Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are a perfect fusion of two beloved desserts: red velvet cake and cheesecake. With a creamy cheesecake center coated in a rich, crumbly red velvet exterior, these bite-sized treats are as visually striking as they are delicious. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a special gift, these cheesecake bites bring a touch of elegance and indulgence to any occasion. The red velvet crumbs add a beautiful color and a subtle chocolatey flavor that complements the creamy, tangy cheesecake. Best of all, these bites are no-bake, making them a convenient and easy dessert option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will impress friends, family, and guests alike. The smooth, creamy cheesecake filling is both tangy and rich, while the red velvet crumbs add a slight crunch and chocolate flavor. They’re easy to make with minimal ingredients, and because they’re no-bake, you won’t have to worry about heating up the kitchen. The recipe is also highly adaptable; you can roll the cheesecake bites in different coatings or drizzle them with chocolate for extra flair. These bites are a convenient size for snacking and are perfect for a festive dessert platter or holiday gift box.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Chill time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 20-24 bites
• Serving Size: 1 bite

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 150
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (for a slight tang)

For the Red Velvet Crumble Coating

• 1 cup red velvet cake crumbs (from pre-made red velvet cake or cupcakes)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for extra chocolate flavor)

Optional Garnishes

• Melted white chocolate, for drizzling
• Mini chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles
• Additional red velvet cake crumbs for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Crumble

1. If you’re using store-bought or pre-made red velvet cake, crumble it into fine pieces using your hands or a food processor. You’ll need about 1 cup of crumbs for coating.
2. If desired, mix in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor in the crumbs. Set the crumbs aside in a shallow bowl for coating.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, and continue to beat until fully combined and smooth.
3. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if necessary, adding more powdered sugar for a sweeter filling.

Step 3: Shape the Cheesecake Bites

1. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake filling and roll it into a ball with your hands.
2. Place each cheesecake ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining filling.
3. Once all the balls are shaped, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This step makes it easier to coat them in the crumbs.

Step 4: Coat the Cheesecake Bites

1. Remove the cheesecake balls from the refrigerator and roll each one in the red velvet cake crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere.
2. Place the coated cheesecake bites back on the parchment-lined baking sheet as you go.
3. Once all the cheesecake bites are coated, refrigerate them again for an additional 30 minutes to allow the coating to set.

Step 5: Optional Chocolate Drizzle

1. If you’d like to add a chocolate drizzle, melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
2. Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate over the chilled cheesecake bites.
3. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Store

1. Serve the Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites on a decorative plate, or place them in mini cupcake liners for an elegant presentation.
2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bites can also be frozen for up to 1 month—just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Ingredient Background

The ingredients in these Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites come together to create a decadent treat with balanced flavors. Cream cheese is the main component of the filling, giving it a smooth, tangy, and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the chocolatey red velvet crumbs. Powdered sugar provides sweetness without graininess, while a touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor. A bit of lemon juice adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the cream cheese. The red velvet crumbs not only add a visually striking color but also offer a hint of cocoa, which adds depth to each bite.

Technique Tips

To ensure your Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites come out perfectly, follow these helpful tips. Soften the cream cheese to room temperature before beating it to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling. Chill the cheesecake balls before rolling them in the red velvet crumbs; this makes the filling firmer and easier to work with. If you want to create perfectly round bites, roll them gently between your palms. When coating, press the crumbs lightly onto the balls so they stick well. Finally, if adding a chocolate drizzle, let the bites chill for a few minutes before applying so the drizzle sets quickly.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites can be presented in various ways depending on the occasion. For a holiday gathering, place each bite in a mini cupcake liner and arrange them on a tiered dessert tray. If giving them as gifts, package the bites in a festive holiday box or tin, lined with decorative paper. For a wedding or elegant event, serve them on a platter with alternating colors of white chocolate and dark chocolate drizzles. You can also make truffle pops by inserting small sticks into each bite before coating, then display them upright for a fun twist.

Additional Tips for Success

For best results, ensure the cheesecake filling is smooth and free of lumps. If you prefer a sweeter filling, feel free to add a bit more powdered sugar to taste. When crumbling the red velvet cake, make sure the crumbs are fine and evenly sized, as large crumbs may not adhere well. Chilling the bites after coating them is important for helping the crumbs set firmly. If the crumbs don’t stick well, try pressing them onto the bites with slightly damp hands. If you’re adding a drizzle, let the white chocolate cool slightly before applying to prevent it from melting the coating.

Recipe Variations

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are versatile and can be customized with different flavors and coatings:

1. Chocolate-Coated Cheesecake Bites: Instead of rolling in red velvet crumbs, dip the cheesecake bites in melted chocolate for a smooth, rich coating.
2. Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake Bites: Use crushed red velvet Oreos for the coating instead of red velvet cake crumbs for a unique twist.
3. Peppermint Red Velvet Bites: Add a dash of peppermint extract to the cheesecake filling and roll the bites in a mixture of red velvet crumbs and crushed candy canes.
4. Nutty Red Velvet Bites: Roll the cheesecake balls in a mixture of red velvet crumbs and finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
5. Coconut-Coated Red Velvet Bites: For a tropical twist, roll the bites in shredded coconut instead of red velvet crumbs.

Freezing and Storage

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are great for making ahead of time, as they store well in the refrigerator or freezer. To store in the refrigerator, place the bites in an airtight container and keep them chilled for up to 5 days. If freezing, arrange the bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the bites in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. They can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

Healthier Twist Ideas

To make these cheesecake bites a bit healthier, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese to lower the fat content. You can also use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, in place of powdered sugar, though this may slightly alter the texture. For a lower-calorie coating, roll the bites in crushed graham crackers or almond flour instead of red velvet cake crumbs. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, skip the chocolate drizzle or use a sugar-free chocolate alternative. These adjustments will make the bites lighter while still retaining their delicious flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are perfect for a variety of events and gatherings. For holiday parties, serve them on a decorative platter alongside other holiday desserts like sugar cookies and peppermint bark. They also make a wonderful addition to dessert tables at weddings, where their vibrant red color fits beautifully with romantic themes. For gift-giving, place the bites in a festive tin with a layer of parchment paper, or arrange them in a holiday box with decorative wrapping. If you’re hosting a casual event, serve these bites on a tray with a selection of other mini desserts for a fun dessert sampler.

Special Equipment

To make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. A food processor is helpful for crumbling the red velvet cake finely, but you can also use your hands or a plastic bag and rolling pin. An electric mixer is useful for beating the cream cheese filling until smooth, though you can also mix by hand with a whisk or spatula if needed. A small cookie scoop or tablespoon helps portion out the cheesecake filling evenly, while a baking sheet and parchment paper are essential for chilling and setting the bites.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade red velvet cake crumbs?
Yes, you can use homemade or store-bought red velvet cake. Just ensure the cake is fully cooled and crumbed finely.

2. Can I use a different type of coating?
Absolutely! Crushed Oreos, graham crackers, or even chocolate sprinkles work well as alternative coatings.

3. How do I make these bites gluten-free?
Use gluten-free red velvet cake crumbs, or substitute with gluten-free graham crackers for the coating.

4. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to shape and coat the bites.

5. What if my cheesecake mixture is too soft?
Chill the mixture for 10-15 minutes if it’s too soft to roll into balls. This will help firm it up.

6. Can I dip the bites in chocolate instead of coating with crumbs?
Yes, dipping the bites in melted chocolate creates a smooth, candy-like coating and adds a touch of richness.

7. How long do these bites last in the refrigerator?
They’ll stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

8. Can I add more flavor to the cheesecake filling?
Certainly! A splash of almond extract, a dash of cocoa powder, or a sprinkle of espresso powder can enhance the filling’s flavor.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are a fun, festive, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of cheesecake and red velvet cake in one delightful bite. Easy to make and visually striking, they’re a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert spread, party platter, or gift box. With a creamy, tangy center and a rich red velvet coating, these bites offer the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re a fan of red velvet or cheesecake, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family, friends, and guests. Enjoy the holiday cheer with these beautiful and indulgent treats!

Print