Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Red velvet cheesecake bites are the ultimate indulgent dessert, combining the rich flavor of classic red velvet cake with the creamy decadence of cheesecake. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, holiday celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth in a more manageable portion. Their striking red color and creamy white cheesecake filling make them as visually appealing as they are delicious, ensuring they stand out on any dessert table. Unlike a traditional full-sized cheesecake, these mini bites are easier to prepare, quicker to bake, and simple to serve. They can be made in advance and stored, making them a convenient option for entertaining. Whether you are a fan of red velvet, cheesecake, or both, these elegant little desserts bring together the best of both worlds in a delightful, bite-sized form that everyone will adore.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites – A Decadent Mini Dessert Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 38 mins + chilling
- Yield: 24 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and decadent red velvet cheesecake bites with a chocolate cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a swirl of red velvet flavor — perfect for parties or holiday treats.
Ingredients
- 18 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos), crushed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted (optional, for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a mini muffin pan with paper liners.
- Mix crushed cookies with melted butter, then press about 1 tsp of mixture into the bottom of each liner to form the crust.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla, vinegar, and food coloring. Mix until fully combined.
- Spoon cheesecake batter over crusts, filling liners about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until centers are just set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving if desired.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a deeper red color.
- These can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed before serving.
- Top with cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Red Velvet Cake Crumbs
These provide the base flavor and distinctive red color. They create the outer layer that holds the cheesecake filling together.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese forms the heart of the cheesecake filling. It gives the bites a smooth, rich, and tangy flavor that contrasts perfectly with the sweet red velvet.
Sugar
A small amount of sugar sweetens the cheesecake filling, enhancing its creaminess without overpowering it.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla adds warmth and depth to the filling, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
Butter
Butter helps bind the cake crumbs together and adds richness to the texture.
White Chocolate (Optional)
Melted white chocolate can be drizzled over the bites or used for dipping, adding sweetness and a polished finish.
Powdered Sugar (For Dusting)
A light dusting of powdered sugar gives the bites an elegant, bakery-style appearance.
Directions
Begin by preparing red velvet cake, either from scratch or using a mix, and allow it to cool completely. Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs and place them in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Scoop a spoonful of cake crumbs into your hand, flatten it slightly, and add a small amount of the cream cheese filling in the center. Carefully shape the cake mixture around the filling, rolling it into a ball to fully enclose the cheesecake center. Repeat with the remaining mixture until all the bites are formed.
For an extra touch, melt white chocolate and dip each bite halfway, letting the chocolate set on parchment paper. You can also drizzle chocolate over the top for decoration. Once finished, chill the bites in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to help them firm up.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20–24 bites, depending on size. Preparation takes around 25 minutes, with an additional 60 minutes of chilling time. In total, expect the recipe to take about 1 hour and 30 minutes before the bites are ready to serve.
Storage/reheating
Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag; they will last up to 2 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator before serving. These are best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not necessary.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate-Coated Bites
Dip the bites fully in dark or milk chocolate for a richer, candy-like treat.
Festive Sprinkles
Roll the bites in red, white, or holiday-themed sprinkles to match special occasions.
Oreo Red Velvet Bites
Mix crushed red velvet Oreos with cream cheese for a no-bake shortcut version.
Nutty Coating
Roll the finished bites in crushed pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Swirl Effect
Instead of enclosing the cheesecake completely, create a marbled swirl by mixing some cheesecake filling directly into the cake crumbs.
FAQs
Can I use a boxed red velvet cake mix?
Yes, a boxed mix works perfectly and saves time.
Do I need to bake the cheesecake filling?
No, the filling is no-bake, making the recipe quicker and easier.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze red velvet cheesecake bites?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
What size should I make the bites?
Aim for about 1-inch balls for easy serving and portion control.
Do I need to chill them before serving?
Yes, chilling helps them set and hold their shape.
Can I use mascarpone instead of cream cheese?
Yes, mascarpone can be used for a milder, creamier filling.
How do I keep them from being too sweet?
Use less sugar in the filling or balance with a dark chocolate coating.
Can I make these without chocolate coating?
Absolutely, they taste delicious with just powdered sugar or left plain.
Are these suitable for parties?
Yes, they are bite-sized, elegant, and easy to serve, making them perfect for gatherings.
Conclusion
Red velvet cheesecake bites are a decadent, eye-catching dessert that combines the best elements of cake and cheesecake in one irresistible bite. They are versatile, easy to make, and ideal for both casual and special occasions. With their rich flavor, creamy filling, and elegant presentation, these treats are sure to impress guests and satisfy any sweet craving. Whether coated in chocolate, topped with sprinkles, or enjoyed plain, they are a delightful addition to your dessert collection. Once you try them, these little bites may become your new go-to treat for parties and celebrations.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!