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A piece of red velvet cheesecake on a plate with another piece and the remaining cheesecake behind it
Recipe

Red Velvet Cheesecake

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Made with a classic Oreo crust, this Red Velvet Cheesecake is one of the smoothest and creamiest cheesecakes I’ve ever tasted. It has that light tanginess that’s so loved in a red velvet dessert, and the whipped cream cheese topping finishes it off perfectly!


Ingredients

For the Oreo Cookie Crust

  • 24 Oreos (2 cups | 268g Oreo crumbs)
  • 4 tbsp (56g) butter, melted

For the Red Velvet Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz cream cheese, room temperature (three 8 oz packages)
  • 1 cup (207g) sugar
  • 3 tbsp (21g) cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (230g) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) buttermilk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp white vinegar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 oz red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

  • 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.
  2. Combine the crust ingredients in a small bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  4. Cover the outsides of the pan with aluminum foil so that water from the water bath cannot get in (see how I prepare my pan for a water bath). Set prepared pan aside.

Make the Filling

  1. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
  2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and cocoa powder on low speed until well completely combined and smooth. Be sure to use low speed to reduce the amount of air added to the batter, which can cause cracks. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  3. Add the sour cream and buttermilk and mix on low speed until well combined.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to combine after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined.
  5. Add the vinegar, vanilla extract and food color and mix until well combined.
  6. Pour the cheesecake batter into the crust.
  7. Place the springform pan inside another larger pan. Fill the outside pan with enough warm water to go about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. The water should not go above the top edge of the aluminum foil on the springform pan.
  8. Bake for 1 hour 45 minutes. The center should be set, but still jiggly.
  9. Turn off the oven and leave the door closed for 30 minutes. The cheesecake will continue to cook, but slowly begin to cool as well.
  10. Crack the door of the oven for 20-30 minutes to allow the cheesecake to continue to cool slowly. This process helps prevent cracking.
  11. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath wrapping and refrigerate until firm, 5-6 hours or overnight.

Make the Topping

  1. When the cheesecake is cool and firm, remove from the springform pan and set on a serving plate.
  2. To make the whipped cream, add the cream cheese to a large mixer bowl and beat until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients to another large mixing bowl and whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese in two parts until well combined.
  5. Spread the whipped cream on top of the cheesecake in an even layer.
  6. Refrigerate the cheesecake until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Makes 12-14 servings.
  • To Store: Cheesecake is best when stored well covered and eaten within 3-4 days.
  • To Freeze: Cut out a circle of cardboard equivalent to the size of the cake and line it with foil if desired. Place the cake on top of the cardboard and wrap it tightly in a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. You can also wrap and freeze individual slices. Store for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Slice
  • Calories: 458
  • Sugar: 29.6 g
  • Sodium: 259.3 mg
  • Fat: 32.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36.4 g
  • Protein: 7.3 g
  • Cholesterol: 131.7 mg