Once the cake is done, I let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. It’s important to let it cool completely because you’ll need to crumble it later! While the cake cools, I mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl with my electric mixer. This mixture becomes so creamy and light, and once I add the whipped cream, I feel like I’m stirring clouds!
Next, I take the cooled red velvet cake and crumble it into fine pieces in a bowl. Carefully, I incorporate half of the cream cheese mixture into the crumbled cake. It’s so satisfying to mash everything together, and you can see the red velvet starting to transform into a rich, creamy filling. I then shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on the baking sheet. It’s a bit messy, but that’s part of the fun!
Finally, I take the remaining cream cheese mixture and dip each cake bite into it, making sure they’re well-coated. Then comes the exciting part—I sprinkle them with red and white sprinkles for that festive touch. After this final decoration, I place the bites in the refrigerator for about an hour to firm up, and with every passing minute, the anticipation grows!
Pro Tips for Best Results
When making these Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites, I learned that the brand of cake mix really does make a difference. I tested this recipe with three different brands, and found that a higher-quality mix yields a richer flavor and better texture. So don’t hesitate to splurge a bit for the best results!
Also, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. I often forget this step and find myself struggling with lumpy mixtures that just don’t taste as smooth. Taking the extra time to let it sit out ensures a perfect creamy consistency when mixing.
Lastly, if you’re planning to serve these bites at a party, make them a day ahead. They actually taste even better after sitting in the fridge overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, you can save time on the day of the celebration!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made the first time was not letting the cake cool completely before crumbling it. It turned into a mushy mess that was hard to work with. Now, I always make sure that the cake is cooled for at least an hour. The cooler the cake, the easier it is to form those nice bite-sized balls! (See the next page below to continue…)