Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
Creamy, sweet, and delicious Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites take only minutes to make. This recipe is easy, fun, and ideal for making ahead! Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a delightful treat at home, these bites are always a hit. The rich flavor of red velvet combined with the creamy cheesecake filling makes these bites irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up these cheesecake bites in just 15 minutes of prep time.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a sweet snack anytime.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake creates a delightful taste experience.
- Make Ahead Option: These bites can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Fun to Make: Involve friends and family in the process for a fun baking activity!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Ziplock bags
- Rolling pin
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Electric mixer: Makes creaming the butter and cream cheese quick and effortless.
- Baking sheets: Provides a stable surface for chilling and coating your cheesecake bites.
Ingredients
For the Cake Bites
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1 ingredients on cake mix packaging
For the Cheesecake Mixture
- 16 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
For Coating
- 2 cups graham crackers (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare two 8-inch cake pans by lining or greasing them.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Prepare the red velvet cake according to the instructions on the packaging. Once baked, let it cool completely.
Step 3: Crumble the Cake
After cooling, crumble the cake using your hands until it resembles coarse sand. If it seems too moist, place it on a lined baking sheet and dry it out in the oven at 350°F for about 5-6 minutes.
Step 4: Mix Cream Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine 16 ounces cream cheese, 4 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream these ingredients until fluffy.
Step 5: Add Graham Crackers and Vanilla
Crush 2 cups graham crackers in a ziplock bag using a rolling pin until fine. Add this along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into your cream cheese mixture. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 6: Form Cream Cheese Balls
Use a 2 teaspoon cookie scoop to portion out the cream cheese mixture. Roll each portion into balls using your hands and place them on a lined baking sheet or large plate. Refrigerate for one hour to allow them to harden.
Step 7: Coat with Cake Crumbs
Once chilled, roll each cream cheese ball in the crumbled red velvet cake until fully coated. Use your hands to shape them into round bites if necessary.
Step 8: Serve or Store
Enjoy your Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites immediately or store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings!
How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, these bites can be served in various delightful ways.
Individual Treats
- Serve each bite on a small dessert plate for a personal touch.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra creaminess.
Party Platters
- Arrange the bites on a colorful platter and garnish with fresh berries.
- Add small flags or labels to indicate flavors or ingredients.
Dessert Shooters
- Layer the cheesecake bites with chocolate mousse in small glasses for an elegant dessert shooter.
- Top each shooter with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for crunch.
Ice Cream Sundaes
- Place a few cheesecake bites on top of a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for added sweetness.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness.
- Offer flavored creamers for guests who enjoy a twist in their coffee.
How to Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
To elevate your Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites, follow these simple tips that ensure they turn out delicious every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your cream cheese and butter sit out before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother texture.
- Don’t Overbake the Cake: Keep an eye on your cake while it bakes. Overbaking can result in dry crumbs that don’t hold together well.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the cheesecake balls to chill completely in the fridge. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect firmness.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add extracts like almond or mint to the cream cheese mixture for a unique twist.
- Coat Generously: Ensure each bite is fully coated with cake crumbs. This not only enhances flavor but adds visual appeal.
- Share and Enjoy: These bites are best when shared! Invite friends over to taste your creation and enjoy their reactions.
Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
When serving Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes that enhance the overall experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of cheesecake bites.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These classic treats add an elegant touch and pair well with red velvet flavors.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer assorted mini cupcakes for variety and fun presentation at parties.
- Coffee or Espresso: A strong brew complements the sweetness of cheesecake bites perfectly, providing contrast.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses alongside sweet elements for an interesting flavor blend.
- Ice Cream Bar: Set up an ice cream station where guests can customize their desserts while enjoying cheesecake bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites can be a breeze, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s how to steer clear of them.
- Overmixing the cream cheese – When combining cream cheese with other ingredients, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can lead to a runny texture, making it hard to form bites.
- Not cooling the cake completely – Ensure the baked red velvet cake is entirely cool before crumbling it. Warm cake can result in a soggy mixture and mess up the consistency.
- Using cold cream cheese – Always use cream cheese at room temperature for the best mixing results. Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend well and may leave lumps.
- Ignoring chilling time – Allowing the cheesecake bites to chill is crucial for setting their shape. Skipping this step means they may not hold together when serving.
- Skipping the graham cracker coating – The graham cracker layer adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of your cheesecake bites.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
- Place bites in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially.
- After freezing, transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, then heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat in 10-15 second intervals until just warmed, being careful not to melt them.
- Stovetop – Use a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites that may help you.
Can I use homemade red velvet cake for Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites?
Yes, you can make these bites using homemade red velvet cake! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before crumbling.
How long do Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites last?
When stored correctly in an airtight container, they can last up to 5 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
Can I customize my Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Feel free to play around with toppings too!
What if my cheesecake mixture is too soft?
If your mixture seems too soft, refrigerate it longer before forming into balls. This will help firm them up and make rolling easier.
Are Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites gluten-free?
To make these gluten-free, simply choose a gluten-free red velvet cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites offer a delightful combination of flavors that is perfect for any occasion. Their creamy texture and sweet taste make them irresistible! You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Don’t hesitate; try making these delightful bites today!
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites, a creamy and sweet treat that combines the rich flavors of red velvet cake with a luscious cheesecake filling. These bite-sized desserts are not only easy to prepare, taking just 15 minutes of active time, but they also make for a perfect addition to any gathering—be it a festive party or a cozy night in. With the option to make them ahead of time, these treats are as convenient as they are delicious. Enjoy them rolled in graham cracker crumbs for added texture, making each bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 16 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups graham crackers (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch cake pans.
- Bake the red velvet cake according to package instructions and let it cool completely.
- Crumble the cooled cake until it resembles coarse sand.
- Mix cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Combine crushed graham crackers and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture.
- Form small balls from the mixture and refrigerate for an hour.
- Roll chilled balls in crumbled red velvet cake until well coated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 112
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
