If you adore the rich, vibrant flavor of red velvet cake and the creamy decadence of cheesecake, you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe. These little bites pack all the lusciousness of a traditional red velvet dessert into perfectly sized, bite-friendly treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat. With a crumbly, buttery exterior and a smooth, tangy cheesecake center, they make a show-stopping dessert or party treat that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe keeps it wonderfully simple but impactful with each ingredient playing a vital role in texture, flavor, and color. From the signature red velvet cake mix to the creamy cream cheese and crunchy graham crackers, every element contributes to the overall deliciousness.
- Red velvet cake mix: Provides that classic red color and subtle cocoa flavor essential for the base of these bites.
- Ingredients listed on cake mix packaging: Follow exactly for perfect cake consistency and flavor.
- Cream cheese (room temperature): Adds rich creaminess and tang that balances the sweetness in the cheesecake filling.
- Butter (room temperature): Brings in a smooth depth and helps bind the mix together.
- Powdered sugar: Gives just the right touch of sweetness while keeping the texture silky.
- Graham crackers (crushed): Create a delightful crunch and add a buttery, slightly nutty undertone.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances and deepens the overall flavor for a well-rounded bite.
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing two 8-inch cake pans; this ensures your red velvet cake layers come out perfectly without sticking. Follow the instructions on your red velvet cake mix box carefully and bake the cakes until done. Once they’re ready, allow them to cool completely; this step is crucial so you can handle the cake easily without making a mess.
Step 2: Crumble the Cake
After the cakes are nicely cooled, crumble them into coarse, manageable pieces. If you notice the cake is a bit too moist, pop the crumbled pieces into the oven for a few minutes to dry them out slightly. This drying helps the crumbs stick better when coating the cheesecake balls later.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. Beat this trio until the mixture is fluffy and smooth—this will be the luscious cheesecake center everyone will adore. The light, airy texture here makes all the difference in your bites.
Step 4: Combine with Graham Crackers and Vanilla
Add the crushed graham crackers and the vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mixing these together creates a subtle crunch inside the cheesecake balls and a lovely hint of warmth from the vanilla that complements the red velvet flavor wonderfully.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
Scoop out portions of the combined mixture, then roll each into a small, bite-sized ball. Placing these in the refrigerator for about an hour lets them firm up so they hold their shape well for the next step.
Step 6: Coat with Cake Crumbs
Once chilled, roll each cheesecake ball in your previously crumbled red velvet cake. This final coating creates an eye-catching, textured outer layer that not only looks beautiful but adds an extra burst of red velvet flavor with every bite.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle the Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites with mini white chocolate chips, or drizzle with cream cheese frosting or melted dark chocolate. A light dusting of powdered sugar can give them that extra festive sparkle perfect for holiday tables or special celebrations.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bites pair beautifully with fresh berries or a tangy berry compote, which cut through the richness and add a burst of natural sweetness. Alternatively, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites on a stylish platter with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves as accents to elevate their visual appeal. For gatherings, place them on skewers with alternating pieces of fruit for a fun appetizer-style presentation everyone will love. They also make fantastic additions to dessert charcuterie boards alongside nuts and chocolates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is often not the case!), store the cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, making these a convenient make-ahead treat that won’t lose any of their charm.
Freezing
You can freeze the Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. After freezing for a couple of hours, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months and thaw beautifully in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Since these treats are best enjoyed chilled, reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly less cold, just let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps bring out the creamy texture without melting the outer coating.
FAQs
Can I make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe without a cake mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade, you can bake your own red velvet cake from scratch and crumble it for the coating. Just make sure it has the classic flavors and color to maintain that signature bite.
What cream cheese brand works best here?
Any full-fat cream cheese that is nicely softened will work perfectly. Avoid low-fat versions as they can affect the texture and make the filling less creamy.
Can I substitute graham crackers with something else?
Yes! Digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed cookies like Oreos can be used to add a different twist to the texture and flavor of your cheesecake bites.
How do I prevent the cake crumbs from falling off the bites?
Ensuring your red velvet cake crumbs are dry enough and chilling the cheesecakes well before coating helps the crumbs adhere properly for a neat finish.
Are these bites gluten-free?
Traditional ingredients here are not gluten-free due to the cake mix and graham crackers. However, you could experiment with gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free crackers to make a suitable version.
Final Thoughts
With their irresistible combination of velvety cake, creamy cheesecake, and sweet, crunchy coating, this Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe is a delightful dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. Whether for a holiday party, a special occasion, or a cozy night in, these bites bring joy and indulgence in every scrumptious morsel. Give this recipe a try and watch these little treats disappear fast — I promise they’ll steal the show every time!
Print
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites, a perfect fusion of moist red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake flavors combined into bite-sized treats. These no-bake cheesecake balls are rolled in red velvet cake crumbs for an extra burst of color and texture, making a visually stunning and delicious dessert ideal for parties or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- Ingredients specified on cake mix packaging (typically eggs, oil, water)
Cheesecake Mixture
- 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Bake red velvet cake: Follow the box instructions to mix the red velvet cake batter, bake it in the prepared pans, and then allow the cakes to cool completely before proceeding.
- Crumble cake: Break the cooled red velvet cake into coarse crumbs. If the crumbs feel too moist or sticky, spread them on a baking sheet and dry them out in the oven for a few minutes at low heat.
- Mix cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the crushed graham crackers and vanilla extract into the cheesecake mixture, ensuring a uniform blend.
- Form cheesecake bites: Scoop portions of the mixture using a spoon or small cookie scoop, then roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands.
- Chill the bites: Place the cheesecake balls on a tray and refrigerate for about one hour to firm up.
- Coat with cake crumbs: Once chilled, roll each cheesecake ball in the prepared red velvet cake crumbs until fully coated, giving the bites a vibrant red exterior.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- If the red velvet cake crumbs are too moist, drying them out prevents the cheesecake bites from becoming soggy.
- You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs for a different flavor.
- Store the cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for optimal freshness.
- For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate before serving.
