Description
Indulgent red velvet cheesecake bites blend creamy richness with classic Southern charm, offering a miniature dessert that melts smoothly on your palate. Chocolate lovers and sweet enthusiasts will savor these elegant, bite-sized treats perfect for any celebration or quiet moment of pure bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters/12.5 ounces) red velvet cake crumbs
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters/2 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (30 grams) cocoa powder
Filling Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 milliliters/4 ounces) sour cream
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters/2 ounces) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (as needed)
Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Extra red velvet cake crumbs
Instructions
- Prepare a muffin tin by lining with 12 paper cups and heating the oven to 325F (160C). Crush red velvet cake into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter until mixture holds together when pressed.
- Gently cream the cream cheese until silky and uniform. Gradually incorporate sugar and vanilla, mixing until completely smooth. Fold in sour cream, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Introduce eggs one at a time, stirring minimally to maintain a delicate texture. Whisk cocoa powder with milk until completely integrated, then gently fold into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add red food coloring to achieve the classic vibrant red velvet hue, stirring carefully to distribute color evenly.
- Distribute the crumb mixture across muffin liners, pressing firmly to create a compact base. Carefully spoon cheesecake filling over each crust, filling almost to the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for slightly set edges with a subtle center jiggle. Remove from oven and allow to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer mini cheesecakes to a wire cooling rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set and develop flavor.
- Before serving, crown each cheesecake bite with a delicate swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of reserved red velvet crumbs for elegant presentation.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing to achieve a silky cheesecake texture.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that complements the red velvet profile.
- Control the intensity of red food coloring to get the perfect vibrant red without an artificial taste.
- Avoid overmixing eggs to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking.
- Experiment with alternative crusts like crushed Oreos or graham crackers for different flavor variations.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cake crumbs or almond flour as the base.
- Freeze these bites for up to a month, making them perfect for make-ahead dessert preparations.
- Reduce sugar content by using a sugar substitute or cutting the amount by one-third without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg