Decadent Red Velvet Cake Bites

Name: Decadent Red Velvet Cake Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24 bites
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making these Decadent Red Velvet Cake Bites for any occasion. With their vibrant color and rich flavor, they always steal the show at parties and gatherings. Each bite is a delightful combination of moist cake and creamy frosting, making them an indulgent treat. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, which is a bonus! Whether you're celebrating a special event or simply want a sweet treat, these cake bites are sure to impress everyone around.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-17T14:02:27.962Z

When I first attempted making these red velvet cake bites, I wanted to create a small dessert that packed a punch of flavor. The vibrant color immediately caught my guests' attention, and their expressions were priceless as they took the first bite. It’s truly delightful to watch as they get lost in the velvety texture and rich chocolate undertones.

One secret I learned along the way is to incorporate buttermilk into the batter. It not only enhances the flavor but adds an incredible moistness. I also love balancing the sweetness with a tangy cream cheese frosting, which complements the red velvet perfectly. You won’t be able to eat just one!

        Why You'll Love These Bites
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy cream cheese frosting
Beautifully vibrant color makes them perfect for parties
Easy to make and perfect for a sweet snack anytime

      

The Importance of Buttermilk

In this Decadent Red Velvet Cake Bites recipe, buttermilk plays a crucial role. It adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the cake. The acidity of buttermilk also helps to activate the baking soda, ensuring that your cake rises beautifully. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for five to ten minutes before using.

When incorporating buttermilk, make sure it’s at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder the batter's ability to rise properly, resulting in denser cake bites. Additionally, when mixing in the dry ingredients with the wet, be careful not to overmix. Just stir until combined to maintain a tender crumb.

Perfecting the Frosting

The cream cheese frosting is the finishing touch that elevates these red velvet cake bites. Using softened cream cheese and butter is essential for achieving a smooth, fluffy consistency. An electric mixer works best here; beat them together until the mixture is glossy and well combined. Gradually adding the powdered sugar avoids clumping and helps you achieve the perfect texture.

If your frosting is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up, but be cautious not to make it too runny. Conversely, if it’s too thin, just add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. This frosting also keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it ideal for make-ahead preparations.

Chilling and Serving Tips

Chilling the cake bites in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes is critical for the texture. This step allows them to firm up, making them easier to handle and ensuring they hold their shape when serving. For added flair, try drizzling melted chocolate over the top after they’ve chilled—just warm some chocolate chips in the microwave in short bursts until smooth, then use a fork to drizzle.

If you’re planning to make these cake bites ahead of time, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Start off by gathering your ingredients for these luxurious cake bites.

For the Cake Bites

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

With all your ingredients ready, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying these indulgent cake bites!

Instructions

Now, let's dive into the simple steps to create these decadent treats.

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before removing from the pan.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Cake Bites

Crumble the cooled cake into large crumbs in a mixing bowl. Then, add the cream cheese frosting a few spoonfuls at a time, mixing until just combined. Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls and place on a baking sheet.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake bites for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once set, you can serve them as they are, or drizzle with additional melted chocolate if desired.

Enjoy these delightful cake bites at your next gathering or as a wonderful treat for yourself!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider rolling the cake bites in crushed nuts or sprinkles before serving. This adds both flavor and a festive look!

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! For a gluten-free alternative, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This will maintain the texture and integrity of the cake while accommodating gluten sensitivities. Additionally, if you want to reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia, though this may alter the flavor slightly.

For those looking for a richer chocolate flavor, consider increasing the cocoa powder to 2 teaspoons. This adjustment can intensify the chocolate notes and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the frosting. Just ensure that you’re aware of how it may affect the overall moistness of the cake.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake bites turn out too dry, it may be due to overbaking. To avoid this, keep an eye on the baking time and perform the toothpick test a few minutes before the recommended time. If you see moist crumbs on the toothpick, it’s time to take the cake out. On the other hand, if they’re too gooey, it’s likely they were undercooked; be sure to bake them according to the recipe's time and temperature.

Another common issue is frosting separation or curdling. This can happen if the butter and cream cheese are not at the same temperature. To fix this, ensure both ingredients are softened to room temperature before mixing. If you accidentally take too long to incorporate your frosting, and it becomes too runny, adding powdered sugar can help bring back the desired consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cake bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! They can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ Can I freeze these cake bites?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just ensure they are well wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

→ What type of food coloring is best?

Gel food coloring works best for achieving vibrant red without altering the texture of the batter.