Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or buttermilk
- 1–2 teaspoons red food coloring (preferably gel-based)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend), cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream (or buttermilk), and red food coloring. Mix the wet ingredients until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender texture.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until fluffy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat again until the filling is creamy and well combined, ready to set during baking.
- Layer the Batter and Filling: Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. Spoon about a tablespoon of red velvet cake batter into each cup. Add a dollop of cream cheese filling over the batter, then top with a thin layer of cake batter. For a marbled effect, gently swirl the layers together with a toothpick without overmixing.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cheesecake bites in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until the cream cheese filling is set and the cake feels firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan to maintain shape.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the bites for at least 2 hours to firm up and enhance flavor melding. Serve chilled for the best creamy texture and taste.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent dense bites; mix until just combined.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Gel-based red food coloring is recommended for a rich, vibrant color without affecting batter texture.
- Line the muffin tin with paper liners for easy removal and less sticking.
- The cheesecake layer may still jiggle slightly when done baking; avoid overbaking to keep bites moist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Red Velvet, Cheesecake Bites, Dessert, Bite-Sized, Cream Cheese, Party Snack, Gluten-Free Option, Sweet Treat