RED VELVET CHEESECAKE
This Red Velvet Cheesecake recipe is a delicious and creamy cheesecake with an Oreo Crust. It’s covered with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting too. Watch the video showing you how to make this cheesecake, then scroll to the bottom of this post and print out the recipe so you can make it at home!
First you’ll make the Oreo crust. It’s a simple trio of Oreos that have been crushed into crumbs combined with melted butter and sugar. A classic 9-inch springform pan is used for this recipe, so the Oreo crust is just pressed into the bottom of the pan. The crust does NOT need to be baked.
RED VELVET CHEESECAKE
This Red Velvet Cheesecake is a creamy and delicious cheesecake with cream cheese frosting and an Oreo crust.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword red velvet cheesecake
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Rest Time in Oven 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 616 kcal
INGREDIENTS
CRUST:
17 OREO cookies (don't remove the cream)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
CHEESECAKE:
24 ounces (3 packages) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
2 ounces red food coloring (two 1-ounce bottles)
FROSTING:
3 ounces cream cheese, crushed into fine crumbs
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
mint sprigs for garnish, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARE THE CRUST:
Stir together the Oreo crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Spray the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray, and then press the crust mixture into the bottom of the pan.
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Prepare a water bath: Fill a large roasting pan (big enough for springform pan to fit into) with about 1-inch of water. Place in the oven and allow to preheat along with the oven. Alternately, if you don't want to put the cheesecake INTO a water bath, you can put the pan on a lower rack and plan to bake the cheesecake on a rack ABOVE the bath.
PREPARE THE FILLING:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the cream cheese and sugar at medium-low speed for 1 minute. Add the eggs and remaining cheesecake ingredients, mixing on low speed just until fully combined. Pour the batter into the prepared crust.
BAKING:
If using the WATER BATH method, take out two sheets of heavy duty foil and layer them on top of one another. Place the springform pan on top of the foil and wrap the foil gently around the pan and up the sides. Make sure that there are no tears or holes and that the foil comes all the way up around all sides of the cake. Carefully place the foil-protected pan into the water bath in the preheated oven. Alternately, if not using a water bath, just place the springform pan on a rack above the pan of water.
Bake for 10 minutes; then reduce heat to 300°F. Bake for an additional 75 minutes or until the center is firm (it might take 15 minutes more or so... you don't want the cheesecake to be jiggly in the middle). Turn the oven off. Let the cheesecake stand in oven for 30 minutes. Remove the cheesecake from the oven. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the water bath and place on a wire rack. Run a thin knife around the outer edge of the cheesecake. Cool on the rack for a couple of hours, until the cheesecake becomes close to room temperature. Cover and chill for at least 8 hours (or overnight). Remove the sides of the springform pan.
PREPARE THE FROSTING:
Beat the cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth. Spread evenly on top of the cheesecake. Garnish, if desired. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.