These red velvet cheesecake bites are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and rich, velvety cake flavors in bite-sized form. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a delightful dessert, these treats are sure to impress with their striking appearance and irresistible taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Bite-Sized: Ideal for portion control and sharing.
- Elegant Appearance: The striking red and white layers make these bites look as good as they taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: They can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for events.
- Customizable: Easily adapted for dietary preferences or flavor twists.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Red velvet cake mix
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Butter
- Optional toppings like chocolate drizzle or crushed cookies
Directions
- Prepare the Cake Base: Follow the instructions on the red velvet cake mix to bake the cake. Allow it to cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Form the Bites: Crumble the cooled red velvet cake and combine it with the cheesecake mixture. Mix until the texture is pliable.
- Shape the Bites: Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bites for at least 1-2 hours or until firm.
- Add Finishing Touches: Drizzle with melted chocolate, roll in crushed cookies, or add sprinkles for decoration.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 20-24 bites
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1-2 hours
Variations
- Flavor Twists: Add a splash of peppermint extract or orange zest to the cheesecake mixture.
- Toppings: Use shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or edible glitter for a unique look.
- Dietary Options: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen bites in the refrigerator overnight; no reheating needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a mix?
Yes, you can use your favorite homemade red velvet cake recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooled before crumbling.
2. How do I prevent the bites from sticking to my hands?
Dampen your hands slightly with water or coat them with a bit of powdered sugar while rolling the bites.
3. Can I make these bites without refrigeration?
Refrigeration is essential to firm them up and help them hold their shape.
4. What other coatings work well for these bites?
Try dipping them in white chocolate or rolling them in crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles.
5. Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix for a gluten-free version.
6. Are these bites suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! They freeze well and can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or after a short thaw.
7. How far in advance can I make these for a party?
You can prepare them up to 3 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator.
8. Can I add food coloring to enhance the red color?
If your cake mix isn’t vibrant enough, a few drops of red food coloring can boost the color.
9. What’s the best way to transport these bites?
Place them in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent smudging or crushing.
10. Are there other flavors of cheesecake bites I can try?
Yes, experiment with flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or lemon by changing the cake mix and adding complementary extracts or toppings.
Conclusion
Red velvet cheesecake bites are a show-stopping dessert that’s simple to make and endlessly versatile. Perfect for any occasion, these bites combine rich flavors and a stunning presentation to delight your guests. Try them today and enjoy the compliments!
PrintRed Velvet Cheesecake Bites
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are a perfect blend of rich red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake. Bite-sized and ideal for parties, they are coated in a chocolate shell, making them as beautiful as they are delicious!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Base:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (or homemade red velvet cake batter)
- Ingredients required for the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- 12 oz semi-sweet or white chocolate chips (or candy melts)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for smooth coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Velvet Base:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the red velvet cake mix according to package instructions.
- Bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan and let it cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Crumble the cooled red velvet cake into fine crumbs.
- Add the cheesecake filling to the crumbs and mix until a dough-like consistency forms.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Coat the Bites:
- Melt the chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Add coconut oil if desired.
- Dip each red velvet ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Use a fork to lift the ball and let the excess chocolate drip off.
- Place the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined sheet and let the chocolate set.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Drizzle with additional melted chocolate or sprinkle with festive decorations if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use white chocolate for a different look and flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.