Red Velvet Cheesecake

Published: June 1, 2025

by Sofia

Indulge in this Red Velvet Cheesecake, combining rich red velvet cake with creamy cheesecake and a decadent ganache. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration, this dessert is sure to impress. Its vibrant color and delicious flavor make it a standout at any gathering, offering a unique twist on classic cheesecake.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Flavor: The blend of red velvet and Oreo flavors creates an irresistible taste.
Eye-Catching Presentation: Its striking red color makes it a showstopper on any dessert table.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday or holiday gathering, this cheesecake fits right in.
Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and sour cream results in a smooth, velvety finish.
Easy to Follow: With clear instructions, you can create this impressive dessert with confidence.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Springform pan
8-inch round cake pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Springform Pan: Allows easy removal of the cheesecake without damaging its shape.
Electric Mixer: Ensures smooth blending of ingredients for the perfect texture.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

Indulge in this Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake, a delicious combination of red velvet cake and Oreo cheesecake topped with a smooth ganache.

For the Cake Base

All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups, for structure.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: 2 tsp, for a hint of chocolate flavor.
Salt: 1/2 tsp, to enhance flavor.
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, at room temperature, for moisture.
Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness.
Sour cream: 1/2 cup, at room temperature, for moistness.
Vegetable oil: 1/4 cup, to keep the cake moist.
Pure vanilla extract: 2 tsp, for flavor.
Large eggs: 2, at room temperature, for structure.
Red food coloring: 4 tsp, for classic red velvet color.
Buttermilk: 2/3 cup, at room temperature, for tenderness.
Baking soda: 1 tsp, to help the cake rise.
White vinegar: 1 tsp, to activate the baking soda.

For the Cheesecake Filling

Oreos (filling removed, wafers crushed): 10, for the crust.
Full-fat cream cheese: 24 oz, at room temperature, for creaminess.
Oreo filling: from the above 10 Oreos, to enhance flavor.
Granulated sugar: 1 cup, to sweeten the cheesecake.
Cornstarch (or all-purpose flour): 1 tbsp, for thickening.
Sour cream: 1 cup, at room temperature, for creaminess.
Pure vanilla extract: 1 tbsp, for flavor.
Large eggs + 1 egg yolk: at room temperature, for structure.
Oreos (chopped): 15, for added crunch.

For the Ganache Topping

Dark chocolate chips: 1 cup, for a rich topping.
Heavy cream: 1/2 cup, to make the ganache smooth.

For Decoration

Store-bought cream cheese frosting: 1 can, for decorating.
Chopped Oreos: 8, for garnish.

How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Bottom

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan and an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper; spray with non-stick spray.
– Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in one bowl.
– In another bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
– Add sour cream, vegetable oil, pure vanilla extract, eggs (one at a time), and red food coloring; mix well.
– Gradually add dry ingredients along with buttermilk. Finally stir in baking soda and white vinegar.
– Divide batter between pans and bake for about 18-20 minutes. Allow cakes to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Oreo Cheesecake Filling

Blend Oreo wafers into fine crumbs using a food processor or blender.
– In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed,
– Beat full-fat cream cheese until smooth.
– Add Oreo filling from crushed cookies along with granulated sugar and cornstarch; mix until combined.
– Incorporate sour cream and pure vanilla extract followed by eggs and egg yolk one at a time. Mix until just combined.
– Fold in crushed Oreos then pour mixture over cooled red velvet cake base in the springform pan.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Prepare your oven by placing a water bath underneath it (a larger pan filled with water). Bake cheesecake at lower temperature of about 300°F for approximately one hour and thirty minutes.
– Allow cheesecake to cool gradually in oven before refrigerating overnight.

Step 4: Create the Ganache Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl:
– Combine dark chocolate chips with heavy cream. Microwave until melted (about one minute), stirring until smooth.
– Pour ganache over chilled cheesecake evenly.

Step 5: Decorate Your Cheesecake

Once ganache has set:
– Crumble reserved red velvet cake around sides of cheesecake gently pressing it into place.
– Use store-bought cream cheese frosting to decorate top as desired then finish with chopped Oreos as garnish before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Red Velvet Cheesecake! It’s an indulgent treat that’s sure to delight everyone who tries it!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake

Red Velvet Cheesecake is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to make your dessert experience even more enjoyable.

With Fresh Berries

Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a fruity contrast and vibrant color.
Raspberries: Tart raspberries complement the sweetness of the cheesecake.

A La Mode

Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla ice cream provides a creamy balance.
Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, pairing with chocolate ice cream adds richness.

Drizzled Sauces

Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce enhances the dessert’s decadence.
Caramel Sauce: Sweet caramel adds a different flavor dimension and richness.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: This adds an airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the cheesecake’s creaminess.
Flavored Whipped Cream: Experiment with vanilla or almond extracts for added flavor.

Coffee Pairing

Brewed Coffee: A cup of rich coffee complements the sweet flavors and balances the dessert.
Espresso: Strong espresso offers a robust kick that pairs well with sweetness.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake

Creating a flawless Red Velvet Cheesecake involves attention to detail. Here are some tips for achieving perfection.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for better blending and texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks during baking.
Bake in a Water Bath: This method helps maintain moisture and prevents cracking on the surface of the cheesecake.
Cool Gradually: Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven after baking to prevent sudden temperature changes that can lead to cracks.
Chill Overnight: Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight for improved flavor and texture before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Cheesecake

Pairing side dishes with your Red Velvet Cheesecake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the cheesecake.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These provide an elegant touch and enhance the chocolate notes in the cheesecake.
Mixed Nuts: A variety of roasted nuts can add crunch and a savory element to balance sweetness.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, like brie or gouda, offers contrasting flavors that enhance the overall experience.
Mint Tea: The refreshing qualities of mint tea cleanse the palate between bites of rich cheesecake.
Shortbread Cookies: Crisp shortbread cookies provide a buttery crunch that complements creamy textures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Red Velvet Cheesecake, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter. Ensure that your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing.
Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking. Mix just until combined for a smooth texture.
Not Using a Water Bath: Skipping the water bath can result in an uneven bake. Always use this method to keep your cheesecake moist and prevent cracks.
Underbaking or Overbaking: Baking for too little or too long can ruin the texture. Keep an eye on the cheesecake and check for doneness with a gentle jiggle in the center.
Ignoring Cooling Instructions: Rapid cooling can cause cracks. Allow your cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven before refrigerating it overnight.

Refrigerator Storage

item Store your Red Velvet Cheesecake in an airtight container.
item It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
item If possible, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Red Velvet Cheesecake

item Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
item You can freeze the cheesecake for up to 3 months.
item Use a freezer-safe container or bag for best results.

Reheating Red Velvet Cheesecake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat each slice on low power for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
Stovetop: Place slices in a covered pan over low heat for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red Velvet Cheesecake?

Red Velvet Cheesecake is a delicious dessert combining traditional red velvet cake flavors with creamy cheesecake, creating a rich and indulgent treat.

How do I make my Red Velvet Cheesecake more flavorful?

You can enhance flavor by adding more vanilla extract or using high-quality cocoa powder. Also, incorporating chopped Oreos adds extra depth.

Can I make Red Velvet Cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert actually tastes better after chilling overnight, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

What should I serve with Red Velvet Cheesecake?

Pair this cheesecake with fresh berries or whipped cream for added freshness and contrast against its richness.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cheesecake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly rich and flavorful. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different toppings or mix-ins, making it perfect for any occasion. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe—it’s sure to impress friends and family alike!