Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites

The first time I made these for my sister's birthday, she actually gasped when she bit into one. Something about that tangy cheesecake cutting through the dense fudgy brownie makes people stop mid conversation and close their eyes for a second.

Last holiday season I stood in my kitchen surrounded by red splatters, wondering if I had gone overboard with the food coloring. But when my friends arrived and immediately gravitated toward the platter, I realized the mess was absolutely worth it. Theres something festive about red velvet that just makes people happy.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Melted completely creates that fudgy texture we all love in brownies
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both layers while helping structure the brownie crumb
• Large egg: Adds richness and binds the brownie batter together
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out both the chocolate and cheesecake flavors beautifully
• Red food coloring: Gel coloring gives the most vibrant red without thinning the batter
• All purpose flour: Just enough to hold things together without making them cakey
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch process creates that deep chocolate flavor
• Salt: Enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness
• Cream cheese: Full fat and room temperature makes the smoothest swirl
• Egg yolk: Adds extra richness to the cheesecake layer

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Set it to 175°C (350°F) and line a 24 cup mini muffin tin with paper liners for easy cleanup

Mix the brownie batter:

Whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth, then beat in the egg, vanilla, and red food coloring until everything is fully combined and vibrantly colored

Add the dry ingredients:

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold gently until just combined

Prepare the swirl:

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until creamy and completely lump free

Assemble the bites:

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of red velvet batter into each muffin cup, top with 1 teaspoon of cheesecake mixture, then swirl gently with a toothpick for a marbled effect

Bake until set:

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the centers are just set and the edges pull slightly away from the sides

Cool completely:

Let them rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely

Save

My neighbor swears these are the reason she started inviting people over more often. She keeps a batch in the fridge for unexpected visitors and says they make her feel like the kind of person who has their life together.

Getting the Swirl Right

I learned the hard way that swirling too aggressively mixes the layers completely instead of creating those beautiful marble patterns. A single gentle figure eight motion with your toothpick gives you that professional looking effect without overdoing it.

Make Ahead Storage

These actually taste better after chilling overnight in the refrigerator. The flavors meld together and the texture becomes even more fudgy, making them perfect for prep before a party.

Serving Ideas

Sometimes I dust them with powdered sugar right before serving for that snowy holiday look. The contrast against the deep red makes them photograph beautifully and adds just a touch more sweetness.

• Add a chocolate curl on top for extra decadence
• Serve with fresh berries to cut through the richness
• Pair with a glass of cold milk or coffee

Save

Hope these bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What gives the red velvet its color?

The vibrant red hue comes from added red food coloring, which enhances the appeal and contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake swirl.

→ Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?

Yes, Dutch-process cocoa can be used for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor that complements the red velvet perfectly.

→ How should I swirl the cheesecake topping?

Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter before baking for a marbled effect without mixing the layers.

→ How do I store these bites to keep them fresh?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain their moist texture and flavor.

→ Can these bites be made ahead of time?

Absolutely, they can be baked and refrigerated in advance, making them a convenient option for parties or snacks throughout the week.