These delightful Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls combine the rich flavor of red velvet cake with creamy cheesecake, creating a bite-sized treat perfect for any occasion. Their vibrant color and decadent taste make them an irresistible indulgence.
FULL RECIPE:
Ingredients:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box, typically water, vegetable oil, and eggs)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the red velvet cake batter according to the box instructions and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.
- Crumble the Cake: Once cooled, crumble the cake into fine crumbs using your hands or a food processor. Set aside.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioner’s sugar until smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Form Cheesecake Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the cheesecake mixture and roll into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Coat with Cake Crumbs: Roll each cheesecake ball in the red velvet cake crumbs until fully coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake balls for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
Nutritional Facts Per serving (1 cheesecake ball):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g
The Popularity of Red Velvet Desserts
Red velvet has long been a beloved flavor, known for its rich cocoa undertones and striking red color. Originally popularized in the southern United States, red velvet cake became a classic dessert often served at weddings, holidays, and special events. The addition of cream cheese frosting elevated its flavor profile, creating a balance between sweetness and slight tanginess. This combination is what makes red velvet so unique compared to other cakes. Over time, red velvet has expanded beyond cakes to cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and now, cheesecake balls. The versatility of red velvet flavors makes it easy to experiment with different desserts while still maintaining its signature taste. Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls offer a modern twist on this classic, allowing you to enjoy the flavor in a smaller, more portable form.
Why You Will Love Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls
One of the biggest appeals of Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls is their simplicity. Unlike full-sized cheesecakes, which require precise baking and long refrigeration times, these bite-sized treats come together quickly. They also don’t require any special equipment just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and your hands to roll them into shape. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or as an elegant treat to serve guests. Since they don’t need utensils to eat, they’re an easy grab-and-go dessert. They’re also great for gifting just place them in a decorative box or wrap them in parchment paper for a homemade treat that looks and tastes gourmet. Another reason to love these cheesecake balls is their versatility. While the traditional version sticks to the classic red velvet flavor, you can easily enhance them by rolling them in different coatings like crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate shavings. Some people even dip them in melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch. You can also experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or peppermint, to customize the taste according to the season or occasion.
Perfect for Holidays and Special Occasions
Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls make an excellent addition to holiday dessert tables, especially around Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Their deep red color fits perfectly with festive themes, making them a visually stunning treat. During the holiday season, you can sprinkle them with crushed candy canes or drizzle them with white chocolate for a wintry touch. For Valentine’s Day, these cheesecake balls are an ideal homemade gift. Instead of store-bought chocolates, you can prepare a batch and present them in a decorative tin or heart-shaped box. They’re a thoughtful, handmade treat that shows effort and love. Birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers, and even weddings are also great occasions for serving these cheesecake balls. They can be arranged on dessert platters, placed in mini cupcake liners for an elegant presentation, or even served as part of a dessert buffet. Their rich, creamy taste ensures they’ll be a hit with guests of all ages.
Tips for Making the Best Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls
Although this recipe is simple, a few tips can help ensure you get the best results. First, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese won’t blend as smoothly, which can lead to lumps in the filling. If you forgot to take it out in advance, you can soften it quickly by microwaving it for about 15 seconds. Another key tip is to chill the cheesecake balls before serving. While they can be eaten immediately, refrigerating them for at least an hour allows them to firm up and enhances the texture. This makes them easier to handle and prevents them from falling apart when coated with cake crumbs or chocolate. If you want to take your cheesecake balls to the next level, try dipping them in melted chocolate. White, milk, or dark chocolate all pair beautifully with red velvet. For a decorative touch, drizzle them with contrasting chocolate colors or sprinkle them with edible glitter. If you’re serving them at a themed event, you can even add food coloring to white chocolate to match the occasion.
How to Store and Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls
Since these cheesecake balls contain cream cheese, they should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. If you’re making them ahead of time for an event, you can also freeze them for up to a month. Just allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. When serving, consider displaying them on a decorative platter or tiered dessert stand to elevate their presentation. If you’re hosting a party, you can insert small decorative toothpicks into each ball for easy grabbing. They also pair well with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk, making them a delightful treat for an afternoon snack or after-dinner dessert.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Cheesecake Balls are a perfect fusion of two beloved desserts—red velvet cake and cheesecake. Their creamy, smooth texture combined with the slight crunch of cake crumbs or chocolate coating makes them a luxurious yet simple dessert. Whether you’re looking for an easy holiday treat, a homemade gift, or a fun twist on classic flavors, these bite-sized delights are a must-try. Their versatility and ease of preparation make them a go-to dessert for any occasion, proving that great flavor can come in small packages.