Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites have quickly become a staple in my house for both special occasions and casual get-togethers. Creamy, sweet, and decadent, they offer the perfect balance between the rich flavor of red velvet cake and the smoothness of cheesecake. The first time I made them, they were a huge hit—everyone raved about how the cheesecake filling perfectly complemented the soft red velvet crumbs. I love how easy they are to make and that they can be prepped ahead of time. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a casual dinner, or just craving something sweet, these bites are the perfect treat. I’ve also found they make a wonderful gift when packaged in cute little boxes for friends and family. They’re so versatile and fun to make, and I’m sure they’ll quickly become one of your favorites too!

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday celebration, a birthday party, or just a cozy evening with friends. The red velvet cake adds a beautiful pop of color, while the cream cheese filling brings a rich, indulgent flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft cake crumbs. Plus, they’re no-bake after the cake is prepared, so they’re easy to make ahead. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a great option to prep in advance. The bites are also very customizable; if you prefer, you can tweak the level of sweetness or swap in a different type of cake mix. No matter how you customize them, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Crumb:

• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• Ingredients as directed on the cake mix packaging (usually water, oil, and eggs)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tbsp butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
• 2 cups graham crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Crumb:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
• Prepare the red velvet cake batter according to the instructions on the box. Typically, this involves combining the cake mix with water, oil, and eggs.
• Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake as directed on the box. Once the cakes are done, let them cool completely.

2. Crumble the Cake:

• Once the cakes have cooled, crumble them into fine crumbs using your hands until the texture resembles coarse sand.
• If the cake seems too moist, break it into small chunks and spread the crumbs on a lined baking sheet. Bake the crumbs in the oven at 350°F for 5–6 minutes to dry them out, then let them cool.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the mixture until light, fluffy, and aerated.
• The result should be a smooth, creamy mixture with a soft texture.

4. Incorporate the Graham Crackers:

• Place the graham crackers in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine powder.
• Add the crushed graham crackers and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until fully combined.

5. Form the Cheesecake Balls:

• Use a 2-teaspoon cookie scoop to portion out the cream cheese mixture. Roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands.
• Place the cheesecake balls on a lined baking sheet or plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced for easy handling.

6. Chill:

• Refrigerate the cheesecake bites for at least 1 hour, or until they are firm and easy to handle. The chilling time helps the bites hold their shape and allows the flavors to come together.

7. Assemble:

• Once the cheesecake bites are firm, roll each ball in the red velvet cake crumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.

8. Serve or Store:

• Serve immediately, or store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1 cheesecake bite)

• Serving Size: 1 cheesecake bite (approximately 1/16th of the recipe)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 16 bites
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Keywords: red velvet cheesecake, cheesecake bites, red velvet desserts, easy cheesecake recipe, holiday dessert, party appetizers

How to Serve

• As a Party Appetizer: Serve these Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites on a platter at your next party or get-together. They’re bite-sized, making them perfect for guests to grab and enjoy.
• As a Holiday Treat: These cheesecake bites are perfect for the holiday season. The vibrant red velvet color makes them a festive addition to any holiday spread.
• With Coffee or Tea: These bites are great with your afternoon coffee or tea. Their rich flavor pairs beautifully with hot beverages.
• For Gifting: Package these cheesecake bites in cute gift boxes or mason jars to give as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
• As a Snack: Enjoy these bites as a simple snack for when you’re craving something sweet.

Additional Tips

1. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet filling, adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your taste. Start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed.
2. Vegan Option: You can make these cheesecake bites vegan by substituting non-dairy cream cheese and plant-based butter.
3. Use a Stand Mixer: If you have a stand mixer, you can use it for mixing the cream cheese filling for an even fluffier result.
4. Add Color: If you want to make your cheesecake bites extra festive, add a few drops of red food coloring to the cream cheese filling before mixing in the graham crackers.
5. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
   Yes, you can swap the red velvet cake mix for other flavors like chocolate or vanilla for a different twist on this recipe.
2. How long do these cheesecake bites last?
   These cheesecake bites will last up to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before assembling the bites.
4. Can I freeze these cheesecake bites?
   Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake bites. Place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version of these cheesecake bites.
6. Can I use store-bought graham cracker crumbs?
   Yes, store-bought graham cracker crumbs will work perfectly for the filling. Just make sure they are finely crushed.
7. What can I use instead of graham crackers?
   If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute with crushed cookies or biscuits like Digestives or vanilla wafer cookies.
8. Do these need to be chilled?
   Yes, chilling is important to ensure the bites hold their shape and firm up for easier handling.
9. Can I add other flavors to the filling?
   You can experiment with other flavors like chocolate chips, peppermint extract (for the holidays), or citrus zest for a unique twist.
10. Can I make this recipe without the cake mix?
    Yes, you can make the red velvet cake from scratch or use any other cake flavor. However, using a box mix is the quickest and easiest option.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, preparing for a birthday party, or simply looking for a delicious dessert, these cheesecake bites are easy to make, delicious, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy cream cheese filling with soft, sweet red velvet cake is irresistible, and the added graham cracker crunch gives these bites a delightful texture. Make them ahead of time for the perfect grab-and-go dessert, and enjoy the compliments from your friends and family!

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