Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

Introduction

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are the perfect combination of rich, velvety red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake, creating an indulgent bite-sized dessert. These treats are visually stunning, with a vibrant red color and smooth cheesecake swirls on top.

I made these for a holiday gathering once, and they were an absolute hit. The contrast of the soft red velvet cake with the smooth, tangy cheesecake is a flavor pairing that’s simply irresistible. Plus, their small size makes them the ideal choice for serving a crowd—everyone can have a bite (or two)! You can even get creative by adding a touch of chocolate drizzle or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra flair.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a special holiday treat, or just in the mood for something indulgent, these cheesecake bites are perfect for any occasion. They’re as easy to make as they are to enjoy!

Perfect for:

• Holiday dessert tables
• Birthday parties
• Sweet treats for gatherings
• Valentine’s Day
• Red velvet and cheesecake lovers

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

Here’s why Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites will become your go-to dessert:

• Two Desserts in One: You get the best of both worlds—decadent red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake—in one delicious bite.
• Perfectly Portioned: These bite-sized treats are ideal for serving at parties or enjoying without overindulging.
• Stunning Appearance: The vibrant red base topped with cheesecake swirls is as eye-catching as it is tasty.
• Simple to Make: This recipe uses basic ingredients, yet it delivers bakery-quality results.
• Freezer-Friendly: These bites freeze beautifully, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 24 bites
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-140 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites:

For the Red Velvet Base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel recommended)
• ½ cup buttermilk

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Red Food Coloring: Gives the base its signature bold red hue, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake swirl.
• Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and helps create a moist, tender texture in the red velvet base.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake swirl, providing a rich and creamy topping.
• Cocoa Powder: A touch of cocoa powder deepens the red velvet flavor without overpowering it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites:

Prepare the Red Velvet Base:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, whisking until well combined.
4. Add the Buttermilk and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Spread in the Pan: Pour the red velvet batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Prepare the Cheesecake Swirl:

6. Make the Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
7. Add the Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the red velvet base. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cheesecake mixture into the red velvet batter, creating a marbled effect.

Bake and Cool:

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool Completely: Let the bites cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Slice and Serve:

10. Cut into Bites: Once fully cooled, slice the red velvet cheesecake into 24 bite-sized squares.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

This recipe can be served in various ways to suit any occasion:

• On a Dessert Tray: Arrange them on a platter alongside other bite-sized treats for a beautiful dessert spread.
• With Coffee or Tea: These bites pair perfectly with a warm beverage for an indulgent snack.
• For Gift-Giving: Pack them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• As a Party Treat: Serve these at holiday gatherings, Valentine’s Day parties, or bridal showers for a stunning addition to the dessert table.

Additional Tips for Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

Here are some tips to ensure this recipe turn out perfectly:

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Allow the cream cheese, eggs, and buttermilk to come to room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Don’t Overbake: The bites are done when the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Overbaking can result in a dry texture.
• Swirl Gently: Use a light hand when swirling the cheesecake mixture into the red velvet batter to achieve a beautiful marble effect without overmixing.
• Chill Before Slicing: For cleaner slices, chill the bites in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
• Experiment with Toppings: Sprinkle crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or festive sprinkles on top for extra flair.

Recipe Variations for Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipe:

• Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites: Add mini chocolate chips to the red velvet batter for extra sweetness.
• Nutty Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch.
• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites: Use plant-based cream cheese, a flax egg, and dairy-free buttermilk for a vegan-friendly version.
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars: Skip the bite-sized cuts and serve as larger bars for a more traditional dessert.
• Caramel Drizzle Bites: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for a decadent twist.
• White Chocolate Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites: Add white chocolate chips to the red velvet batter for a creamy surprise.
• Peppermint Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the cheesecake mixture for a holiday-inspired flavor.
• Berry-Topped Bites: Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity touch.
• Espresso-Infused Bites: Mix a teaspoon of espresso powder into the red velvet batter for a subtle coffee flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

• Freezing: this recipe freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment for Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing this recipe easier:

• Electric Mixer: For creaming the cheesecake mixture smoothly.
• 9×9-Inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for evenly baked bites.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes removing the bites easy.
• Toothpick or Knife: For creating the swirl effect in the batter.
• Wire Rack: Essential for cooling the bites evenly.
• Sharp Knife: For clean, precise slicing of the bites.

Frequently Asked Questions for Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

1. Can I use a boxed red velvet mix?
   Yes, you can use a boxed red velvet cake mix for the base if you’re short on time.
2. How do I know when they’re done baking?
   The bites are done when the center is just set, and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, they can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
5. What’s the best way to create the swirl?
   Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cheesecake mixture into the batter without overmixing.

Print

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the rich flavors of red velvet and creamy cheesecake. Their bite-sized format makes them perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying as a small indulgence. With their vibrant color and deliciously smooth texture, these treats are a delightful combination of cake and cheesecake in every bite. Whether for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these beautiful treats are sure to impress and delight!

This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special. These little bites deliver big flavor, making them a must-try for any dessert lover.

I’d love to see how your Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!