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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, approximately 3 minutes, creating a luxurious foundation for the cheesecake.
- Incorporate vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent texture.
- Gently fold in sour cream, flour, and additional red food coloring, stirring until the batter achieves a uniform, vibrant red hue.
- Pour the crimson cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, using a spatula to create an even surface.
- Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish and fill with hot water, creating a gentle water bath to prevent surface cracking.
- 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.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect dense, creamy consistency.
- 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