Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites recipe
Creamy, delightful, and effortlessly prepared, these Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites make a sweet treat for any occasion. Combining the decadent flavors of red velvet and creamy cheesecake, these bite-sized delights are as beautiful as they are delicious. With minimal preparation and a convenient make-ahead option, these cheesecake bites are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a fun homemade dessert to indulge in any time.
Imagine velvety smooth cream cheese surrounded by fluffy red velvet cake crumbs, creating a harmonious mix of textures and flavors. These Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites deliver a mouthful of sweetness that’s balanced with a hint of tang from the cream cheese, making each bite feel indulgent yet light.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something special, this recipe is designed to fit right into your schedule. With a simple preparation process and a quick chilling period, these cheesecake bites are not only delicious but also stress-free to make. Let’s dive in and bring these sweet bites to life!
Key Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
- Red velvet cake mix – Delivers the classic chocolatey and tangy flavor of red velvet with ease, plus a beautiful crimson color that makes these bites visually stunning.
- Cream cheese (16 oz, softened) – The creamy base for the filling, providing a tangy balance to the sweetness and creating a lush, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Butter (4 tbsp, softened) – Adds richness to the filling and helps create a smooth consistency for the cheesecake center.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup) – Sweetens the filling while keeping it light and silky, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- Graham crackers (2 cups, finely crushed) – Adds a subtle crunch and light texture to the filling, enhancing the cheesecake flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – A touch of vanilla deepens the flavor, making each bite feel like a complete dessert experience.
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch cake pans by greasing or lining them with parchment.
- Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to package instructions and bake. Allow the cake to cool completely, then crumble it into coarse crumbs. For a drier crumb, break the cake into chunks and place it on a lined baking sheet, drying it in the oven for 5-6 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. Blend with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Crush the graham crackers until finely powdered. Add them and the vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, portion out the cream cheese mixture into small balls. Roll each portion by hand, then place on a lined baking sheet or plate. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set.
- Once chilled, roll each cheesecake ball in the red velvet crumbs, coating all sides. Shape each into round bites as needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy!
Recipe Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
- For a deeper sweetness, gradually add more powdered sugar to taste. Up to an additional cup can give a more pronounced sugary flavor.
- To ensure even crumb coating, press the cake crumbs gently onto the cheesecake balls, rotating as you go.
- If your cream cheese filling feels sticky, dampen your hands slightly while rolling to prevent it from sticking to your fingers.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! For a festive twist, drizzle the cheesecake bites with melted white or dark chocolate for added sweetness and a polished look. You could also roll the bites in different colored sprinkles for various holiday or party themes. Another option is to add a few drops of red food coloring to the filling if you want a more vibrant center that matches the red velvet exterior.
These cheesecake bites pair beautifully with coffee, hot cocoa, or even a glass of dessert wine, making them versatile for any occasion!
How to Store These Cheesecake Bites
To keep your Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Simply place the bites in a single layer on a tray to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Zutaten
Red Velvet Crumb
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- Ingredients as directed on cake mix package
Cream Cheese Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar*
- 2 cups graham crackers finely crushed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Anleitungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch cake pans by either greasing or lining them with parchment.
- Follow the package directions to prepare and bake the red velvet cake mix. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.
- When the cake is cool, crumble it by hand until the texture resembles coarse sand. If the cake seems too moist, break it into chunks, spread them on a lined baking sheet, and dry in the oven at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. Using an electric hand mixer, blend until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Crush the graham crackers in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin until finely powdered. Add the crushed graham crackers and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
- Using a 2-teaspoon cookie scoop, portion out small balls of the cream cheese mixture. Roll each portion into a round ball with your hands, then place them on a lined baking sheet or large plate. Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow them to firm up.
- After chilling, roll each cream cheese ball in the red velvet cake crumbs, coating all sides evenly. Use your hands to shape them into round bites as needed.
- Enjoy the cheesecake bites right away or refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.