There’s something truly magical about this Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe – Festive & Delicious Recipe that makes it the ultimate holiday showstopper. It combines the rich creaminess of a classic cheesecake with the vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet cake, all nestled on a crunchy Oreo crust. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or bringing a dish to a holiday party, this dessert offers a festive glow and irresistible taste that will light up your celebrations and have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe – Festive & Delicious Recipe uses ingredients that come together simply but purposefully. Each contributes a key texture or flavor, from the crunch of Oreo crumbs all the way to the tangy smoothness from the cream cheese and sour cream blend.
- 2 cups Oreo crumbs: Creates a perfect crunchy, chocolatey base that holds everything together deliciously.
- 5 tablespoons melted butter: Binds the crust crumbs to form a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake layers.
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of cheesecake, providing that classic rich and creamy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake batter just right without overpowering it.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and moisture for a smooth and luscious bite.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to every creamy mouthful.
- 4 large eggs: Helps set the cheesecake while keeping it moist and velvety.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the red velvet batter perfectly.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the red velvet layer moist and soft.
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives that classic red velvet hint without being too chocolatey.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds aromatic richness to the red velvet batter.
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to give red velvet its signature tender crumb.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Adds tang and helps balance the cake’s flavor and texture beautifully.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to hold the layers perfectly together.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the red velvet cake layer rise and stay light.
- Red food coloring: Brings vibrant color that screams festive and makes this dessert so special.
- Whipped cream: For topping — adds softness and a light finish.
- Sprinkles: Adds a fun, colorful holiday touch.
- Oreo cookies: For garnish and extra crunch on top.
How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe – Festive & Delicious Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix the Oreo crumbs with the melted butter until they’re perfectly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create a sturdy crust. Bake it for 8 minutes and then let it cool completely so it sets up nicely.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Batter
Beat the softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth and creamy—that’s the key to a silky cheesecake. Add in the sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Then, add the eggs one at a time, blending gently to keep the batter light and prevent overmixing, which can cause cracks later.
Step 3: Whisk the Red Velvet Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, unsweetened cocoa powder, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, and the magical red food coloring. This will give you that classic red velvet color and subtly rich flavor that complements the cheesecake beautifully.
Step 4: Layer the Batters
Pour half of the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust. Then spoon the red velvet batter on top carefully. Finish with the remaining cheesecake batter, and gently swirl the layers together with a knife to create a beautiful marbled effect that’s totally Instagram-worthy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cheesecake for 55 to 65 minutes. Keep an eye out for the center to be just slightly jiggly—this means it’s perfectly baked and won’t be dry. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for one hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks and ensures a smooth finish.
Step 6: Chill Thoroughly
After cooling in the oven, transfer your cheesecake to the fridge and chill it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time allows flavors to meld and the texture to firm up beautifully, making every slice pure bliss.
Step 7: Top and Serve
Just before serving, decorate your cheesecake with a generous swirl of whipped cream, festive sprinkles, and a few Oreo cookies for crunch and extra flair. The finishing touches elevate this already stunning dessert to another level of deliciousness.
How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe – Festive & Delicious Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive presentation, a cloud of whipped cream paired with brightly colored holiday sprinkles instantly makes this cheesecake pop. Adding whole or halved Oreo cookies on top gives a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy texture perfectly. This makes it not only taste spectacular but look like a centerpiece worthy of the season.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with light sides like fresh berries, which add a burst of tartness and freshness that complement the richness. A drizzle of raspberry or chocolate sauce can also add extra indulgence without overpowering the balance of flavors in the cheesecake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual cheesecake slices on festive plates with a dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a classy touch. Alternatively, present the whole cake on a decorative cake stand surrounded by mini candy canes and holly leaves for a holiday display that wow guests before the first bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 to 5 days, retaining its moist texture and rich flavor. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert to enjoy throughout the holiday week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cheesecake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When frozen, it will last up to 2 months. To serve, thaw it gradually in the refrigerator overnight to keep the texture perfect and avoid condensation that can water down the cake.
Reheating
This cheesecake is best served chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warmed, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the creamy texture of the cheesecake and cause uneven warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different cookie for the crust instead of Oreos?
Absolutely! Graham crackers, gingersnaps, or even chocolate wafer cookies can make excellent alternatives if you want to switch things up, just be sure to adjust the amount of butter to get the right crust texture.
Is this recipe suitable for making in advance for a holiday party?
Yes! This Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe – Festive & Delicious Recipe actually benefits from being made in advance. Chilling overnight enhances the flavors and firmness, making it ideal for holiday entertaining.
Can I omit the red food coloring for a more natural version?
You can skip the food coloring, but the classic festive red velvet look is part of the fun. Alternatively, consider natural food dyes from beet powder or juice if you want a natural tint.
How do I prevent cracks on my cheesecake?
To avoid cracks, be careful not to overmix the batter and use room temperature ingredients. Also, baking at a lower temperature and allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven helps keep the surface smooth.
What’s the best pan to use for this cheesecake?
A springform pan is ideal because it allows you to easily remove the delicate cheesecake without damaging it. Usually, a 9-inch pan works perfectly for the quantities in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe – Festive & Delicious Recipe is truly a festive gem that combines the best of both worlds: rich cheesecake and vibrant red velvet cake. Sharing this dessert during the holidays will fill your home with warmth, color, and happiness. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and watch it become an instant seasonal favorite!
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Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe – Festive & Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake combines the rich flavors of classic red velvet cake with a creamy cheesecake layer atop a crunchy Oreo crust, creating a delicious and visually stunning dessert perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups Oreo crumbs
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Layer
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
Red Velvet Batter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Red food coloring (amount to achieve desired red color)
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Sprinkles
- Oreo cookies
Instructions
- Prepare crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix the Oreo crumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8 minutes then remove and let it cool completely.
- Make cheesecake batter: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare red velvet batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, vegetable oil, cocoa powder, buttermilk, white vinegar, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, and red food coloring until smooth and fully combined.
- Layer batters: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Spoon the red velvet batter evenly on top of the cheesecake layer. Carefully add the remaining cheesecake batter over the red velvet batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly when gently shaken. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool slowly.
- Chill the cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
- Decorate and serve: Before serving, top the cheesecake with whipped cream, festive sprinkles, and whole or crushed Oreo cookies for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter and to avoid lumps.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal of the cheesecake after baking.
- Do not overmix the cheesecake batter once the eggs are added to prevent cracking during baking.
- The swirling of the batters creates a beautiful marbled appearance—do this gently to maintain distinct layers.
- Chilling overnight improves the texture and flavor of the cheesecake.
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring according to your preferred intensity of red velvet color.
