Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Bites

Inspired by cheesecake and infusing it with Indian flavors of Gulab Jamun; these Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Bites are super delicious.

Easy to make in under 30 minutes, mini parcels of bliss; these are perfect for any festival or occasion!

Fusion sweets and appetizers have been popular for a few years now. From the popular Gajar Halwa ice-cream and Paan Pannacotta to Dabeli Bruschetta and Pav Bhaji Focaccia; we love them all.

And when it comes to using Gulab Jamun in recipes, the options are truly endless. From cake and ice creams to mousse and custards, gulab jamun is omnipresent in Indian sweets inspired recipes. And rightly so. It tastes so good with almost any kind of ingredient.

Gulab Jamun is seen as a forerunner of Indian sweets too. It is so popular in Indian weddings, occasions and celebrations. Plus, it is easy to source in tin cans in the grocery aisles, fresh from a sweet store, frozen in the dessert aisle or made at home.

I love this sweet and also love creating new desserts using the same. Here is an easy Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Bites recipe for the festive season or for any occasion what so ever!

Jump to:

• What are Cheesecake Bites
• These Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Bites
• Why this recipe works
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to make this recipe
• Expert Tips and Notes
• Storage
• Recipe FAQs
• More Indian Dessert Recipes
• Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Bites

What are Cheesecake Bites

As the name suggests, cheesecake bites are single serve mini bites that have a crunchy base and creamy filling; just like a cheesecake.

The base can vary from crushed digestive biscuits to phyllo cups to even puff pastry. Similarly, the filling can be made with a combination of any of these: cream cheese, whipping cream, yogurt or mascarpone cheese.

These bites are popular as they are so good to individually serve at at a party. Plus, they are great for portion control too. And most important, they are easy to assemble unlike a traditional cheesecake that takes a lot of steps and hours to put together.

These Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Bites

Inspired from the traditional cheesecake bites and using the flavors of India's popular gulab jamun, I have made a filling with cream cheese and heavy cream. It is flavored with saffron and cardamom; to replicate the delicate flavors of gulab jamun.

The base is easy to find phyllo cups. These are my go-to for festive season as they work so well with sweets and savory fillings. And they are almost no-cook unless you want them warm. They have the perfect crunch we are looking for in the recipe too.

And finally, the topping. Our favorite gulab jamuns! These are like the cherry on top of these bites. The name gulab jamun comes from two words; gulab i.e. rose flavored syrup and jamun; a delicious dark colored fruit. So gulab jamun is essentially dark colored dumplings dunked in a flavorful syrup.

Sweet, flavorful and sugary; these gulab jamuns are the perfect way to top off these Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Bites.

Why this recipe works

• It is a very easy dessert to put together.
• These come together in under 20 minutes.
• The cheesecake bites taste just like the actual cheesecake; simply made into small parcels.
• Naturally egg-free.
• Super cute and portable.
• It is great as a last minute sweet.
• An awesome way to make something with leftover gulab jamun.
• A recipe that has all the elements that can be made ahead of time.
• Perfect single serve portions.
• A great mix of Indian and Western flavors in every bite.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Phyllo Cups: This is the base of the recipe. Store bought cups, these are available in the frozen aisle. However, these are easy to replace with baked puff pastry cups as well.
• Gulab Jamun: I like to use mini size gulab jamun for the recipe. Either use a package and make them according to the instructions, make your own using this ricotta cheese gulab jamun recipe or buy them directly from the store. They should be fridge cold before using.
• Cream Cheese: As we are making them as cheesecakes, I like to use cream cheese. Full cream version works the best. They make a creamy base.
• Heavy Cream: Another addition to the recipe, heavy cream makes the cheesecake base delicious, creamy and perfect. However, skip this if you like. But I would strongly recommend adding it.
• Sugar: I like to use sugar to sweeten the recipe. However, sweetened condensed milk works as well.
• Saffron and Cardamom: I season the cheesecake mix with saffron and ground cardamom. However, cinnamon, mace or nutmeg is a great addition too.
• Toppings: Saffron strands, slivered nuts, dried rose petals, sprinkles and silver varakh are great to add on the cheesecake bites.

See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

How to make this recipe

1- Prepare the gulab jamun according to package instruction. Keep it refrigerated till ready to assemble. Or refrigerate the store bought ones till ready to use.

2- In a bowl add cream cheese, whipping cream and saffron.

3- Mix everything well till it is even.

4- Add in sugar and ground cardamom.

5- Mix well till the sugar melts and mixes in. Make a homogeneous mix.

6- Add this into a piping bag and keep ready. Place it in the refrigerator till ready to use.

7- Place the frozen phyllo cups in a tray.

8- Pipe the cold cheesecake mix into it.

9- Add quartered gulab jamun on the cheesecake mix.

10- Top with slivered nuts, saffron strands, dried rose petals, sprinkles and silver varakh. Serve cold.

Expert Tips and Notes

• Drain the gulab jamun before adding to the phyllo cups. Excess syrup will result in soggy cups and an extra sweet dessert.
• In case the phyllo cups are not available, use frozen puff pastry cups. Bake them and bring to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least an hour before assembling. Hot cups will melt the filling and not taste appetizing at all.
• Cream cheese and heavy cream make a delicious airy base. However, the same can also be made with just cream cheese or a combination of mascarpone cheese and heavy cream.
• It is easy to simply add the cheesecake mix using a spoon instead of piping it. It works just as fine.
• Keep the ingredients refrigerated till ready to assemble. The dessert tastes best when cold.
• It is easy to use the gulab jamun syrup in the cheesecake mix. Ensure it is cool and also adjust the added sugar to get the perfect sweetness.
• The dessert is easy to assemble and serve. While all the elements can be made before hand, this one needs to be assembled right before serving.

Storage

To store any leftover made cups is difficult. However, the elements can be stored individually.

Keep the gulab jamuns in the syrup and refrigerate. This avoids them drying out overnight.

Transfer the cheesecake mix into an airtight container and refrigerate till ready to use.

Freeze the leftover phyllo cups and use as desired.

Recipe FAQs

More Indian Dessert Recipes