Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes | Sweet, Creamy, and Irresistible

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There’s something about the color red that feels like love in dessert form. These Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes are rich, sweet, and slightly tangy just enough to make Valentine’s Day feel special without fuss. Each bite combines a soft red velvet base with a creamy cheesecake swirl, baked in under 10 minutes. They’re tiny, pretty, and downright irresistible for sharing (or keeping).

Why You’ll Love These Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes

Perfect for Valentine’s Day and Special Occasions

These little cheesecakes bring instant romance to the table. Their bright red hue and soft, velvety texture fit perfectly with candlelight dinners, classroom parties, or cozy nights in.

Easy, Quick, and Beginner Friendly

No fancy mixer needed. The batter comes together in two bowls, and the cheesecakes bake in less than ten minutes. You’ll spend more time tasting than waiting.

Festive Color and Creamy Texture Without Frosting

No need for extra frosting here. The smooth cheesecake center adds all the creamy richness red velvet desserts are known for without extra steps or toppings.

Soft, rich mini red velvet cheesecakes with creamy centers served on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Red Velvet Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup salted sweet cream butter, melted and cooled
  • 1¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature and beaten

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk

Optional Add-Ins and Simple Substitutions

You can swap regular cocoa for Dutch cocoa for a richer taste. Add mini chocolate chips for texture, or use gluten-free flour if needed. Skip the food coloring for a natural look or try beet powder for a mild tint.

Must-Have Bakeware

You’ll need a mini muffin pan and nonstick spray. A small cookie scoop helps portion evenly.

Helpful Prep Tools and Time-Saving Options

A hand mixer or sturdy whisk, a piping bag for filling, and a wire cooling rack will make things easier.

How to Make Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes

Step 1: Prepare the Mini Muffin Pan and Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray the mini muffin pan with nonstick spray. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder until smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Combine the Batter

In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, food coloring, vanilla, and eggs until glossy. Stir in the dry ingredients just until combined. Don’t overmix you want a soft crumb.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Beat the cream cheese until fluffy, then add sugar and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Add the egg yolk and beat just until streak-free.

Step 4: Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes

Fill each muffin cup with about 1 tablespoon of red velvet batter. Pipe 2 teaspoons of cheesecake filling into the center. For a cute swirl, use a toothpick to gently turn the top layer.

Step 5: Bake, Cool, and Finish for the Perfect Texture

Bake for 8–9 minutes, or until edges are set and centers look slightly soft. Cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Let them chill before serving.

Stack of mini red velvet cheesecakes with creamy cheesecake centers
Freshly baked mini red velvet cheesecakes stacked on a plate with creamy, swirled centers.

Expert Tips for Perfect Mini Cheesecake Bites

How to Prevent Lumpy Filling and Achieve Smooth Swirls

Always use cream cheese at room temperature. Beat it well before adding sugar. If you like swirl patterns, drag a toothpick lightly through the center before baking.

Techniques for Clean, Even Batter Portions

Spray your scoop with nonstick spray for smooth, easy release. A lightly oiled spoon helps flatten the batter without sticking.

Adjustments for Cocoa Type, Oven Variations, and Decorative Touches

Dutch cocoa gives a deeper color and flavor. Check doneness early since mini cheesecakes can overbake fast. Add heart-shaped sprinkles after cooling for a festive finish.

Variations, Add-Ins, and Special Diet Options

Baking as Bars Instead of Mini Bites

Spread the red velvet batter in a parchment-lined baking pan. Add cheesecake filling and swirl. Bake for 18–20 minutes and slice once cooled.

Gluten-Free and Food Coloring Alternatives

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For natural coloring, try beet juice or skip the tint entirely.

Adding Chocolate Chips or Other Flavor Twists

Mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks in the cheesecake layer make each bite richer.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Refrigeration and Freezer Guidelines

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, place cooled cheesecakes in layers with parchment between them. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thawing and Serving Tips for Best Texture

Thaw overnight in the fridge, then serve slightly chilled. The texture firms up beautifully when cold.

More Such Recipes

Stack of mini red velvet cheesecakes with creamy marbled centers and blue napkin
Stacked mini red velvet cheesecakes with creamy, marbled centers beside a glass of milk.

Conclusion

These Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes might be small, but they carry big flavor and charm. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying solo after dinner, they’ll brighten any Valentine’s Day table. You can follow more simple dessert ideas on Pinterest or connect with me on Facebook.

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Stack of mini red velvet cheesecakes with creamy cheesecake centers

Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes | Sweet, Creamy, and Irresistible


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 59 minutes
  • Yield: 42 mini cheesecakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Chewy red velvet bites with a creamy cheesecake center perfectly sized for Valentine’s Day or any celebration. Quick to bake and irresistibly smooth.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

¾ cup salted sweet cream butter, melted and cooled

1¼ cups granulated sugar

1 tablespoon red gel food coloring

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs, room temperature and beaten

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

¼ cup granulated sugar (for filling)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for filling)

1 large egg yolk


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a mini muffin pan with nonstick spray.

2. In one bowl, whisk together flour and cocoa powder.

3. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, food coloring, vanilla, and eggs.

4. Stir dry mixture into wet mixture until just combined.

5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sugar and vanilla.

6. Add egg yolk and mix until streak-free.

7. Fill each muffin cup with 1 tablespoon of red velvet batter.

8. Pipe about 2 teaspoons of cheesecake filling into the center of each.

9. Bake for 8–9 minutes.

10. Let cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.

Notes

Use cream cheese at room temperature to prevent lumps.

For cleaner cheesecake filling placement, use a rounded ½ teaspoon to gently press into the batter before piping.

Lightly oil the spoon to prevent sticking.

Spray cookie scoop with nonstick spray for easier batter portioning.

Dutch cocoa can replace regular cocoa.

Optional: create swirl designs with a toothpick.

Check doneness early, as oven temperatures vary.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon scoop per bite
  • Calories: 93
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 46mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 27mg

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