Raspberry Cheesecake Bites

Even though cheesecake is a classic dessert I have never actually made it myself.  In our family Selby as always been the cheesecake master so I've never really had the opportunity to make it.  Well that changes today!  I came across this recipe and thought it was a great way to make cheesecake fun.  Plus, who doesn't want a delicious frozen treat at the end of a fantastic backyard BBQ meal?!

The best part of all is these scrumptious morsels can be made days in advance since they can be stored in the freezer.  This makes these bad boys perfect for large parties because it's one less thing you have to prepare the day of!

Raspberry Cheesecake Bites (Makes ~15 bites)
1 1/3 cup raspberries (frozen or fresh)
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2T sugar
1t lemon zest
1 cup cool whip
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 crackers crushed up)

Whip together cream cheese, sugar and lemon zest with a mixer.  Add raspberries and stir allowing the berries to break up and combine with the cream cheese.  Add the cool whip and stir until combined.  Place the bowl in the freezer for about 2 hours for the mixture to set up.

Place graham crumbs in a small bowl.  Using a small ice cream scoop (mine was about 2" in diameter) scoop out a ball of the cream cheese mixture.  Roll the ball in the graham crumbs until completely coated, then place on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Pop the tray back into the freezer for the bites to set up.  Once they are frozen, allow them to thaw for 5 minutes before serving, or store them in the freezer in an airtight container.