This recipe guides you through making an ultra creamy red velvet cheesecake resting on a rich Oreo crust. It is a decadent dessert perfect for holidays or special gatherings.
Author:AvaSinclair
Prep Time:30 min
Cook Time:75 min
Total Time:120 min
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups crushed Oreo cookies
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
Cream Cheese Frosting ingredients (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Prepare the crust: Mix the crushed Oreos, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
Prepare the cheesecake batter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups sugar until smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract and flour. Mix in the sour cream until just combined.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs and vinegar. Gradually add the egg mixture to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
In another small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, red food coloring, buttermilk, and baking soda until smooth. This is your red velvet component.
Pour half of the plain cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Gently dollop spoonfuls of the red velvet mixture over the batter. Top with the remaining plain batter.
Create the swirl: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the red velvet batter into the plain batter, creating a marbled effect. Do not over-swirl to maintain distinct layers.
Bake the cheesecake in a water bath: Place the foil-wrapped springform pan into a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour. This prevents cracking.
Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and foil. Cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
Before serving, top with your favorite cream cheese frosting. Release the springform sides carefully. Slice and serve your showstopper holiday dessert.
Notes
For the creamiest texture, ensure your cream cheese is fully at room temperature before mixing.
If you skip the water bath, you risk a drier texture and potential cracking.
This cheesecake pairs well with a simple chocolate ganache drizzle for extra decadence.