Name: Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Red Velvet Crumb:; 1 box red velvet cake mix; Ingredients as per cake mix packaging instructions; For the Cream Cheese Filling:; 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature; ½ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste); 2 cups graham crackers, crushed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites combine the iconic flavor of red velvet cake with a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling to create an irresistible no-bake treat. These bite-sized delights are perfect for parties, special occasions, or whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required for the final assembly
Perfect for make-ahead desserts
Bite-sized and portable for gatherings
Combines two beloved desserts in one
Impressive presentation with minimal effort
Customizable to your sweetness preference
Great for holidays, especially Valentine’s Day and Christmas
Kid-friendly with adult appeal

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Red velvet cake mix serves as the colorful outer coating for these treats, providing that distinctive cocoa-tinged flavor and vibrant red hue that makes red velvet so recognizable. While the box mix simplifies the process, you’ll follow the package instructions for baking the cake, which typically requires eggs, oil, and water.
Cream cheese forms the foundation of the filling, delivering that signature tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the red velvet exterior. Make sure it’s fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in your filling.
Butter adds richness and helps create a velvety smooth texture in the filling. Like the cream cheese, ensure it’s properly softened before mixing.
Powdered sugar sweetens the filling without adding grittiness. The recipe allows you to adjust to your preference—add more if you prefer a sweeter treat or less for a more pronounced cream cheese tang.
Graham crackers provide structure and a subtle honey-cinnamon flavor that complements both the cream cheese and red velvet components. They also help absorb moisture, creating a filling that holds its shape.
Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors while adding its own aromatic sweetness to the filling. A pure extract will give the best flavor, though artificial works in a pinch.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line two 8-inch cake pans.
Prepare cake batter according to package instructions and bake. Let cool completely.
Crumble cooled cake into coarse crumbs by hand. If too moist, spread on a lined baking sheet and dry in oven for 5–6 minutes at 350°F.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy and aerated.
Crush graham crackers finely in a ziplock bag using a rolling pin. Add crushed graham crackers and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture; mix until fully combined.
Using a 2 teaspoon cookie scoop, scoop out cream cheese mixture and roll into balls by hand. Place on a lined baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
Roll chilled cream cheese balls in the red velvet cake crumbs, coating completely. Adjust shape as needed.
Enjoy immediately or keep refrigerated until serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 16 servings, with each bite containing about 151 calories. The preparation takes about 15 minutes, plus an hour of chilling time, bringing the total time to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Keep in mind that this doesn’t include the time to bake and cool the red velvet cake.

Variations

White Chocolate Dipped: Instead of coating completely in red velvet crumbs, leave a portion uncovered and dip in melted white chocolate for an elegant finish.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle finished bites with melted dark or white chocolate for added decadence.
Oreo Red Velvet: Substitute the graham crackers with crushed Oreo cookies (filling removed) for a chocolate twist.
Nutty Version: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cream cheese mixture for texture contrast.
Festive Sprinkles: After coating with red velvet crumbs, roll in coordinating sprinkles for holidays or special occasions.
Chocolate Red Velvet: Mix mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for chocolate lovers.
Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy note.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing: These bites freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label with the date.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen bites, transfer them to the refrigerator and allow to thaw for several hours or overnight. Do not thaw at room temperature as the cream cheese filling may become too soft.
Serving: These treats are best served chilled. Remove from the refrigerator about 5-10 minutes before serving to take the edge off the cold while still maintaining their shape.
Note: These are not intended to be reheated as they are designed to be enjoyed cold.

FAQs

Can I make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites ahead of time?

Yes, these bites are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. In fact, they often taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld together.

Why are my cream cheese balls too soft to roll?

If your cream cheese mixture is too soft, it likely needs more time in the refrigerator. Chill for at least an additional 30 minutes. Also, ensure your cream cheese and butter weren’t overly warm when mixing, and that you’ve added enough graham cracker crumbs for structure.

Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! Homemade red velvet cake will work beautifully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s completely cooled and slightly dry so it crumbles properly. You might need to dry it in the oven as mentioned in the directions if it’s too moist.

How do I get the perfect round shape for my cheesecake bites?

Use a small cookie scoop for consistent sizing, then roll between your palms to create a smooth ball. If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly dust your palms with powdered sugar or spray with a tiny bit of cooking spray.

Are these suitable for freezing?

Yes, Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites freeze very well for up to 3 months. Freeze them on a baking sheet first before transferring to a container to prevent them from sticking together.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix and gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the filling. Always check all ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.

What can I substitute for graham crackers?

You can substitute digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even gingersnaps depending on your flavor preference. Just ensure they’re crushed finely enough to incorporate well into the filling.

How do I know if my red velvet cake is dry enough for crumbling?

The cake should crumble easily between your fingers without clumping together. If it feels too moist or sticky, it needs additional drying time in the oven as described in the recipe.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, the powdered sugar can be reduced to taste. Start with half the amount and adjust according to your preference. Remember that the sweetness also helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.

How should I store leftover cake mix or cream cheese filling?

If you have extra cake crumbs, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. Leftover cream cheese filling should be refrigerated and used within 5 days, or frozen for up to a month.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites offer the perfect balance of creamy, tangy cheesecake filling and soft, cocoa-tinged red velvet cake exterior. These elegant two-bite desserts require no special equipment or techniques, making them accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, special occasion, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these bites are sure to impress. The make-ahead convenience and refrigerator-friendly storage make them a practical choice for busy hosts, while their versatility allows for countless creative variations. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite of these irresistible treats!

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites