Dreamy Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet Love on a Plate

My latest kitchen adventure involves a decadent red velvet cheesecake that promises to dazzle every dessert lover.

Layers of rich crimson cake mingle with velvety cream cheese filling for an unforgettable experience.

Chocolate undertones create a luxurious backdrop that makes this treat irresistible.

Baking this dessert feels like crafting an edible masterpiece with minimal effort.

Home cooks can easily master these delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across your palate with each incredible bite.

Whip up this showstopping dessert and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Combines Two Desserts in One Slice

• Quick Dessert Delight: Creates impressive red velvet cheesecake that wows guests without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Merges classic red velvet cake with creamy cheesecake, delivering rich, indulgent taste that appeals to multiple dessert lovers.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for preparing in advance, this dessert can be completely assembled 1-2 days before serving, reducing day-of kitchen stress and allowing flavors to develop.
• Celebration-Ready Showstopper: Elegant enough for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties, yet approachable for home bakers with basic culinary skills.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the red velvet cake layer.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Buttermilk, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Vinegar, Red Food Coloring: Creates moisture, richness, and signature red velvet color for the cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a creamy, smooth cheesecake texture.

• Cream Cheese, Butter, Sugar: Core ingredients for creating smooth, rich cheesecake and frosting with balanced sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
• Chocolate Crumbs: Forms a delicious, crunchy base for the cheesecake.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Dessert Prep

Step 1: Craft the Crumbly Base

Create a delectable foundation by blending chocolate crumbs with melted butter.

Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan, ensuring an even layer.

Bake the crust briefly at 325°F to set its structure and develop a rich, toasty flavor.

Let it cool completely before moving forward.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Goodness

Transform cream cheese into a silky smooth mixture by beating it with sugar until perfectly combined.

Incorporate eggs gently, one at a time, creating a luxurious texture.

• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream
• Cocoa powder
• Red food coloring

Mix until the filling becomes a vibrant, velvety dream with a stunning red hue.

Step 3: Develop the Luscious Red Velvet Layer

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl, creating a perfect powder blend.

In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

• Buttermilk
• Vinegar
• Red food coloring

Fold in dry ingredients carefully, creating a smooth, rich batter.

Step 4: Build Your Cheesecake Masterpiece

Pour the red velvet batter into the prepared crust, spreading evenly.

Bake briefly to set the base.

Carefully layer the cheesecake filling on top, smoothing with a spatula.

Bake at 325°F, allowing the cake to set while maintaining a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 5: Chill and Rest

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, letting flavors meld and texture firm up perfectly.

Step 6: Create Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

Blend cream cheese and butter until impossibly smooth.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla, whipping until the frosting becomes light and spreadable.

Step 7: Final Flourish and Serve

Generously cover the chilled cheesecake with cream cheese frosting.

Get creative with decorations like chocolate shavings, cake crumbs, or festive sprinkles.

Slice and serve this showstopping dessert that combines the best of cheesecake and red velvet cake.

Must-Know Baking Tricks for Red Velvet Cheesecake

• Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil for a vegan-friendly crust that maintains the rich, chocolatey base without compromising texture.
• Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to ensure even baking and prevent unsightly cheesecake cracks.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red color with less liquid, which helps maintain the cake's perfect consistency and prevents potential moisture issues.
• Allow the cheesecake to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, to develop deeper flavors and achieve the ideal dense, creamy texture.
• Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe clean between each cut to create smooth, clean slices that showcase the beautiful layers of this decadent dessert.

Best Way to Store Red Velvet Cheesecake

• Store the leftover red velvet cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheesecake from becoming rubbery.
• Let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften and enhance its flavor and texture.

What to Enjoy With Red Velvet Cheesecake

• Pair Creamy Chocolate Cabernet: A rich, dark red wine with smooth chocolate undertones perfectly complements the decadent red velvet and cheesecake layers, enhancing the dessert's luxurious flavor profile.
• Serve Chilled Vanilla Bean Espresso: A cold, smooth espresso with subtle vanilla notes cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, providing a refreshing and bold contrast that elevates the dessert's complex taste.
• Garnish with Fresh Raspberry Sorbet: A tangy, light raspberry sorbet adds a bright, fruity dimension that balances the dense cream cheese and provides a palate-cleansing experience between bites of the indulgent cheesecake.
• Accompany with Caramel Pecan Crumble: A sprinkle of buttery, toasted pecan crumble with caramel drizzle introduces a delightful textural crunch and warm, nutty sweetness that harmonizes with the red velvet's deep flavors.

Red Velvet Cheesecake With Mix-In Ideas

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Dream: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich red velvet taste.
• Vegan Red Velvet Delight: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream, plant-based cream cheese, and egg replacer to create a compassionate, animal-friendly cheesecake.
• Low-Sugar Berry Bliss: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reduce overall sweetness, and incorporate fresh raspberries into the cream cheese layer for a lighter, fruity alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Chocolate Swirl: Swap traditional crust with crushed pecans and butter, use erythritol as sweetener, and add extra cocoa powder to create a low-carb, high-fat dessert option.

FAQs

• Can I use natural food coloring instead of red food coloring?

Yes, you can substitute with beetroot powder or natural red food coloring, but the color intensity might be less vibrant compared to traditional red food coloring.

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing, bake in a water bath, and let the cheesecake cool gradually to prevent sudden temperature changes that cause cracking.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure your chocolate crumbs are gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels carefully to maintain a gluten-free version.

• Can I freeze this Red Velvet Cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze the entire cheesecake or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Red Velvet Cheesecake merges classic Southern charm with creamy decadence, creating a dessert that whispers luxury. Bold cocoa undertones and velvety cream cheese layers promise pure bliss for dessert enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable sweet experience.

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Ingredients

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Cheesecake Base:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cake and Crust Components:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (or chocolate cookie crumbs)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a chocolate-infused crust by pulverizing chocolate crumbs and melding them with melted butter. Press the mixture compactly into a springform pan’s base, then briefly toast in the oven until set and aromatic.
2. Transform cream cheese into a silky foundation by whipping it with granulated sweetener until luxuriously smooth. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring each integrates seamlessly before introducing vanilla, tangy sour cream, rich cocoa, and vibrant crimson food coloring.
3. Create a velvety cake layer by whisking dry ingredients to eliminate potential lumps. In a separate vessel, cream butter and sugar until light and airy. Introduce eggs sequentially, then blend in vanilla, buttermilk, vinegar, and dramatic red pigment. Fold dry components gently to maintain delicate texture.
4. Layer the dessert strategically: first, distribute red velvet batter across the prepared crust, allowing a brief initial baking to establish structure. Carefully cascade cheesecake mixture over the partially baked foundation, smoothing the surface with precision.
5. Bake the assembled creation, monitoring for a subtle jiggle in the center—indicating perfect custard-like consistency. Allow gradual cooling at room temperature before refrigerating, enabling flavors to meld and texture to solidify.
6. Whip cream cheese and butter into a cloud-like frosting, progressively integrating powdered sugar and vanilla until achieving a luxurious, spreadable consistency.
7. Embellish the chilled masterpiece with frosting, applying generously or piping intricate designs. Optional garnishes like chocolate shavings or crumb sprinkles can elevate the visual appeal. Slice and savor the decadent creation.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking by Using Room Temperature Ingredients to ensure smooth, crack-free cheesecake texture and even mixing.
• Wrap Springform Pan with Aluminum Foil to protect against water seepage during the water bath baking method, preventing soggy crust.
• Customize for Gluten-Free Diets by substituting chocolate crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour-based crust alternatives.
• Control Color Intensity by adjusting red food coloring amount, using natural alternatives like beetroot powder for a more subtle, health-conscious approach.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg