Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake
This Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake combines the festive flavors of red velvet cake with creamy cheesecake, creating a stunning holiday dessert.
Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
Cooling Time: 7 hours hours
Total Time: 8 hours hours 45 minutes minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheesecake, Christmas dessert, cream cheese frosting, festive desserts, holiday baking, red velvet cheesecake
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 400kcal
9-inch springform pan
food processor
Electric mixer
roasting pan
aluminum foil
For the Crust
- 25-30 cookies Red velvet sandwich cookies crushed finely
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 32 ounces Cream cheese four 8-ounce packages, softened
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar providing sweetness
- 4 large Eggs at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract for flavor
- 1/2 cup Sour cream or buttermilk adds moisture
- 1-2 tablespoons Gel red food coloring for color
- 1 teaspoon White vinegar or lemon juice for flavor enhancement
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces Cream cheese one package, softened
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter blended
- 3-4 cups Powdered sugar sifted
- 1 teaspoon Non-alcoholic vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons Heavy cream or milk if needed
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cranberries
- Sprigs of fresh mint
- White chocolate shavings
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
Crush the red velvet sandwich cookies in a food processor until they’re fine crumbs.
Melt the unsalted butter and combine it with the cookie crumbs until well-moistened.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then cool slightly and lower the oven’s temperature to 325°F (160°C).
Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until completely smooth.
Add the granulated sugar gradually to the cream cheese, beating until combined and fluffy.
Whisk together the cocoa powder and red food coloring to form a paste, then mix with the cream cheese mixture.
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until fully combined.
Wrap the outside of the springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Pour the red velvet cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
Place the foil-wrapped pan into a larger roasting pan and pour hot water halfway up its sides.
Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes.
Cool by turning off the oven and propping the door open slightly for 1 hour.
Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let cool completely at room temperature.
Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake loosely covered for at least 6-8 hours.
Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and beat until fluffy, stirring in the vanilla extract.
Run a thin knife around the edge of the springform pan to release the sides.
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
Decorate with optional garnishes before serving.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth filling. Avoid overmixing after adding eggs to maintain a light texture. Use a water bath to prevent cracks and keep the cheesecake moist during baking.
Serving: 1slice | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 600IU | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 1.5mg