Gummy Cotton Candy Cheesecake Bites

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Need a no-bake treat that’s sweet, fluffy, and a little bit chewy? These Gummy Cotton Candy Cheesecake Bites hit all the right notes. They’re like a mini carnival in your mouth combining creamy cheesecake with gummy cotton candy textures and colors that pop. Perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or anytime you want something fun without turning on the oven.

With just a few simple ingredients and zero baking required, this is the ultimate shortcut to dessert bliss. You’re about to become the favorite guest at every gathering.

Why You’ll Love These Gummy Cotton Candy Cheesecake Bites

No baking, no sweat.
Creamy cheesecake + fluffy cotton candy = dessert goals.
Gummy candies add a chewy surprise with every bite.
Perfectly portioned for parties or snacking.
Easy to customize with color and toppings.
Combines the nostalgia of cotton candy with the fun of gummy cheesecake yes please!

What You’ll Need

The full list is in the recipe card below, but here’s what you’re working with:

For the base, you’ll blend graham cracker crumbs, a bit of sugar, and melted unsalted butter to press into mini muffin cups. That gives you the perfect buttery crunch.

The filling is a luscious combo of cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a spoonful of sour cream for that classic tang. Then we fold in pieces of cotton candy and colorful gummy bears or worms. A little food coloring adds that extra pop of fun.

Top them with a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy or just pop them straight into your mouth and smile.

How to Make Gummy Cotton Candy Cheesecake Bites

Step 1: Make the Crust

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs resemble wet sand.

Spoon about a tablespoon into each mini muffin cup (lined or unlined with silicone molds) and press firmly to pack it down. Set aside or refrigerate while you prep the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream, and beat again until creamy.

If using, add a few drops of pink or blue food coloring to make the mixture extra vibrant and cotton candy-esque.

Step 3: Fold and Fill

Gently fold in the cotton candy pieces and gummy candy. Stir just enough to distribute the colors and chewy bits without overmixing (you don’t want the cotton candy to melt too much).

Spoon the filling over the prepared crusts and smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Chill and Garnish

Refrigerate the bites for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Top with a swirl of whipped cream, a gummy candy, or a tiny puff of fresh cotton candy just before serving for full effect.

Estimated Nutrition

Per bite (1 of 12 mini cheesecakes):

Calories: 160
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time:

Prep: 15 minutes
Chill: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 15 minutes

Pro Tips for the Perfect Gummy Cheesecake

Soften your cream cheese fully this ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
Use gummy bears or gummy worms, but chop larger ones for better bite-size distribution.
Want more carnival flair? Add a swirl of food coloring in the batter like a tie-dye pattern.
If your cotton candy starts melting, no worries it’ll infuse the cheesecake with flavor!
These freeze well for up to 2 weeks just thaw in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve & Store

These bites are best served chilled. They’re perfect for:

Birthday parties
Baby showers
Game nights
Dessert bars
Or just because “Tuesday”

Storing:
Keep them covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. If topping with cotton candy, wait until right before serving so it stays fluffy. You can also freeze the cheesecakes (minus toppings) in an airtight container.

A Little Bite-Sized Backstory

This recipe was born after a grocery store candy aisle wander with my niece. “What if we put gummy bears in cheesecake?” she asked. My response? Challenge accepted. We added cotton candy for extra sweetness and color. The result? A dessert that’s weirdly wonderful and completely addicting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use full-size muffin tins instead of mini?

Absolutely! You’ll get about 6 regular-sized cheesecake bites. Just increase the chilling time to ensure they set properly.

Will the cotton candy melt in the mix?

A little but that’s kind of the point! It adds flavor and moisture. Just don’t overmix or it’ll disappear completely.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! These are great make-ahead treats. Store in the fridge and decorate right before serving.

What other gummies can I use?

Try chopped gummy rings, sour belts, or even gummy fruit slices. Anything chewy and colorful will work!

Can I make it without food coloring?

Yes! It’ll still taste amazing just a little less neon. Totally optional.

Can I use store-bought graham crusts?

Sure thing. Mini tart shells or premade cookie crusts work well in a pinch.

Can I use cotton candy flavoring instead?

If you’re out of real cotton candy, a drop or two of cotton candy extract in the filling is a great substitute!

How do I keep the gummies from getting too hard when chilled?

They’ll firm up slightly in the fridge but still stay chewy. Use soft gummies, and avoid over-chilling if you prefer a softer texture.

Treat Yourself, Gummy Style!

These Gummy Cotton Candy Cheesecake Bites are whimsical, delicious, and just the right size for sneaking another. Whether you love gummy cotton candy flavors or just want to try something playful and colorful, this is your next dessert obsession.

Find the full ingredient list and step-by-step directions in the recipe card below!