Red velvet cheesecake bites are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, offering the rich, velvety texture of red velvet cake combined with the creamy decadence of cheesecake. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, red velvet cheesecake bites will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
- Irresistible Flavor: The signature flavors of red velvet cake—cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of tang—paired with the creamy richness of cheesecake create a delectable combination that’s hard to resist.
- Perfectly Portable: Unlike traditional cakes or cheesecakes, these bites are easy to transport and serve, making them ideal for gatherings, picnics, or as a sweet gift.
- Elegant Presentation: Their vibrant red color and creamy white topping make these bites visually stunning, adding a touch of elegance to any dessert table.
- Customizable: You can personalize these bites by adding different toppings or drizzles, making them versatile for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delectable red velvet cheesecake bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Red Velvet Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- For Topping (Optional):
- Crushed graham crackers
- Chocolate drizzle
- Fresh berries
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Red Velvet Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake Bites
- Crumble the Cake: Once the red velvet cake is cool, crumble it into a large bowl.
- Mix with Cheesecake Filling: Add the cheesecake filling to the crumbled cake and mix until well combined.
- Form Bites: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate: Chill the bites in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Add Toppings: Before serving, you can roll the bites in crushed graham crackers or drizzle with chocolate for an extra touch.
5. Enjoy!
Serve your red velvet cheesecake bites on a platter, and watch as they disappear quickly!
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your cheesecake bites will depend on the quality of your ingredients, especially the cocoa powder and cream cheese.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allowing the bites to chill thoroughly helps them maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
- Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Consider adding sprinkles for a festive look or nuts for a crunch.
Conclusion
Red velvet cheesecake bites are a luxurious treat that combines the best of both worlds—rich red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake. They are easy to make and perfect for any celebration or simply as a sweet indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these bites are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every delicious bite!
Certainly! Here are some serving and storage tips to help you enjoy your red velvet cheesecake bites to the fullest:
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Arrange the cheesecake bites on a decorative platter or tiered cake stand for an elegant display. You can garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for added color and freshness.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve these bites with a side of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They also pair beautifully with coffee or a glass of dessert wine.
- Portion Control: Consider using mini cupcake liners or small dessert cups to serve individual portions. This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy without mess.
- Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve the cheesecake bites chilled. However, if you prefer a softer texture, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store the red velvet cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-5 days when properly stored.
- Freezing: If you want to make them ahead of time, these cheesecake bites freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When storing the bites, make sure they are not overcrowded in the container to prevent them from sticking together.
- Labeling: If you freeze your cheesecake bites, label the container with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
- Thawing Tips: When ready to eat frozen cheesecake bites, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming too soft.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your red velvet cheesecake bites remain delicious and enjoyable, whether for a special occasion or a sweet everyday treat!
FAQ 1: Can I make red velvet cheesecake bites ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, you can definitely make red velvet cheesecake bites ahead of time! They can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQ 2: Can I use a different type of cake mix for these bites?
Answer: Absolutely! While red velvet cake is traditional, you can experiment with other cake flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or even lemon to create different variations of cheesecake bites. Just adjust the color and any complementary flavors in the cheesecake filling to match your cake choice.
FAQ 3: How do I store leftover red velvet cheesecake bites?
Answer: Store any leftover red velvet cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Make sure to freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent them from sticking together.
FAQ 4: Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Answer: Yes! You can easily make red velvet cheesecake bites gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, including the baking powder and any add-ins, are also gluten-free to ensure the entire recipe is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
PrintRED VELVET CHEESECAKE BITES
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are mini treats that combine the rich flavor of red velvet cake with a creamy cheesecake filling. Perfectly bite-sized and topped with whipped cream and red velvet crumbs, these desserts are ideal for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave a little indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups red velvet cake crumbs (from 4 baked red velvet cupcakes or cake)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- Red food coloring (as needed)
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Extra red velvet cake crumbs
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
- In a bowl, combine the red velvet cake crumbs and melted butter. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press about a tablespoon of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each muffin liner, creating a firm crust.
-
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and vanilla, and continue beating until well combined.
- Mix in the sour cream until the filling is smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder with milk until smooth, then add to the cream cheese mixture.
- Add red food coloring to reach your desired red velvet color.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Spoon the cheesecake filling over each crust, filling each liner nearly to the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let the mini cheesecakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Just before serving, top each cheesecake bite with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of red velvet crumbs.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
- Pro Tip: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture, and ensure it’s at room temperature for a smooth filling.