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Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe

4.6 from 146 reviews

This festive Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake combines the rich texture of classic cheesecake with the vibrant colors and flavors of red velvet. With a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, a creamy cocoa-infused filling tinted with red food coloring, and festive sprinkles, this dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations. Topped with whipped cream and mini Oreos, it offers a delightful balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 24 Oreo cookies (about 2 cups crumbs)
  • ⅓ cup butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar

Cheesecake Filling

  • 4 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • Red food coloring, as needed for desired shade
  • ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles (for the filling)

Topping and Garnish

  • Whipped cream (for topping)
  • Mini Oreos (for garnish)
  • Extra Christmas sprinkles (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan & Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap a 9-inch springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent any water from seeping into the cheesecake during the baking process.
  2. Make the Red Velvet Crust: Finely crush the Oreo cookies to create about 2 cups of crumbs. In a bowl, mix these crumbs with melted butter and 2 tablespoons of white sugar until evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  3. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add ½ cup of white sugar, mixing until just combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring until the mixture has an even vibrant red color. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to keep it light and airy. Then fold in ¼ cup of Christmas sprinkles to add festive colors. Pour the completed filling evenly over the cooled crust.
  4. Bake the Cheesecake: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Place the foil-wrapped springform pan into a larger roasting pan to create a water bath. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The edges should be set while the center still jiggles slightly to ensure a creamy texture.
  5. Cool & Chill: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour. Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack for 2-3 hours. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cheesecake, then cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours, preferably overnight, until fully firm.
  6. Decorate & Serve: Remove the sides of the springform pan carefully. Top the cheesecake with a generous layer of whipped cream. Garnish with mini Oreos and extra Christmas sprinkles for a festive presentation. For clean slices, use a sharp knife heated under hot water and wiped clean between each cut. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Wrapping the springform pan with foil is essential to prevent water from the water bath from leaking into the cheesecake.
  • Red food coloring amount can be adjusted based on the desired intensity of the red velvet color.
  • Using a water bath helps bake the cheesecake evenly and prevents cracking.
  • Chilling the cheesecake overnight is recommended for best texture and flavor development.
  • To create smooth slices, warm the knife before cutting and wipe it clean between each slice.

Keywords: Christmas red velvet cheesecake, red velvet cheesecake recipe, festive cheesecake, Oreo crust cheesecake, holiday dessert