The Best Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe for Dreamy Desserts

Sweet dreams come alive with this decadent red velvet cheesecake that blends rich cream cheese and velvety cocoa into pure magic.

Layers of crimson-hued cake mingle with smooth, silky filling for an irresistible dessert experience.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over the delicate balance of flavors dancing across each creamy bite.

Nothing compares to the moment you slice through this gorgeous creation, revealing its stunning deep red interior.

Indulgent yet surprisingly light, this cheesecake brings restaurant-quality elegance to your home kitchen.

Imagine impressing guests with a dessert that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Take a deep breath and get ready to create something truly spectacular.

Inside the Red Velvet Cheesecake Experience

• This red velvet cheesecake offers a decadent dessert experience that transforms ordinary baking into a gourmet celebration.
• Designed for home bakers of all skill levels, the recipe provides clear steps that make creating a professional-looking dessert surprisingly simple and stress-free.
• Combining the rich flavors of classic red velvet cake with creamy cheesecake, this dessert guarantees to impress guests and become a favorite at family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions.
• Versatile and adaptable, the recipe allows for creative personal touches like different toppings, chocolate variations, or seasonal garnishes to match your mood and style.

What You’ll Need for Red Velvet Cheesecake

• Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: Provides the base and rich chocolate flavor for the cheesecake.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds richness.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
• Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor of the crust.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature red velvet appearance.

• Cream Cheese: Forms the creamy and smooth base of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic flavor to the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake filling.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the cheesecake its distinctive red velvet color.

• Whipped Cream, Chocolate Shavings: Adds a decorative and delicious finishing touch to the cheesecake.

Making Red Velvet Cheesecake at Home

Step 1: Craft the Chocolatey Base

Warm up your oven to 325F (160C).

• Chocolate cookie crumbs
• Melted butter
• Sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Red food coloring

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

Pop it in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Let it cool down completely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

This should take about 3 minutes of mixing.

Gently add vanilla extract and eggs one by one, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure everything mixes perfectly.

Blend in sour cream, flour, and red food coloring until you achieve a uniform, vibrant red batter.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger baking dish and filling it with 1 inch of hot water.

This magical technique prevents unsightly cracks from forming.

Bake for 60-70 minutes until the center sets but still has a gentle jiggle.

Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for about an hour.

Step 4: Chill and Indulge

After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight for the most decadent texture.

When ready to serve, crown your masterpiece with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle of chocolate shavings.

Get ready to dive into a slice of pure bliss!

Smart Tips for Red Velvet Cheesecake Perfection

• Use a water bath and let the cheesecake cool slowly to avoid unsightly surface cracks that can ruin the smooth texture.
• Add extra red food coloring gradually to achieve a vibrant red velvet color without altering the cheesecake's delicate flavor profile.
• Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature before mixing to create a perfectly smooth and lump-free batter.
• Dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between each cut to get clean, picture-perfect slices that showcase the beautiful red layers.
• Cover the cheesecake loosely with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its texture creamy and fresh.

How to Store and Reheat Red Velvet Cheesecake

• Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Slice the cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for a make-ahead dessert option.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight to slowly defrost. This method prevents moisture loss and maintains the cake's delicate texture.
• Bring refrigerated cheesecake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture rubbery and compromise the smooth consistency.

Pairing Red Velvet Cheesecake with the Right Treats

• Pair Luxurious Dessert Wine: Select a sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti or Late Harvest Riesling that complements the rich, creamy texture of red velvet cheesecake and balances its sweetness.
• Enhance with Chocolate Companions: Serve alongside dark chocolate truffles or chocolate-covered strawberries to intensify the chocolate undertones and create a decadent flavor profile.
• Create Contrast with Espresso: Serve a shot of bold espresso or cappuccino to cut through the cheesecake's richness and provide a sophisticated palate-cleansing experience.
• Match with Berry Sorbet: Add a small scoop of raspberry or strawberry sorbet to introduce a refreshing, tangy element that brightens the dessert's deep red velvet notes.

Creative Variations on Red Velvet Cheesecake

• Vegan Velvet Dream: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and swap butter with coconut oil. Utilize plant-based chocolate cookie crumbs for the crust.
• Gluten-Free Red Bliss: Substitute chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to cut calories. Select a sugar-free food coloring alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Chocolate Cheesecake: Create a crust using almond flour and melted butter. Use full-fat cream cheese, replace sugar with erythritol, and add extra cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor.

FAQs

• What gives red velvet cheesecake its distinctive color?

The red color comes from adding red food coloring directly into both the crust and cheesecake batter, creating a vibrant red appearance that’s signature to red velvet desserts.

• Why do I need to use a water bath when baking this cheesecake?

The water bath helps prevent cracking by creating a moist, even baking environment and allows the cheesecake to cook more gently, resulting in a smoother, creamier texture.

• Can I substitute ingredients in the crust?

For the best results, use chocolate cookie crumbs. If unavailable, graham crackers can work, but they’ll slightly change the flavor profile of the crust.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is perfectly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It should not look liquid, but should have a gentle wobble when you nudge the pan.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet cheesecake brings together rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake in a dessert that celebrates decadent Southern comfort. Silky layers and crimson hues promise a luxurious experience you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration and Color:

• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings or sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Create a rich, decadent base by combining chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Press the mixture compactly into a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer.
2. Preheat the oven to 325F (160C) and bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until slightly set. Allow the crust to cool completely while preparing the filling.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, approximately 3 minutes, creating a luxurious foundation for the cheesecake.
4. Incorporate vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent texture.
5. Gently fold in sour cream, flour, and additional red food coloring, stirring until the batter achieves a uniform, vibrant red hue.
6. Pour the crimson cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, using a spatula to create an even surface.
7. Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish and fill with hot water, creating a gentle water bath to prevent surface cracking.
8. Bake for 60-70 minutes until the center is set but retains a subtle jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually for one hour.
9. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect dense, creamy consistency.
10. Before serving, garnish with delicate whipped cream and elegant chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation.

Notes

• Achieve a perfectly smooth crust by pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into the springform pan, ensuring no loose crumbs remain.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to prevent lumps and create a silky, uniform cheesecake filling that blends seamlessly.
• Control the intensity of the red color by adjusting the amount of food coloring, keeping in mind that natural alternatives like beetroot powder can provide a subtle, elegant hue.
• Prevent water bath leakage by wrapping the springform pan’s exterior with multiple layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil, creating a watertight seal to protect the delicate cheesecake.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 80 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg