.

  3. I think I just might try these! ☺️

  4. They look so yummy! Never would have guessed baby cereal was in them! I might just have to try these!

  5. What a fantastic idea!! They look amazing!

  6. I had the pleasure of tasting these straight from Alyssa’s kitchen, and you would never guess there is baby cereal in them! They are perfectly sweet and creamy, with a hint of strawberry flavor. You have to try these!! Delicious!

  7. I never would have thought! Baby cereal?! That’s awesome! I’m gonna have to try out this recipe. My kids LOVE cheesecake!

  8. I have never used baby cereal in any recipes, however, it is a great idea! I would like to try the Gerber Oatmeal Banana Strawberry Lil Bites in pancakes! 🙂

  9. These look amazingly scrumptious. Can’t wait to try this recipe.

  10. I’ve used baby food in a recipe but not baby cereal.

  11. I have never used baby food in a recipe. I would make banana nut muffins.

  12. The Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Recipe sounds amazing and I have not used baby cereal in a recipe, but what a good idea. I would use the Oatmeal with banana in my Banana Bread.

  13. shelly peterson

    I have never used baby cereal in a recipe before. I would love to try it by making some muffins.

  14. I have used baby cereal to make breakfast cookies before and they turned out tasty!

  15. I would make banana bread with this cereal

  16. I have not tried it before, but I would use baby oatmeal in cookies.

  17. I haven’t, but I would try it in cookies!

  18. I’ve never used baby cereal in a recipe before, but I think I need to try it. I love some of the baby food-like pears and peaches.

  19. I ‘d use the Oatmeal with banana in my Banana Bread

  20. No I have never used it in a recipe before. I would try it in muffins or cookies

  21. No! I never have, but I love going outside my box and trying new things! Awesome!

  22. Michelle Richardson

    I have not ever used baby cereal in a recipe. Sounds fun though!

  23. I’ve never used it for other recipes and I would have to look up one.

  24. I’ve used it to make rice krispy treats.

  25. I have added baby oatmeal to oatmeal cookies.

  26. I’ve never used baby cereal in a recipe. I would add their oatmeal cereal to a zucchini bread.

  27. I never have before.

  28. I have never used it in a recipe before. I would like to try it in banana bread.

  29. I have never used baby cereal in a recipe, but would try it in my banana bread.

  30. I have not but would like to use it to make banana nut muffins.

  31. I have never tried baby cereal in a recipe before! I could use it in my banana bread recipe!

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

  32. HS kraftmaking

    I have never used baby cereal in a recipe. I would like to make blueberry muffin with Gerber cereals.

  33. I have never used baby cereal in a recipe. I would make cookies.

  34. Stefanie Gladden

    I’ve never used baby cereal in a recipe before! I would love to make some banana bread

  35. I never have….but I’d use it to make cookies with white chips and dried cranberries.

  36. I never have but I think it’s a great idea.

  37. No I never have but I would be willing to try it I like new recipes!

  38. I have used baby cereal in banana muffin in the past. I would love to try it in brownies or meatloaf next.

  39. I haven’t used baby cereal in a recipe.
    Would use the Gerber oatmeal in my smoothie for a unique flavor.
    thank you

  40. No I’ve never tried this before. I would love to try it when making pancakes or cookies.

  41. I haven’t made anything yet, but I think it would be fun to make muffins with them.

  42. I think it’s a great idea

  43. I have not but would like to try using it in cookies.

  44. I have used baby food as the shortening, but no, never used cereal before.

  45. Leigh Anne Borders

    I feel like I have just hit the jackpot of ideas. Using baby cereal to bake with is so cool! Great way to use leftovers.

  46. Honestly I’ve never thought of using baby food in recipes! This Strawberry Cheesecake recipe you shared! Good job!

  47. I haven’t use baby cereal in recipes, but I do use baby fruit in cakes a lot. They come out so moist!

  48. These look and sound awesome. I have never used it in a recipe but I look forward to trying some with my nieces!

  49. Never used cereal, but these look YUMMY!

  50. I have never even THOUGHT of using baby cereal in a recipe, but those cheesecake bites do look delicious. Might have to test this out! <3

  51. I have never used baby food in a recipe, but I would give it a try, maybe in some muffins. Thank you for the chance to win

  52. I have a late june baby who will be turning 9 this next month. Stawberries and cream was his first birthday cake. I wish I had had this recipe then. We still do a fluffy cream and strawberry cake but now it has sharks on it!!

  53. I haven’t before, but these look really good.

  54. I would make pancakes with it! its’ really yummy with bananas too

  55. I never would have thought to cook with baby cereal. So clever!

  56. Ugh, I wish I’d seen this when we threw out the extras from my tot! We’ll def. be trying those strawberry bits with the next one, and BAKING with the leftovers – you are a genius!

  57. I have a recipe in my cooking files that uses apricot baby food. It is Apricot Jello and my mother in law gave it to me. I have been making it for years. You can find it on cooks.com.

  58. I have never used baby cereal in a recipe, but I would probably try it in a muffin recipe.

  59. I havne’t but I would love to try it in a cake!

  60. I have never cooked with baby cereal..I hadn’t even thought of doing that! I will be trying this recipe out first before I try any others though…

  61. I have never used it in any recipes but it is a great idea.

  62. Yes, I use the Gerber baby cereal to make home made baby teething biscuits. My daughter loves them 🙂

  63. I have used baby cereal to thicken a soup before and added it to my Dad’s smoothies.

  64. Ive never used it in a recipe before but Id love to use it for muffins

  65. Shayna Brookman

    I HAVE NEVER USED BABY CEREAL IN A RECIPE, BUT I WOULD LOVE TO TRY TO MAKE OATMEAL COOKIES 🙂

  66. We would love these. Great dessert choise.

  67. I’ve used strained baby peaches but never baby cereal

  68. I have never even thought of this before. I have used baby food like peaches to make muffins.

  69. I have used baby food before, and have just bought the cereal to try that one also.

  70. I actually never thought to try Gerber cereal in a recipe before

  71. I just saw a post yesterday that used baby cereal in a recipe, but I have never considered or tried it myself!

  72. using it in banana bread would be nice. Ive never tried it before

  73. Bridgett Wilbur

    I have not ever used before but if I did I would make oatmeal cookies.

  74. I’ve never used baby cereal in a recipe but think it would be great in pancakes or waffles!

  75. I have not used baby food in a recipe before. I would love to try make these cheesecake bites!

  76. I’ve mixed them with other cereals and made rice krispie treats.

  77. These would make great appetizers for when you have people over.

  78. Tami Vollenweider

    My grand son would love these! I love that would love the strawberry on top, one of his fruits he eats!

  79. Pingback: 16 Scrumptious Recipes Using Leftover Baby Food

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