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Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

Category: Sweet Treats and Baked Goods

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites transform classic red velvet cake into irresistible bite-sized treats. Starting with red velvet cake crumbs and a creamy filling made from cream cheese, butter, and crushed graham crackers, these treats are rolled into perfect little spheres. The cream cheese mixture is sweetened with powdered sugar and enhanced with vanilla extract, then chilled until firm. Each bite is coated in red velvet cake crumbs, creating a beautiful and delicious two-texture treat that's perfect for parties or special occasions. Best of all, they can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Last updated on Fri, 24 Jan 2025 03:00:25 GMT
Delicious red velvet cheesecake bites, a creamy and indulgent treat for any occasion. Pin to Favorites
Delicious red velvet cheesecake bites, a creamy and indulgent treat for any occasion. | lastminrecipes.com

The heavenly combination of fudgy brownies and silky cheesecake creates an irresistible dessert that's perfectly portioned into bite-sized treats. These brownie bottom mini cheesecakes strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate and creamy vanilla, making them an ideal choice for any celebration or when you're craving something truly special.

Last weekend I served these at a family gathering, and my aunt couldn't believe they were homemade. The secret? Letting the cream cheese reach room temperature completely - it makes the filling as smooth as velvet.

Essential Ingredients

  • Cream cheese: Must be full-fat and fully softened for the silkiest texture
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: Choose Dutch-processed for a deeper chocolate flavor
  • Sour cream: Creates that professional bakery-style cheesecake texture
  • Unsalted butter: Controls the salt content and enriches the brownie base
  • Pure vanilla extract: Enhances both chocolate and cream cheese flavors
  • Room temperature eggs: Essential for proper mixing and texture
Mini red velvet cheesecake bites, the perfect sweet treat for parties or holidays. Pin to Favorites
Mini red velvet cheesecake bites, the perfect sweet treat for parties or holidays. | lastminrecipes.com

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and preheat
Position rack in center of oven at 350°F. Line muffin tin with paper liners, spraying lightly with oil. Set out all cold ingredients to reach room temperature. Gather mixing bowls and measuring tools.
Step 2: Create brownie base
Melt butter until just liquid but not hot. Whisk in sugar until slightly grainy. Beat in eggs one at a time until glossy. Fold in cocoa and flour until barely mixed. Spoon into liners and press down gently.
Step 3: Mix cheesecake filling
Beat cream cheese until completely smooth and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Gradually add sugar, scraping bowl frequently. Mix in eggs one at a time on low speed. Fold in sour cream and vanilla just until blended. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
Pour filling over brownie bases, leaving room for rising. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles. Bake 20-25 minutes until edges are set but centers slightly jiggly. Cool completely in pan before chilling.

My mother-in-law passed this recipe down to me, and I've learned that patience is the key. Rushing any step, especially the cooling process, can affect the final texture.

The Science of Perfect Cheesecake

The magic happens during the slow cooling process. As the cheesecakes gradually come to room temperature, the proteins in the cream cheese create that signature silky texture. I've found that leaving them in the turned-off oven with the door cracked helps prevent sudden temperature changes.

Creative Variations

Over years of making these, I've experimented with countless variations. My family's favorite is adding a swirl of salted caramel before baking. The salt perfectly balances the sweetness of both layers.

Seasonal Adaptations

During summer, I love topping these with fresh berry compote. In fall, a sprinkle of cinnamon and maple drizzle transforms them into autumn-worthy treats. Winter holidays call for crushed peppermint and dark chocolate drizzle.

Storage Success

These little beauties actually improve after a day in the fridge. The flavors meld together, and the texture becomes even more luxurious. I've found they keep perfectly for up to five days, though they rarely last that long in my house!

After countless batches and years of tweaking, I've discovered that the real secret isn't in any special ingredient - it's in the love and patience you put into making them. Whether they're slightly cracked or perfectly smooth, each mini cheesecake carries the promise of a moment of pure joy when you take that first heavenly bite.

Creamy cheesecake bites with a red velvet base, a delightful mini dessert. Pin to Favorites
Creamy cheesecake bites with a red velvet base, a delightful mini dessert. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long do these cheesecake bites last?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
→ Why do the ingredients need to be room temperature?
Room temperature cream cheese and butter blend more smoothly, preventing lumps in the filling.
→ Can I freeze these cheesecake bites?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
→ Why do I need to dry out moist cake crumbs?
Drying prevents the coating from becoming soggy and helps it stick better to the cheesecake balls.
→ Can I use different cake flavors?
Yes, this recipe works well with any cake mix flavor you prefer.

Easy Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

Creamy cheesecake balls rolled in red velvet cake crumbs, creating perfect bite-sized treats.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 cheesecake bites)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Red Velvet Base

01 1 box red velvet cake mix
02 Additional ingredients as called for on cake mix box (eggs, oil, water)

→ Cheesecake Filling

03 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
04 4 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
05 1/2 cup powdered sugar
06 2 cups graham crackers, finely crushed
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare and bake the red velvet cake according to package directions in two 8-inch pans. Let it cool completely.

Step 02

Crumble the cooled cake with your hands until it resembles coarse sand. If too moist, spread the chunks on a baking sheet and dry in the oven at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.

Step 03

Beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the crushed graham crackers and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 04

Using a 2-teaspoon cookie scoop, portion out the cream cheese mixture and roll into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet.

Step 05

Refrigerate the balls for 1 hour until firm. Once chilled, roll each ball in the red velvet cake crumbs until fully coated, reshaping if needed.

Notes

  1. Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator
  2. Perfect for parties or special occasions
  3. Ensure cream cheese and butter are properly softened for the smoothest result

Tools You'll Need

  • 2 teaspoon cookie scoop
  • Electric hand mixer
  • Two 8-inch cake pans
  • Baking sheet
  • Rolling pin

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, butter)
  • Contains gluten (cake mix, graham crackers)
  • Contains eggs (in cake mix)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 151
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 2 g