Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are little treats that combine the rich, velvety chocolate flavor of red velvet cake with the creamy smoothness of cheesecake. These bite-sized goodies have a perfect…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are little treats that combine the rich, velvety chocolate flavor of red velvet cake with the creamy smoothness of cheesecake. These bite-sized goodies have a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a soft texture that melts in your mouth. They’re like the best of both desserts rolled into one small, irresistible package.
I love making these whenever I want to impress friends or just enjoy a special snack. They’re easy to pop in your mouth and perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings. One tip I’ve learned is to chill them well before serving—that way, the cheesecake stays firm, and the flavors come together beautifully. Plus, they look extra cute when you serve them on a pretty plate or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
These bites always bring a smile and a little bit of joy for me because they remind me of celebrations and cozy moments with loved ones. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, these Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites make everything feel a bit more special. I find that once you try them, you might just keep reaching for one more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Velvet Cake: Using a boxed mix is quick and reliable, but homemade red velvet adds a personal touch. If you can’t find red velvet mix, chocolate cake mix with a touch of red food coloring works well too.
Cream Cheese: This is the heart of the cheesecake filling. Make sure it’s softened for a smooth mix. Neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter substitute but expect a slightly tangier flavor.
Heavy Cream: Whipping the cream adds lightness to the filling. If you want a lower-fat option, try using full-fat coconut cream, which whips nicely and adds a subtle flavor twist.
Sugar and Vanilla: Granulated sugar sweetens without adding moisture. Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor. You can swap vanilla with almond extract for a different but tasty note.
Red Velvet Cake Crumbs: These crumbs coat the bites and give a signature look and extra texture. Save some crumbs from your baked cake or crumble leftover cupcakes or cake slices.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture in Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites?
Getting the right texture means balancing creamy filling and soft cake crumbs. Here’s how I do it:
- Beat the cream cheese until super smooth before adding sugar and vanilla. Lumps can make your filling grainy.
- Whip the cream to stiff peaks but avoid overwhipping—it should be fluffy and hold its shape without turning grainy.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese batter to keep the filling light and airy.
- Shape the filling into firm balls, then roll in crumbs so they stick without falling apart.
- Chilling the bites for at least 2 hours keeps them firm and helps flavors blend.
Taking these small steps makes a big difference. Your cheesecake bites will be creamy, light, and hold their shape perfectly every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need a couple for beating cream cheese and whipping cream separately.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes blending the cream cheese smooth and whipping the cream easy.
- Spoon or spatula – perfect for folding whipped cream gently into the mixture without deflating it.
- Piping bag with star tip (optional) – great for adding pretty decorative tops to each bite.
- Baking tray or plate – to place cheesecake bites on while chilling in the fridge.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try swapping red velvet crumbs for crushed Oreo cookies to create cookies-and-cream cheesecake bites.
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling for a subtle mocha flavor that pairs well with red velvet.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a fun texture and chocolate burst in each bite.
- Use flavored extracts like almond or orange instead of vanilla to give your cheesecake an unexpected twist.
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (or homemade red velvet cake)
For the Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Coating:
- Red velvet cake crumbs (reserved from baked cake or extra from cake mix)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus baking time for the cake (usually around 25-30 minutes), cooling time, and about 2 hours chilling time in the refrigerator before serving. Plan for roughly 3 hours from start to finish to ensure everything sets nicely.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake and Prepare the Cake:
Start by baking the red velvet cake according to the package directions in a rectangular pan. Let the cake cool completely. Once it’s cooled, crumble the cake into fine crumbs and set aside about 1 cup of the crumbs to use as the coating for the cheesecake bites.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Then gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and smooth.
4. Assemble the Bites:
Take small portions of the cream cheese filling and shape each into about 1-inch balls. Roll each ball lightly in the reserved red velvet cake crumbs, ensuring they’re coated evenly.
5. Decorate the Tops (Optional):
If you like, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe a small rosette of the cream cheese mixture on the top of each cheesecake bite. Sprinkle a little more red velvet crumb on top for a pretty finish.
6. Chill and Serve:
Place the cheesecake bites on a tray and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Serve them chilled for the best taste and texture. Enjoy these delightful bite-sized treats that perfectly blend red velvet cake flavor with creamy cheesecake filling!
Can I Use Homemade Red Velvet Cake Instead of Boxed Mix?
Absolutely! Homemade red velvet cake works wonderfully and adds a fresh, personal touch. Just make sure the cake is fully cooled before crumbling for coating.
How Should I Store Leftover Cheesecake Bites?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them chilled to maintain their creamy texture and shape.
Can I Freeze Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites?
Yes, they freeze well! Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
You can use full-fat coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative. Just chill it well and whip it like heavy cream for a similar light texture.