Valentine’s Day in our house always meant homemade treats, the messier, the better! One year, I was desperate to make something special but short on time. That’s when I stumbled upon these magical Red Velvet Cheesecake Truffles. They’re like little bites of love, rich, creamy, and oh-so-easy to make. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients already!
These truffles became our new Valentine’s tradition because they’re foolproof and feel fancy without any fuss. My kids love rolling the ruby-red centers while I handle the chocolate dipping (though honestly, we all end up with chocolate-covered fingers). They’re perfect for gifting, potlucks, or just treating yourself, because let’s be real, who can resist that gorgeous red velvet color?
What makes these truffles truly special is how the tangy cream cheese balances the sweet red velvet crumbs. When you bite through that crisp chocolate shell into the velvety center… wow. Just trust me, these will become your new go-to for any occasion that calls for something sweet and heartfelt. For more sweet inspiration, check out what others are baking at familytastes.com.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cheesecake Truffles
Let me count the ways these little gems will steal your heart:
- No oven required – Perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the stove
- Ready in under an hour – Most of that time is hands-off while they chill
- Impressively fancy – They look like you spent hours, but our little secret? So easy!
- That dreamy texture – Creamy cheesecake center with a satisfying chocolate snap
- Endlessly customizable – Dress them up with sprinkles, drizzle, or even edible gold dust
Seriously, these might just become your new favorite last-minute dessert. I’ve lost count of how many times they’ve saved me when unexpected guests arrive! If you enjoy no-bake desserts, you might also love our no-bake strawberry heart cheesecake recipe.
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Irresistible Red Velvet Cheesecake Truffles in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet cheesecake truffles perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups red velvet cake crumbs
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Mix cake crumbs, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the balls for 30 minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate using a fork, then place back on the parchment paper.
- Add sprinkles if desired.
- Let the truffles set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Notes
- Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
- If the mixture is too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes before rolling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake Truffles
Gather these simple ingredients, I promise you might already have most in your kitchen right now! The magic happens when these basic items come together:
- 1 1/2 cups red velvet cake crumbs, I just crumble leftover cake or use the edges I’d normally toss. No waste!
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened, This must be at room temp or you’ll end up with lumpy truffles (been there!)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, Pack it lightly like brown sugar for perfect sweetness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, Pure vanilla makes all the difference here
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, The better the chocolate, the better the shell
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, This makes the chocolate so silky for dipping
That’s it! Plus any sprinkles or decorations you want to make them extra special. Now let’s turn these into something magical…
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these truffles! Just grab:
- A medium mixing bowl (I use my favorite vintage Pyrex)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
- A fork for dipping (trust me, it works better than spoons)
That’s literally it, now let’s make some truffle magic happen!
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Truffles
Okay, let’s get our hands dirty (literally!) and make these gorgeous truffles. I promise it’s easier than you think, just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Mix the Truffle Filling
First, grab your softened cream cheese and give it a good stir in your mixing bowl until it’s smooth. No lumps allowed! Then, gently fold in those beautiful red velvet crumbs, I like to do this with a rubber spatula at first, then get in there with clean hands when it starts coming together. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until it looks like a soft, uniform dough. You’ll know it’s ready when you can pinch a bit between your fingers and it holds its shape without being sticky.
Step 2: Shape and Freeze the Truffles
Now the fun part! Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions (I use my trusty #50 cookie scoop for perfect rounds) and roll them between your palms into smooth balls. Place them on your parchment-lined baking sheet about an inch apart. Pop them in the freezer for exactly 30 minutes, this firms them up just enough for dipping without making them rock hard. Set a timer, I’ve learned the hard way that forgetting them leads to truffle hockey pucks!
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating
While the truffles chill, melt your chocolate chips with the coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring vigorously between each one. Stop when there are just a few unmelted chips left, the residual heat will finish the job. This prevents overheating (burnt chocolate = sad day). The mixture should be smooth as silk and just thin enough to drip off a spoon in ribbons.
Step 4: Coat and Decorate
Time for the magic! Working quickly with chilled truffles, spear each one with a fork and dip into the chocolate, letting excess drip off before transferring back to the parchment. If chocolate pools at the bottom, gently swipe the fork underneath before setting down. Immediately add sprinkles if using, the chocolate sets fast! Let them harden at room temperature (about 15 minutes) or speed things up with a quick fridge visit. Then prepare for your first bite of heaven! If you are looking for other cheesecake variations, try our mini milk chocolate ganache cups recipe.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Truffles
After making dozens (okay, maybe hundreds) of these truffles, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:
- Too sticky? Pop the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes, it makes rolling so much easier!
- Chocolate too thick? Add just a smidge more coconut oil (1/4 tsp at a time).
- For glossy shells, temper your chocolate properly or use high-quality chips.
- Dipping disaster? Keep a toothpick handy to smooth out any bare spots.
My golden rule? Work quickly but don’t rush, good things come to those who wait (especially with chocolate)! For more bite-sized treats, check out these mini heart-shaped cheesecakes recipe.
Variations for Red Velvet Cheesecake Truffles
Oh, the possibilities! Here’s how I like to mix things up when I’m feeling adventurous:
- Chocolate lovers: Swap semi-sweet for dark chocolate, it makes that red velvet pop!
- Mocha magic: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the filling for a grown-up twist.
- White chocolate: Dip in melted white chocolate instead, so pretty with red crumbs peeking through.
- Nutty delight: Roll the finished truffles in crushed pecans for extra crunch.
My kids’ favorite? Adding a tiny pinch of cinnamon to the filling, just like grandma’s red velvet cake! You might also enjoy our recipe for red velvet cheesecake cups recipe.
Storing and Serving Red Velvet Cheesecake Truffles
Here’s the best part, these truffles actually get better after a night in the fridge! Store them in an airtight container with parchment between layers (they’ll keep fresh for up to 5 days). I like to serve them slightly chilled, that cream cheese center stays perfectly firm but still melts in your mouth. If you’re gifting them, just pop them in a pretty box lined with wax paper, they travel like champs!
Nutritional Information
Each of these little beauties packs about 120 calories, but who’s counting when they taste this good? (Nutrition varies based on ingredients/brands. Values are estimates per truffle.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use boxed red velvet cake mix for the crumbs?
Absolutely! Bake the cake according to package directions, let it cool completely, then crumble it up. I actually prefer the edges and slightly overcooked bits, they add great texture!
Q2. How long do these Valentine’s Day treats stay fresh?
They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them (without sprinkles) for up to 2 months, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Q3. My chocolate coating keeps cracking, what am I doing wrong?
This usually happens if the truffles are too cold when dipped. Let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes after removing from the freezer, just enough to take the chill off but still firm.
Q4. Can I make these homemade sweets dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free chocolate chips. The texture might be slightly softer, so chill them longer before dipping.
Q5. What’s the best way to gift these truffles?
I love stacking them in small candy boxes with parchment between layers. For Valentine’s Day, I sometimes nestle them in red paper muffin liners inside a decorative tin, so festive!
I’d love to see your truffle masterpieces! Snap a photo and tag me, nothing makes me happier than seeing your gorgeous red velvet creations. Did you try any fun variations? Drop a comment below and let’s swap tips!