If you have a soft spot for both rich cheesecake and the vibrant charm of red velvet cake, then this Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These little delights combine the luscious cream cheese filling with the subtle cocoa flavor and striking color of red velvet crumbs, making every bite a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and visually stunning. Perfect for parties, gifts, or just treating yourself, these bite-sized wonders are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients might feel straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in making your Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites pop with flavor, texture, and that signature velvety color you’ll adore.
- Red velvet cake mix: The base that gives these bites their iconic color and flavor, plus it includes everything for the cake layers.
- Cream cheese (2 blocks, softened): This is the heart of the cheesecake component, offering that luxurious, smooth texture and tangy richness.
- Confectioners’ sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture delicately without a grainy feel.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Helps lighten the cream cheese mixture, achieving those lovely stiff peaks.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the sweetness with aromatic notes.
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cupcakes
Start by preheating your oven to 350º Fahrenheit and lining a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. Mix up your red velvet cake batter according to the box instructions, making sure it’s smooth and lump-free. Divide this vibrant batter evenly among the cupcake liners—this forms the outer “crumb” layer for your bites later on. Pop them into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool completely before moving on.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While the cupcakes cool, it’s the perfect time to whip up that dreamy cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar on medium-high speed until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key because you want to incorporate air for a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Slowly add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then continue beating until the mixture holds stiff peaks, a sign you’ve nailed the consistency.
Step 3: Form and Freeze the Cream Cheese Balls
Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the cream cheese mixture into 1-inch balls. Arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pop them into the freezer for about an hour. Freezing ensures they hold their shape when coated with cake crumbs, making the final step easier and cleaner.
Step 4: Crumb Coating
While your cream cheese balls chill, break four of the fully cooled cupcakes into small crumbs—these crumbs will be your coating. After the balls are firm, gently roll each one in the red velvet crumbs until fully covered. This crumb coat not only adds gorgeous color but also melts on the tongue alongside the cheesecake filling. Place the coated bites back on the parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until ready to serve.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate these bites into showstopping treats. Consider a light dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar or even a drizzle of white chocolate or cream cheese glaze for added elegance and flavor contrast. Fresh berries or a mint leaf also add a lovely fresh note that complements the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bites shine best on their own, but if you want to create a dessert spread, pair them with rich coffee, a cup of hot cocoa, or even a chilled glass of dessert wine. Their creamy texture and sweet tang provide a great balance to bold and intense drinks.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can be such a joy! Why not serve them on a tiered dessert stand for parties, or build mini parfaits by layering the bites with whipped cream and fresh fruit in small glasses? Wrapping them individually in clear treat bags tied with ribbons also makes for delightful gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep well for up to 4 days. This not only preserves their texture but helps meld the flavors beautifully.
Freezing
For longer storage or to prep in advance, freeze the bites on a parchment-lined tray first, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. Properly stored, they stay delicious for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
These bites are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to soften them slightly, leave them out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve that luscious cream cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of the mix?
Absolutely! Using a homemade red velvet cake recipe can add a personal touch and tailor the sweetness or cocoa flavor exactly to your liking. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before crumbling for coating.
What is the best way to soften cream cheese?
For painless softening, leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for about an hour before mixing. Alternatively, microwave it in short 10-second bursts, turning in between, until soft but not melted.
Can these bites be made dairy-free?
With a few swaps, yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free cake mix labeled suitable for vegans. The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious treats.
Why do I need to freeze the cream cheese balls before crumb coating?
Freezing firms up the cream cheese mixture so the balls don’t lose their shape when you roll them in the crumbs. It also makes handling less messy and ensures a clean, even coating.
How do I prevent the cake crumbs from falling off the bites?
Press the cream cheese balls gently but firmly into the crumbs. Using slightly sticky, chilled cream cheese mixture helps the crumbs adhere. Keeping the bites refrigerated after coating also improves crumb attachment.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve uncovered the joy of making these Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe, it’s time to whip up a batch and fall in love with every decadent bite. They are charming, delightful, and so satisfying that sharing will be the hardest part. Whether for a party, a special occasion, or just a fun weekend project, these little gems will quickly become one of your go-to treats. Enjoy every moment making and munching on these luscious bites!
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Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling/freezing time)
- Yield: 28 servings 1x
Description
Delightful Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites combine rich cream cheese filling with moist red velvet cake crumbs for a bite-sized dessert perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cupcakes
- 1 (15.25-oz.) box red velvet cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tbsp. heavy cream
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with liners. Prepare the red velvet cake batter according to the package instructions, then evenly divide the batter among the liners.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake the cupcakes for 18 to 20 minutes or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cupcakes cool completely.
- Prepare Cake Crumbs: Break 4 of the cooled cupcakes into small crumbs. Reserve the remaining cupcakes for another use.
- Make Cheesecake Mixture: In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Form Balls and Freeze: Using a small cookie scoop, scoop the cream cheese mixture and form into 1-inch balls. Arrange the balls on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until cold, about 1 hour.
- Coat with Cake Crumbs: Roll the chilled cream cheese balls in the red velvet cake crumbs until fully coated, then return them to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the coated cheesecake bites until ready to serve. Enjoy this delicious bite-sized dessert chilled.
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream to achieve a creamy texture.
- Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before breaking into crumbs to prevent clumping.
- The cheesecake bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- These bites are perfect for parties and can be served as a sweet finger food.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
