Let’s create these beautiful Strawberry Cheesecake Bites! They come together surprisingly quickly. First, prepare the creamy filling.

In a small bowl, combine the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer (or whisk vigorously by hand) until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Set aside briefly.

Now, prepare the strawberries. Wash the berries gently and pat them completely dry. Using a paring knife, remove the green stems and leaves (hull them). Then, using the tip of the paring knife or a small melon baller, carefully hollow out a cone-shaped opening in the stem end of each strawberry, about 1-inch deep. Be careful not to cut through the sides or bottom of the berry. You’re creating a little cup for the filling.

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper. Now it’s time to fill the berries! You can carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture into the opening of each strawberry. Alternatively, for a neater look, transfer the filling to a piping bag (or a sturdy zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off) and pipe the filling into each berry.

Place the filled strawberries upright (filling side up) on the prepared lined baking sheet.

Next, prepare the chocolate drizzle. Place the 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon shortening in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 15-20 second intervals, stirring after each interval, just until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.

Using a spoon or a fork, drizzle the melted chocolate mixture back and forth over the filled strawberries on the baking sheet.

If desired, immediately sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the wet chocolate drizzle before it sets.

Place the baking sheet with the finished Strawberry Cheesecake Bites into the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the filling is slightly firm and the chocolate drizzle is completely set.

Serve chilled. Enjoy these delightful little treats!