Description
A rich and festive Christmas red velvet cheesecake recipe with a smooth cream cheese filling, cocoa-infused crust, and classic red velvet flavor perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Crust:
1 3/4 cups finely crushed chocolate graham crackers
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Topping:
1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the crust by mixing crushed chocolate graham crackers, melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes at 325°F.
2. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, sour cream, eggs, buttermilk, cocoa powder, vanilla, vinegar, gel coloring, and cornstarch. Mix until smooth.
3. Wrap the springform pan in foil and place inside a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water halfway up the sides for a water bath.
4. Bake at 300°F for 60 to 70 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly. Cool for 1 hour in the oven with the door cracked.
5. Chill cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
6. Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe over chilled cheesecake.
7. Garnish with red velvet crumbs or chocolate shavings and serve.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for rich color.
Allow cheesecake to cool slowly to avoid cracks.
Chill overnight for ideal firmness and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 240
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 125