The Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Crafting a delectable red velvet cheesecake brings pure culinary magic to your dessert repertoire.

Sweet layers of crimson cake merge seamlessly with creamy cheese filling.

Soft textures and rich flavors promise an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves indulgent treats.

Delicate cocoa notes dance through each luxurious bite, creating sensational contrast between smooth cream and tender cake.

Passionate bakers understand that presentation matters almost as much as taste.

Chocolate lovers will adore this stunning dessert that combines classic Southern charm with sophisticated elegance.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next gathering with this show-stopping masterpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cheesecake

• What makes red velvet cheesecake different from regular cheesecake?

The addition of cocoa powder, buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring gives red velvet cheesecake its distinctive tangy flavor and vibrant red color, setting it apart from traditional cheesecake.

• Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

While a springform pan is ideal for easy removal, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper. However, removing the cheesecake might be more challenging.

• Why does the recipe include vinegar?

Vinegar reacts with the cocoa and buttermilk, helping to enhance the cake’s texture and create a tender crumb typical of red velvet desserts.

Why Red Velvet Cheesecake Is a Luxurious Treat

• Create Stunning Dessert: Impress guests with a showstopping red velvet cheesecake that looks professionally made but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Master Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or potlucks where you want to deliver a memorable sweet experience that everyone will love.
• Quick Baking Adventure: Requires basic baking skills and standard kitchen equipment, making it accessible for home bakers looking to expand their dessert repertoire without feeling overwhelmed.
• Rich Flavor Combination: Blends classic cheesecake creaminess with the unique cocoa and tangy notes of red velvet, creating a decadent dessert that offers complex and delightful taste layers.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust mixture.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its smooth and creamy texture.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and adds sweetness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
• Cocoa Powder: Introduces a deep chocolate flavor to the red velvet cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the filling.
• Buttermilk: Contributes to the signature tang and helps create a tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake.
• Vinegar: Helps activate the cocoa's color and adds a slight tang.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the cheesecake its signature vibrant red color.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth and rich topping for the cheesecake.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a creamy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the frosting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Red Velvet Cheesecake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 325F, getting ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

Grab your graham cracker crumbs and mix them with sugar and melted butter. Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 3: Whip the Cream Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer. Whirl and blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, creating a luxurious texture.

Step 4: Build the Vibrant Batter

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

Blend everything until the batter becomes a beautiful, consistent red color.

Step 5: Pour and Prepare

Carefully pour the red batter into your prepared crust, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake initially for 10 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 300F. Continue baking for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the center sets. Once done, let the cheesecake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Create the Creamy Frosting

In a small bowl, blend cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread this delectable frosting evenly across the top of your cooled cheesecake.

Pro Tips for Red Velvet Cheesecake

• Ensure graham cracker crust is firmly packed for a sturdy base that won't crumble when slicing the cheesecake.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to create a smoother, lump-free batter and prevent cracking during baking.
• Add red food coloring gradually to achieve the perfect vibrant red velvet color without changing the batter's consistency.
• Place a water bath underneath the springform pan while baking to prevent cracks and create a silky, even texture.
• Chill the cheesecake completely before adding frosting to help it set properly and create clean, sharp edges.

Flavor Variations of Red Velvet Cheesecake

• Chocolate Swirl Sensation: Add dark chocolate ganache swirls into the cheesecake batter before baking for rich, marbled effect.
• Raspberry Ripple Edition: Fold fresh raspberry puree through the batter and top with raspberry compote for fruity brightness.
• Oreo Cookie Crunch: Replace graham cracker crust with crushed Oreo cookies and sprinkle additional cookie pieces throughout the cheesecake for extra texture.
• Salted Caramel Dream: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting and garnish with caramel shards for decadent finish.

Pairing Suggestions for Red Velvet Cheesecake

• Pair Sweet Red Wine: Moscato d'Asti perfectly complements the rich, creamy cheesecake with its light sweetness and delicate bubbles, enhancing the dessert's velvety texture.
• Complement with Fresh Berries: Add a side of fresh raspberries or strawberries to provide a tart contrast against the sweet, dense cheesecake, creating a balanced flavor profile.
• Match with Chocolate Liqueur: Serve a small shot of chocolate liqueur alongside the cheesecake to intensify the cocoa notes and create a decadent dessert experience.
• Enhance with Vanilla Cream: Top the cheesecake with a dollop of lightly whipped vanilla cream to add an extra layer of smoothness and subtle flavor complexity.

Storage Tips for Red Velvet Cheesecake

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place in freezer-safe container to protect from freezer burn.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake to refrigerator and let thaw overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften cream cheese frosting.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet cheesecake blends rich cocoa and creamy cheese in a dessert that whispers Southern charm. Elegant layers promise a delightful experience you’ll savor with each velvety, luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 (8 ounces / 226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup whole buttermilk

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Flavoring and Decoration Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 2 (1 ounces / 30 milliliters) bottles of red food coloring
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 (3 ounces / 85 grams) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery graham cracker foundation by mixing crumbs with sugar and melted butter, then firmly press into a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Whip cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Gradually incorporate eggs into the mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
4. Infuse the batter with cocoa, sour cream, buttermilk, vanilla, vinegar, and vibrant red food coloring, mixing until completely integrated.
5. Pour the crimson-hued batter over the prepared graham cracker crust.
6. Initiate baking at 325F for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 300F and continue baking for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes until the center sets firmly.
7. Allow the cheesecake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Prepare a luscious cream cheese frosting by blending cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky smooth.
9. Generously spread the creamy frosting across the cooled red velvet cheesecake surface.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
• Wrap springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking, creating a perfect water bath technique.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red color without affecting batter consistency.
• Gently tap pan on counter after pouring batter to remove air bubbles and create a smoother cheesecake surface.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 414 kcal
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 265 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg